Hutterites, A Unique Christian Community
Jaison Chacko
The Hutterites are a group of Anabaptist Christians who follow the teachings of their founder, Jakob Hutter. They originated in the early 16th century in Austria, and their beliefs and way of life have been shaped by their experiences over the centuries. This essay will explore the origin of the Hutterites, their life and doctrine, colony life, persecution, spread to other continents, growth and life during previous centuries, present colonies, and present way of living.
Origin and Early Years
The Hutterites trace their origins to the Anabaptist movement of the early 16th century, which rejected infant baptism and called for adult baptism after reaching adulthood,usually after reaching 18 years of age. Traditional hutterites doing baptism by sprinkling, but in recent years some reformed colonies are doing immersion baptism,as did by Apostles. Jakob Hutter, a former Catholic priest, became the leader of a group of Anabaptists in Tyrol, Austria in the 1530s. Hutter believed in communal living, which he saw as a way to put the teachings of Jesus into practice. The first Hutterite colony was established in 1533 in Moravia, which is now part of the Czech Republic.
Life and Doctrine
The Hutterites believe in the basic tenets of Anabaptism, including the rejection of infant baptism, pacifism, and communal living. They also believe in the importance of living a simple life, and this is reflected in their dress and lifestyle. The Hutterite dress is distinctive, with women wearing long dresses and head coverings, and men wearing dark suits and wide-brimmed hats. Hutterites are known for their farming and craftsmanship skills, and they value hard work and self-sufficiency.
Colony Life
Hutterite colonies are self-sustaining communities that are based on communal ownership of property and resources. Each colony is led by a minister and a council of elders, who make decisions for the community. The Hutterites live and work together, sharing everything from housing to meals. Children are educated within the community, and the Hutterites place a strong emphasis on the importance of family and community life.
Persecution
The Hutterites have faced persecution throughout their history, especially in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were often persecuted for their beliefs and practices, and many were martyred for their faith. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Hutterites migrated to Russia, where they were granted religious freedom. However, they faced persecution again during World War I, when they were accused of being German sympathizers and were forced to flee to North America.
Spread to Other Continents
The Hutterites first migrated to North America in the late 19th century, settling in South Dakota and other Midwestern states. Today, there are Hutterite colonies in Canada and the United States, as well as in South America and Australia. The Hutterites have also established mission colonies in Africa, where they work to spread their beliefs and way of life.
Growth and Life during Previous Centuries
The Hutterites have experienced significant growth over the centuries, with their population increasing from a few hundred in the 16th century to over 40,000 today. Despite facing persecution and hardship, the Hutterites have maintained their distinctive way of life and have continued to live and work together in their colonies. They have also adapted to changes in the world around them, using modern technology and techniques to maintain their farms and businesses.
Today, the Hutterites continue to live in their colonies, which are self-sustaining communities that are based on communal ownership and cooperation. They still wear their distinctive dress and maintain their beliefs in pacifism, communal living, and simple living. They have also adapted to modern life, using technology to improve their farming and Industrial units.
A typical Hutterite colony is a self-sustaining community, usually located in a rural area. The colony is made up of a group of 10 ti 12 families who live and work together, sharing resources and responsibilities.
A typical day in the life of a Hutterite begins early in the morning, with members waking up before sunrise to begin their daily chores. Each person has their own responsibilities, which might include milking cows, tending to the fields, preparing meals, or working in the colony’s shop.
The Hutterites have a strong work ethic, and they value hard work and productivity. They work long hours, often from sunrise to sunset, to maintain their farms and businesses.
During the day, there are scheduled breaks for meals and prayer. The Hutterites place a strong emphasis on communal meals, which are prepared by a team of cooks and shared by the entire colony. Meals are eaten together in a communal dining hall, and members take turns serving and cleaning up.
After the work day is finished, there is often time for relaxation and recreation. The Hutterites enjoy spending time together, playing games, singing hymns, or engaging in other activities. In the evenings, there may be Bible study or prayer services, which are led by the colony’s minister.
The Hutterites have a strong sense of community, and they place a high value on family and social connections. Members of the colony are expected to work together and support one another, and they often spend their leisure time in communal activities.
Overall, life in a Hutterite colony is busy and productive, with a strong emphasis on hard work and communal living. Members of the colony share resources and responsibilities, and they work together to maintain their way of life.
Chapel in the colony, living in separate houses, farms and factory units run by colonies, sharing everything in common, helping others
In a typical Hutterite colony, the centerpiece of the community is the chapel. The chapel is the spiritual center of the colony, and it is where members come together to worship and pray. The Hutterites have a strong religious faith, and their worship services are a fundamental part of their daily life.
While the Hutterites live and work together in a communal setting, they do have their own private living spaces. Each family has their own separate house or apartment within the colony, which they maintain and decorate to their own liking. However, while they have their own private space, the Hutterites also emphasize the importance of communal living and sharing.
The Hutterites run their own farms and factories, and each member has a specific role to play in the community. The farms are typically run by a team of farmers who work together to tend to the crops and livestock. The factories are often run by skilled craftsmen who create goods to sell to the surrounding communities.
The Hutterites share everything in common, including their resources, assets, and labor. This means that each member of the community contributes to the overall well-being of the colony, and they all share in the benefits of the community’s success. For example, if the colony produces a surplus of crops, the excess will be shared among all the members, rather than being sold for individual profit.
The Hutterites also place a strong emphasis on helping others, both within and outside of the community. They believe in the importance of charity and generosity, and they often engage in acts of service and kindness for those in need.
Overall, life in a Hutterite colony is centered around community, hard work, and spiritual devotion. While the Hutterites do have their own private living spaces, they emphasize the importance of sharing everything in common and working together for the greater good of the community.
