Amish Boom
become a more common
sight on U.S. rural roads, as
Amish population increases.
The fastest-growing religious group in the United States is the Amish, whose numbers will reach 1 million shortly after 2050, according to Joseph Donnermeyer, professor of rural sociology at Ohio State University.
While most other religions experience growth due to conversions, Amish communities are growing on sheer family size and numbers of baptisms. A new Amish settlement is founded every three and a half weeks, and more than 60% of Amish settlements in the United States have been founded just since 1990.
Among the impacts of this boom in a traditionally technology-averse population will be more demand for farmland and farm jobs, which may not be able to keep pace with growth. As Amish men then turn to nonfarm jobs such as woodworking, local economies could see a boost from new business startups, Donnermeyer predicts.
Source: Ohio State University, www.osu.edu.
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Comments
Amish growth
While the Amish are producing more babies they are not setting a trend for the mainstream population to join them. Their isolationist, judgmental and exclusionary beliefs prevent them from embracing new converts.
The real trend for the general population will be a redefining of small town living. The small towns which have died will be rejuvenated. Theories of sustainable living and community oranization will drive and motivate this return.