Hutterites in Montana

The Enduring Faith of the Hutterites: From Persecution to Prosperity

The Hutterites are a unique religious and cultural group with a rich history that spans centuries and continents. Originating in 16th-century Switzerland, Hutterites and Mennonites (and thus the Amish who are of Mennonite descent) share common roots. Both groups were Anabaptists and originated during the Reformation.

Beliefs

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Title page of Schleitheimer Confession

Extensive history of Sattler can be found on this website: https://hutterites.org/news/michael-sattlers-memorial/

Their fundamental principals are stated in the Schleitheim Confession. In 1527, a group of Swiss Anabaptists led by Michael Sattler, met in Schleitheim, Switzerland, and agreed unanimously on the following principles:

• Baptizing babies is not biblical (Matt 28).
• Separation of church and state is required.
• Christians should not wield the sword (be pacifist).
• The Lord’s Supper is symbolic of the suffering of Jesus, and should be done in remembrance of Him.
• The ban should be applied to those baptised members who fall into sin repeatedly (Matt 15).
• Pastors in the Church need to be responsible for teaching, disciplining, the ban and other duties.
• Oaths are not to be taken by Christians.

These points became the basis for this new movement. The followers of this movement are known as the Anabaptists or re-baptizers. They are called re-baptizers because they were baptized a second time in adulthood.

The religion of the Anabaptist is unique in that they believe in community of goods, in which all material goods are held in common. This idea is gleaned from several biblical sources.

Throughout biblical history God has separated His people from the world. Abraham was called by God and asked to leave his people and homeland in order to better serve Him. The Israelites historically have been separate.

We can also read that Jesus and his disciples shared everything (John 12) and they held a common purse. In Matthew 19, Jesus explains to the rich young ruler that he needs to follow the Commandments and to give all he has to the poor and then follow Him. Throughout the Gospel, Christ teaches us to “love our neighbours” and the manifestation of this love is in caring for each other and in the sharing of possessions. Community of goods was practised in the the early church: the apostles and the early Christians held all things in common (Acts 2: 44-47, Acts 4: 32-35). Therefore, Anabaptists believe community of goods and working for each other to be the highest command of love.

All members of the colony are provided for equally and no assets are to be kept for personal gain. Hutterites do not have personal bank accounts; rather all earnings are held communally and funding and necessities are distributed according to one’s needs. Hutterites believe that all their work is to benefit the community and is a form of service to God.

History

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The Hutterite movement itself was founded in 1528 by Jacob Hutter, a Tyrolean who united the Anabaptists after much persecution and dissent. Facing further religious persecution, the Hutterites fled their homeland and settled in various parts of Europe, including Moravia, Hungary, and Romania, before eventually making their way to North America in the late 19th century. Jacob Hutter was eventually martyred for his faith.

Extensive history of the movement can be found on these two websites: https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/anabaptists-gallery and Hutterite History.

On Youtube: “Spread of the Anabaptists, the Amish, Mennonites and Hutterites.” https://youtu.be/6B6z7Kcpnsc?feature=shared

Present Day

The present-day Hutterites' beliefs and way of life are firmly rooted in their interpretation of the Bible. They place a strong emphasis on the teachings of Jesus, particularly the principles of communal living, non-resistance, pacifism and separation, the same as the fundamental tenets of their Anabaptist beliefs. The Hutterites believe in the importance of community, with each member contributing to the collective well-being of the colony. Their commitment to simplicity and the rejection of material possessions are also central to their biblical beliefs. At the heart of the Hutterite way of life are their core values of faith, family, and hard work. They believe in treating others with respect and kindness, as they would want to be treated themselves. Each colony is led by a minister, who oversees the spiritual and practical affairs of the community, and is organized into various departments, such as farming, manufacturing, and education.

Hutterites attend a 1/2 hour church service almost every day besides a 1 to 1 1/2 hour-long service every Sunday and on common religious holidays: Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Ascension Day and Pentecost. In addition, special services are held for baptisms and marriages, and funerals.

In the United States and Canada, the Hutterites established thriving agricultural colonies, primarily in the Great Plains states of Montana and South Dakota. Today, there are over 50,000 Hutterites living in more than 500 colonies across North America, each one a self-sustaining community organized around the principles of shared property, communal labor, and devotion to their faith.

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Misrepresentations by the Media

The Hutterites have been the subject of various media portrayals, including the National Geographic TV show "American Colony: Meet the Hutterites." However, these representations have often been criticized by the Hutterites themselves as inaccurate and misleading. The show failed to adequately capture the central role of religion in Hutterite life and instead focused on sensationalized or fabricated situations that did not reflect the true nature of their community.

The Work of Hutterite
Men and Women

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Hutterite men and women have clearly defined roles and responsibilities within their colonies. The men are primarily responsible for the agricultural work, such as tending to the fields, livestock, and machinery. They also take on various other tasks, such as blacksmithing and construction. The women, on the other hand, focus on the domestic sphere, working in the community kitchen, baking bread, and tending to the gardens. This division of labor allows the colony to function efficiently and maintain their self-sustaining way of life.

Hutterite men and women have clearly defined roles and responsibilities within their colonies. The men are primarily responsible for the agricultural work, such as tending to the fields, livestock, and machinery. They also take on various other tasks, such as blacksmithing and construction. The women, on the other hand, focus on the domestic sphere, working in the community kitchen, baking bread, and tending to the gardens. This division of labor allows the colony to function efficiently and maintain their self-sustaining way of life.

Impact

Despite these challenges, the Hutterites have had a significant impact on the economies of the regions in which they live. Their highly efficient and diversified agricultural operations, which include everything from crop cultivation to livestock production, have made them important contributors to the local and regional economies. In Montana, for example, Hutterite colonies are estimated to generate over $200 million in annual economic activity.
In contrast with the Mennonites and Amish (also Anabaptist heritage), and contrary to popular belief, the Hutterites are not averse to technology. They embrace the use of modern equipment and tools, such as GPS-driven tractors and smart devices, as they recognize the necessity of these technologies for the efficient operation of their large-scale agricultural enterprises. While they maintain a separation from the outside world, the Hutterites are pragmatic in their approach to technology, using it as a means to support their self-sustaining way of life.

Identity

While the Hutterites have maintained a strong sense of cultural identity and religious devotion, the challenges of the modern world have not left them untouched. Many young Hutterites are increasingly curious about the outside world, and some have chosen to leave their colonies in search of greater personal freedom and opportunities.

For those who do choose to leave the Hutterite way of life, the transition can be difficult, as they must navigate the complexities of the outside world and often face social and emotional challenges. However, the Hutterites have maintained a policy of allowing their members the freedom to leave, and many who have departed have gone on to lead successful lives in the broader society.

The Hutterites' enduring faith and commitment to their way of life, despite centuries of hardship and persecution, is a testament to the power of their beliefs and the resilience of their community. As they continue to adapt to the changing world around them, the Hutterites remain a unique and fascinating example of the diversity of religious and cultural expression in North America.

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