What are Hutterites' identity and core beliefs?

Historical Foundations

The community often identified as the Hutterites traces its formative roots to the 16th-century Anabaptist movement, which emerged during the Reformation era. They take their name from Jakob Hutter, recognized as one of their early leaders who guided the group in Moravia (in present-day Czech Republic). Due to persecution from both Roman Catholic and Protestant authorities, the Hutterites relocated multiple times throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Eventually, large numbers migrated to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in the United States and Canada.

Their history is documented in sources such as the “Chronicle of the Hutterian Brethren,” which provides a detailed account of their establishment, persecutions, and migrations. These historical writings display the Hutterites’ unwavering commitment to following their understanding of biblical principles, particularly in matters of baptism, nonviolent living, and communal sharing.

Anabaptist Influences

Hutterites are part of the broader Anabaptist tradition, sharing key beliefs with Mennonites and Amish. Notably, they emphasize adult baptism, contending that baptism should follow an individual’s personal confession of faith rather than being administered during infancy. Their position aligns with accounts of baptism in the New Testament, where baptism follows a conscious decision to believe: “Those who believed the message were baptized…” (Acts 2:41).

In addition, the Anabaptists’ distinctive commitment to a simple life, nonresistance, and community identity laid the foundation for the Hutterite colonies’ later developments. Today, Hutterites retain these hallmarks within cohesive, close-knit communal settings.

Communal Living and Property Sharing

One of the most recognizable features of Hutterite life is communal property. Inspired by passages such as Acts 2:44–45, which recount how the early believers “had all things in common” and shared resources so that “no one among them had need,” Hutterites consider communal sharing to be a practical application of biblical teaching on love and unity. Within this framework, all income and property are owned collectively. Members live in communities often referred to as “colonies,” where needs are met collectively rather than on an individual family basis.

The practice of communal living has historical precedents in early Christian communities (Acts 4:32–35), and Hutterites uphold the view that such economic sharing is a reflection of Christian mutual care. They believe this approach fosters humility, interdependence, and unity under the lordship of Christ.

Pacifism and Nonresistance

Like other traditional Anabaptist groups, Hutterites hold a firm commitment to nonresistance, which they draw from scriptural teachings such as Romans 12:17–21 to “repay no one evil for evil,” and the words of Jesus instructing His followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). They advocate for a peaceful stance toward all forms of conflict and war, abstaining from military service to maintain their biblical interpretation of peacemaking.

Historically, this commitment to nonviolence proved costly, as they faced persecution by many secular and religious authorities. Despite hardships, Hutterites continue to uphold a strong testimony against violence, believing that God ultimately guides and protects those who seek to pursue peace.

Religious Practices and Worship

Hutterites place importance on daily corporate gatherings. Worship and Bible teaching are usually observed in a communal chapel located within each colony. They also emphasize personal and group devotions, singing hymns, and studying scripture. Although practices can vary slightly from colony to colony, the principle of living out the teachings of the New Testament remains central.

Baptism typically takes place in late adolescence or young adulthood. Individuals present a personal statement of faith before the congregation, acknowledging belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, and then receive baptism as the public confirmation of that faith. The community also practices regular communion services, often using homemade bread and wine to commemorate the Lord’s Supper and affirm the unity of believers in Christ.

Education and Vocation

Colonies typically operate their own schools, ensuring that children receive both religious instruction and foundational academic education. While some collaboration with local public education systems may occur, Hutterites wish to preserve their spiritual values and cultural traditions by overseeing the curriculum.

Economically, Hutterites often engage in agriculture or manufacturing on communal lands to support their colonies. Each member shares responsibility for the collective livelihood, whether tending crops, caring for livestock, working in on-site manufacturing, or attending to domestic tasks. The fruits of this labor serve to meet the entire colony’s needs and support its continued ministry.

View of Scripture

Hutterites place Scripture as the supreme guide for all matters of faith and conduct. The New Testament, especially the Gospels and the book of Acts, holds particular prominence for practices such as adult baptism, communal living, and commitment to nonresistance. Scriptures from both Old and New Testaments are read regularly, taught in formal settings, and discussed in personal study.

The community interprets its traditions and practices in light of biblical instructions, citing that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction...” (2 Timothy 3:16). This reliance on Scripture undergirds their communal and moral codes.

Relationship with Wider Society

While they often live in secluded rural settings, Hutterites do engage in commerce with neighboring towns, selling their produce and goods. Over time, they have adapted some technological innovations that aid agricultural and industrial efficiency, although certain colonies remain more conservative than others, limiting external influences.

Their primary desire is to preserve a quiet, peaceable, and godly life, echoing the exhortation of 1 Timothy 2:2–3. Maintaining distinctiveness can sometimes lead to misunderstandings with surrounding communities, but many Hutterites strive to show hospitality and welcome dialogue with neighbors.

Contemporary Challenges

Modern times have brought increasing interaction with broader society, technological changes, and cultural shifts in North America. Some colonies grapple with how best to integrate beneficial innovations without compromising scriptural convictions or community unity.

Nevertheless, Hutterites often stand firm on their commitments: shared property, adult baptism, nonresistance, and separation from worldly influences perceived as detrimental to their Christian walk. Their belief in living as a distinct community is guided by the conviction that “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16).

Summary

Hutterites represent a communal, Anabaptist group devoted to living out New Testament teachings through shared property, adult baptism, and nonviolent discipleship. Their identity revolves around collective unity and reliance on God’s Word, with an unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and humble service. Bound by centuries-old traditions yet navigating modern realities, these communities strive to maintain a life reflective of Christ’s example, endeavoring to uphold the scriptural tenet of caring for one another in daily practice.