Are the Old Order Hutterite, Mennonite, Amish, and Brethren fairly similar?
A. No, in fact they are quite different even though they all have an Old Order Identity. The Hutterites are a communal group without private property. The Old German Baptist Brethren use automobiles and speak English. The other three groups speak a German dialect. The Amish and Mennonites use horse-and-buggy transportation. The Amish hold worship services in their homes but the Mennonites have meetinghouses. Q. Why do the Amish permit their members to hire cars and trucks but not to own or operate them? A. The Old Order groups have made many cultural compromises in order to preserve their identity while at the same time tapping the fruits of progress. The motor vehicle compromise is one of many interesting bargains that Old Order groups have struck with the larger culture. The Amish and Mennonites worry that if they permit private ownership of cars the mobility will fragment and splinter their local communities. The car is also a symbol and agent of individualism that threatens their c
