[JLS]

I too was wondering if one could not just declare oneself Amish. Who determines who is or isn’t Amish?

[wmfights]

FWIW, the application process involves having your Pastor verify that you are a church attending Christian.

[Jet Jaguar]

Everybody in NY and Hollywood with a Jewish name claims to be so.

Though, about 10%, actually bother to go to synagogue or practice the teachings.

[Rodamala]

A long long time ago I publicly proclaimed my Amishness on FR... that should suffice. Sure, maybe I use electronics and internal combustion technology. Sure, maybe, I drop a lot of F-Bombs and sometimes take the Lord's name in vain. Sure, maybe I smoke like a choo choo train. Sure, maybe I sometimes look upon women working at the strip club with lustful eyes... but some long-legged mack daddy halfrican communist is in no position to deny my Amishness.

[stellaluna]

Do you speak German? Are you a member of the Church? Where is your wife, your beard, your children and do you know how to handle a buggy? Plus, who are your parents and are you an accepted part of the community? Nope. Then you can’t be Amish.