AMISH YOUTH styled hair and other worldly
indulgences.
Amish youth are raised
according to the church’s religious
beliefs, but they are not actually
members of the church until they
choose to join at their baptism. This is
usually between the ages of 16 and 21.
Until that time, some adolescent
Amish choose to explore the world’s
pleasures. They may do this without
the risk of being shunned because they
have not yet made their baptismal
vow.
Some boys, in particular, will
buy automobiles, drink alcohol and
join Amish youth gangs or crowds that
get into adolescent mischief-making.
It may be tame things such as ice
skating, parties, barn dances or
movies. These are all done a
respectful distance from the Amish
home and church leaders. Often they
wear modern store-bought clothing,
QUESTIONS
A. In the paragraph, find another word that means the same:
1. teenager
2. blamed on
3. luxuries
4. teaching
5. influenced
6. In general
The degree of exploration
depends on the adolescent. Though
the church frowns on this behavior, it
has no control over someone who has
not yet joined their church. Typically,
extremely wild behavior by
adolescents is attributed to poor
parental instruction.
Though there is a period of
lawlessness for Amish youth, more
than 80% choose to join the church.
Many are swayed in their decision by
their family ties and the knowledge
that they must be members to be
married in the church. Also, farming or
apprentice type professions are all that
is available to them for employment
possibilities because of their limited
education.
Intelligencer Journal Sunday 21/12/97
 B. Match the following words to the definitions (2 points)

worldly raised frown vow shunned limited

1.) _______________: To refuse to talk to someone or have any relationship with someone
2.) _______________: To be responsible for a child until he or she is grown
3.) _______________: To make a solemn promise or decision that you will do something.
4.) _______________: with restrictions or not complete
5.) _______________: a facial expression of unhappiness made with the mouth; not smiling
6.) _______________: sophisticated, urbane, trendy; not innocent or naive

C. Answer the following questions

1. How do young people become members of the church?

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2. At what age do Amish youth usually become members?

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3. Can Amish youth experience the non-amish world? When?

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4. Why do many youth decide not to abandon the Amish religion?

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5. What kinds of mischief do Amish youth get into?

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D. What kinds of things are considered “mischief-making” in your culture? Is that the same or
different from current culture?

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