Nuanced
Spirit guides the community; dramatic charismatic gifts not expected
The Amish affirm the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the community, guiding it in discernment and enabling faithful obedience. However, dramatic charismatic manifestations — tongues, prophecy, healing miracles — are not part of Amish experience and would be viewed as disruptive to the quiet, ordered communal life that Gelassenheit requires.
The Spirit is understood to speak through Scripture, the community's tradition, and the counsel of faithful leaders. Amish piety is characterized by submission to God and community rather than by individualistic spiritual experience or dramatic revelations.
Key Distinctions
- Current revelation:
- closed — public revelation ended with the death of the Apostles; Scripture is complete
- Prophetic gifts today:
- miraculous prophetic gifts ceased with the Apostolic age (cessationist)
- Tradition authority:
- Scripture alone (sola scriptura) is the final norm
Scripture References
Sources
- Dordrecht Confession of Faith (1632)
- John A. Hostetler, Amish Society (4th ed., 1993)