Amish & the Reformation

   The year 2017 was the five hundred year anniversary of Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg and starting the Reformation in Germany. This film considers the impact of the Reformation Era on the Amish Church in America today. Was the work of the Reformers effective?

   The Amish and the Reformation traces the origins of the Old Order Amish of America and gives a uniquely personal view of Amish beliefs by former members of the group. Beginning with Luther's 95 theses, the program describes the advent of the Reformation, the establishment of a reformed state sponsored church in Switzerland and the formation of the breakaway Anabaptist Movement. From its Anabaptist origins the Amish developed as a unique sub-group under the leadership of Jakob Ammann. Host, Joseph Graber, a former member of the Amish Church traces his family origins back to the Reformation era and gives unique insights into how Amish beliefs have changed over the centuries.