I remember a conversation that stuck with me, years ago, while volunteering at a small, community-run clinic in Lancaster County, right on the fringes of an Amish settlement. A young couple, English – as they call us, the non-Amish – brought in their newborn for his first check-up. The doctor, a kind older gentleman who’d served both plain and fancy folks for decades, gently asked about their plans for circumcision. The father, looking a bit uncomfortable, mumbled something about it being a family decision, “just like the Amish do it, you know?”
That casual remark, linking a common medical procedure to the Amish, always intrigued me. It made me wonder: what *do* the Amish do regarding circumcision? Is it a religious mandate, a cultural norm, or something else entirely? It’s a question that many outside observers, myself included, have pondered, often in hushed tones or through online searches, wondering about the intimate practices of a community known for its distinct separation from the modern world. So, let’s cut right to the chase, shall we?
Generally speaking, yes, most Amish men in America today are circumcised. While it isn’t a religious requirement rooted in their Anabaptist faith, the practice has become a widely accepted norm within many Amish communities, largely influenced by the prevailing medical and cultural practices of the broader American society they live alongside.
Unpacking the Historical and Cultural Threads
To truly understand why a practice not mandated by their faith became so prevalent among the Amish, we need to consider the broader historical and cultural context of circumcision in America. For many of us, it’s just something that happens, almost a given for male newborns, though that trend is shifting in more recent decades. But for generations, especially from the early to mid-20th century, male circumcision was incredibly common here in the States, often for perceived health and hygiene benefits that were widely promoted by the medical establishment.
A Look at Circumcision’s American Journey
Back in the day, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a significant surge in infant male circumcision in the United States. Doctors and medical professionals often advocated for it, suggesting it prevented a host of ailments, from infections to more dubious claims about moral purity or masturbation prevention. While many of these claims have since been debunked or significantly downplayed, the practice became deeply ingrained in American medical culture. Hospitals began offering it routinely, and for many parents, it just seemed like the thing to do – a standard part of newborn care. You might say it became a sort of default setting.
Now, the Amish, as we know, strive to live separately from “the world.” They value simplicity, humility, and obedience to God’s Word and their community’s Ordnung (their unwritten code of conduct). However, their separation isn’t absolute, nor is it a complete rejection of all modern conveniences or medical practices. When it comes to healthcare, the Amish typically seek medical treatment when necessary, often preferring local, trusted practitioners who respect their ways. They might eschew things like health insurance or elaborate hospital stays, but they certainly aren’t opposed to things like setting a broken bone or treating an illness.
The Convergence: How American Trends Met Amish Pragmatism
So, here’s where the two paths converge: the widespread acceptance of male circumcision in American hospitals and the Amish community’s practical approach to healthcare. When Amish women gave birth in hospitals – which they often did, especially for first children or in cases of complications – they were naturally presented with the option of circumcision for their newborn sons. Given the medical advice of the time and the pervasive nature of the practice, it wasn’t seen as something inherently “worldly” or contradictory to their beliefs. Instead, it was simply a medical procedure, widely accepted and often recommended.
Many Amish families likely saw it as a preventative measure, something that might keep their sons healthier, following the advice of trusted doctors. It wasn’t a matter of adopting a new fangled fad, but rather accepting what seemed like a sensible and commonly performed medical intervention. And once it became somewhat customary, it was simply passed down through generations. After all, if your father and grandfather were circumcised, and your doctor recommended it, why wouldn’t you do the same for your own sons?
Theological Perspectives: Not a Religious Mandate
One of the most crucial points to grasp is that the decision for Amish families to circumcise their sons is absolutely *not* based on a religious requirement from their faith. This is where they significantly differ from, say, Jewish communities, where circumcision (Brit Milah) is a central religious commandment and a covenant with God.
Old Covenant vs. New Covenant
The Amish are Christians, specifically Anabaptists, and their theology is rooted firmly in the New Testament. In Christian theology, the Old Testament covenant of circumcision, given to Abraham and his descendants, is understood to have been superseded by the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in particular, speaks extensively on this matter in his letters. For instance, in Galatians 5:6, he writes, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Similarly, Colossians 2:11-12 speaks of a “circumcision made without hands,” referring to spiritual transformation rather than a physical act.
For the Amish, salvation and belonging to God’s people come through faith, baptism, and living a life of discipleship, not through physical markers. Therefore, there is no scriptural basis within Anabaptist tradition that would mandate or even strongly encourage male circumcision. To make it a religious requirement would, in fact, contradict fundamental tenets of New Testament Christianity regarding salvation by grace through faith.
