Lessons from a Utopian Community: Is a Critical Examination of Technology Feasible, Possible, or Necessary?

The purpose of this paper was to examine and learn from the technology found in a unique Amish Mennonite community. Information was collected in the home, school, church and workspace. An ethnographic approach was used to recreate the shared beliefs, practices, artifacts, folk knowledge, and behaviors in this community. The ethnographic methodology allowed analytical descriptions and reconstructions of whole cultural scenes and groups of the community. Findings indicate that technology is seen as a tool for making the community prosper. However, a critical examination by the elders of the community select or reject any new technology being considered.