Hutterites

Abstract

Hutterites are a communal group that migrating to America in the 1870’s after heavy persecution in Europe. The group, of Anabaptists faith, is pacifists and believes in adult baptism. The Hutterites attend church everyday, are baptized between their 20th and 30th birthday and are then allowed to marry. Marriages are not prearranged, however, permission is needed from the elders of the colony. The elderly are looked after by the colony and funerals are held within the colony.

Hutterites

Introduction

Imagine having a family and home to live in, however you make no money of your own and do not have to worry about bills or a bank account for that matter. This is how the Hutterites have lived as early as the 16th century. The Hutterites, who live throughout North America, are communal people who live by the biblical teachings of Christ and the Apostles (www.hutterites.org).

History

The Hutterites were once a part of the Catholic Church in Europe, however, during the reformation years (1500-1565), churches began to break away from the church and form new ones, otherwise known as ‘The Reformed churches’. One of the reformed churches was the Anabaptist church, which started in Switzerland (www.hutterites.org).

Many hated the Anabaptists since they rejected church authority and failed to adhere to their doctrine. Because the group was so widely disliked, the Anabaptists fled to Austria and Germany, where they were also heavily persecuted. The Anabaptists later fled to Monrovia. It is here, in Monrovia, where the Anabaptists had to either fight for their rights to stay or move. A portion of the Anabaptists chose to stay and fight while the others chose to move. The Anabaptists who chose to bear arms ultimately faded while the side that chose to refuse to bear the sword remained (http://dd058.k12.sd.us/hutterite_brethren.htm).

In 1528 the communal living of the Anabaptists was started. Jacob Wiedemann spread a blanket and all the...