A Matter of Practicality, Not Piety
So, if it’s not religious, what is it? It’s often a blend of practicality, health perceptions (even if outdated), and cultural inertia. It’s a decision often made on the advice of a medical professional, or simply because “that’s what we do” or “that’s what most folks around here do.” There’s no deep theological debate or profound spiritual significance attached to it within the Amish context. It’s simply a procedure.
This distinction is incredibly important because it highlights how the Amish, despite their strong commitment to separation, are not entirely sealed off from the prevailing practices and understandings of the wider society, especially when those practices are seen as beneficial or benign and don’t conflict with their core religious principles. They aren’t adopting the practice *because* it’s “English” but rather because it’s presented as a health-related choice that doesn’t violate their Ordnung.
The Decision-Making Process: Home, Hospital, and Family Choice
How do Amish families navigate this decision? It often comes down to a few key factors, notably where the birth occurs and the influence of family and medical providers.
Birth Location Matters
While many Amish births traditionally happen at home, often attended by midwives or experienced family members, hospital births are certainly not uncommon. This is especially true for:
- First-time mothers: Many prefer the security of a hospital for their first delivery.
- Complications: Any sign of difficulty or risk will prompt a hospital visit.
- Accessibility: In some areas, hospitals might simply be more accessible or perceived as safer.
When an Amish baby boy is born in a hospital, the parents are almost invariably offered the option of circumcision by the hospital staff, just as any other American parents would be. Given its historical prevalence and the perceived medical benefits (even if debated now), many Amish parents readily agree. It’s a standard procedure, and it’s convenient because it’s done right there before they go home.
For home births, the situation is a bit different. If parents decide they want their son circumcised, they would need to schedule a separate visit to a doctor’s office or clinic. This extra step might make some families forgo the procedure, especially if they don’t see it as critically necessary. However, if it’s a strongly established family practice or preference, they’ll make the arrangements.
Influence of Family and Community Norms
Within any community, whether “plain” or “English,” family traditions and community norms play a huge role in personal decisions. If a family has a long-standing practice of circumcising their sons, it’s highly probable that new parents will continue that tradition. It’s part of what they know, what their parents did, and what their neighbors do.
Additionally, the advice of local medical practitioners who are familiar with the Amish community can be quite influential. A trusted doctor or midwife who has cared for generations of Amish families might recommend it, and their counsel would be taken seriously.
Are There Variations Among Different Amish Orders?
The Amish are not a monolithic group. There are various affiliations or “orders” (like Old Order, New Order, Swartzentruber, Beachy, etc.), each with its own specific Ordnung and interpretations of faith and practice. These differences can manifest in aspects like technology use, dress codes, and even the strictness of their separation from the world.
However, when it comes to male circumcision, there isn’t typically a significant divergence along these lines. The decision to circumcise or not is generally not an issue that defines an Amish order or causes schisms. It’s simply not considered a matter of faith or church doctrine. So, you won’t find one order mandating it and another forbidding it.
Any variations you might encounter are more likely to be regional, generational, or family-specific rather than tied to the rules of a particular Amish subgroup. For example, in an area where local medical practices have shifted away from routine circumcision, you might see a gradual decrease among the Amish too. Conversely, in regions where it remains common, the Amish will likely follow suit.
My Take: An Observation from the Sidelines
Having spent a fair amount of time observing and interacting with Amish communities, both professionally and personally, I’ve come to appreciate the intricate balance they strike between tradition and pragmatism. My own observations align with the idea that circumcision is largely a cultural adoption rather than a religious one.
I recall discussions with a few Amish women during prenatal visits at that same clinic. When asked about circumcision, their responses were usually matter-of-fact. “Oh, yes, the doctor does that,” or “It’s just what we’ve always done for the boys.” There was no theological explanation, no mention of Abraham or covenants. It was simply part of the expected care. To them, it wasn’t a choice steeped in deep religious conviction but rather a routine medical decision, much like vaccinating their children against tetanus or getting eyeglasses when needed.
This pragmatic approach is a hallmark of Amish life. They seek to live simply and obediently, but they aren’t dogmatically opposed to anything “modern” if it genuinely serves a practical purpose and doesn’t compromise their spiritual walk or community values. Healthcare is a prime example. They’ll use hospitals, dentists, and specialists when necessary, prioritizing the well-being of their family. And within that framework, the once-routine practice of male circumcision found a quiet, unassuming place.
The Evolving Landscape of Circumcision in America and its Potential Impact
It’s also worth considering that the landscape of male circumcision in the broader American society is slowly changing. While still common, rates have declined somewhat in recent decades, and there’s more open discussion and debate about its medical necessity and ethical implications. Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics have adjusted their stances over time, now stating that the health benefits outweigh the risks, but they no longer issue a universal recommendation for all male newborns.
This evolving discussion *could* potentially have a subtle, long-term impact on Amish practices, though it would likely be a very slow shift. If fewer “English” doctors routinely offer it, or if medical advice begins to lean more strongly against it, Amish families might, over time, also reconsider. However, given the strong power of established norms and the somewhat insulated nature of their communities, such changes would likely take generations to become widespread, if they happen at all. For now, the existing practice continues largely uninterrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amish Circumcision
Given the specific and often private nature of this topic, many people have questions. Here are some of the most common ones, addressed with care and detail.
Is male circumcision practiced by all Amish families?
While it is very common, it would be inaccurate to say it’s practiced by *all* Amish families without exception. Like any broad community, there will always be individual variations based on personal preferences, specific family traditions, or the advice received from particular medical practitioners.
However, the general consensus and observational evidence suggest that a vast majority of Amish boys are circumcised. The instances where it’s not done are more likely due to individual choice or the practicalities of a home birth without a follow-up medical visit, rather than a doctrinal stance against it.
Do Amish people circumcise for religious reasons, similar to Jewish people?
No, absolutely not. This is a crucial distinction. The Amish do not circumcise for religious reasons or as a matter of faith. Their Anabaptist Christian beliefs, which are rooted in the New Testament, teach that the Old Testament covenant of physical circumcision has been superseded by the spiritual circumcision of the heart and faith in Jesus Christ.
The practice among the Amish is a cultural adoption, largely influenced by the medical practices prevalent in the broader American society for much of the 20th century. It’s treated as a medical decision, often for perceived health and hygiene benefits, rather than a spiritual act or commandment from God.
What role do doctors and hospitals play in Amish circumcision practices?
Doctors and hospitals play a significant role. When Amish women give birth in a hospital, which is a common occurrence, especially for first babies or complicated deliveries, the option for male circumcision is routinely presented to them by medical staff, just as it would be for any other American parents. Given the historical prevalence and perceived benefits, many Amish parents readily agree.
For home births, if parents decide to circumcise, they would then take their newborn to a doctor’s office or clinic for the procedure. The advice and recommendations of trusted local medical practitioners who are familiar with the Amish community’s values often carry considerable weight in these decisions.
Are there any specific Amish traditions or ceremonies associated with circumcision?
No, there are no specific Amish traditions, ceremonies, or rituals associated with male circumcision. Because it is not a religious practice, there is no spiritual significance attached to it within their faith. Unlike the elaborate religious ceremonies found in other cultures, such as the Brit Milah in Judaism, an Amish circumcision is a purely medical procedure.
Any gathering or celebration would be centered around the birth of the child itself, and not specifically the act of circumcision. This further underscores that the practice is viewed through a pragmatic, medical lens rather than a spiritual one.
Do the Amish have debates or differing opinions on circumcision within their community?
While there isn’t a widespread, public debate or controversy over circumcision that divides the Amish community along doctrinal lines, individual families may certainly have differing opinions or make different choices. These differences are generally more about personal preference, individual health beliefs, or practical considerations rather than a theological disagreement.
For instance, some parents might opt against it due to the perceived pain for the infant, or if they had a home birth and found it inconvenient to schedule a separate doctor’s visit. However, these are typically private family decisions and do not become community-wide issues or topics of formal discussion at church services.
Has the practice of circumcision changed over time among the Amish?
The widespread adoption of male circumcision among the Amish largely mirrored its prevalence in the broader American society, particularly in the 20th century. As medical practices and recommendations evolved in the “English” world, the Amish often absorbed these changes, especially if they were seen as beneficial and non-contradictory to their faith.
If the rates of circumcision in the general American population continue to decline, and medical recommendations shift more decisively, it’s possible that over a very long period, Amish practices might also slowly change. However, established cultural norms within the Amish community tend to be quite resilient, so any shift would likely be gradual and generational, rather than a rapid change.
In Conclusion: A Blend of Pragmatism and Culture
So, the answer to “Are Amish men circumcised?” is nuanced but leans heavily towards a “yes” for most families. It’s a fascinating example of how a community that prides itself on separation from the world can still, in practical matters, integrate common practices from the wider society, especially when those practices are presented as beneficial or simply part of routine care, and crucially, don’t conflict with their core religious tenets.
The Amish, with their deep commitment to faith and tradition, are not immune to the world around them. Their decisions, even on something as personal as male circumcision, reflect a careful balance between their cherished values and the realities of living in modern America. It’s a testament to their thoughtful, pragmatic approach to life – a blend of the ancient and the subtly modern, woven into the rich tapestry of their unique way of being.