What are the beliefs of the Hutterites?

The Hutterites are a unique Christian community that has existed for nearly 500 years. Known for their simple lifestyle, communal living, and deep commitment to their faith, the Hutterites trace their origins to the Radical Reformation in the 16th century. They are part of the Anabaptist tradition, along with the Mennonites and the Amish, but they are distinct in several ways. Today, most Hutterites live in colonies in the United States and Canada, especially in rural areas, and they continue to practice a way of life based on their interpretation of the New Testament.

This article will explore the beliefs of the Hutterites in detail. We will look at their history, their theology, their way of life, and how their practices compare with biblical teachings. By examining their core values and religious commitments, we can better understand this lesser-known but deeply devoted Christian group.

The Hutterites were founded in the early 1500s during the time of the Protestant Reformation. They are named after Jakob Hutter, a leader who helped organize and guide the group in the 1530s. Like other Anabaptists, the Hutterites rejected infant baptism, believed in separation from worldly society, and emphasized living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

Because of their refusal to join the state church and their practice of communal living, the Hutterites were severely persecuted in Europe. They migrated from country to country seeking religious freedom-first in Moravia (now the Czech Republic), then in Transylvania, Russia, and eventually North America. Most Hutterites today are descendants of those who migrated to the United States and Canada in the late 1800s.

Hutterites in Scripture

Belief in the Authority of the Bible

Hutterites hold the Bible, particularly the New Testament, as the highest authority in matters of faith and practice. They seek to follow the teachings of Jesus literally and believe that Christian life should reflect the commands and example of Christ. They especially focus on passages like the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Acts 2:44-45, and Acts 4:32, where believers shared all things in common.

Hutterites use the Bible as a guide for both spiritual and practical living. For example, Acts 2:44-45 says:

“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” (NKJV)

This verse forms the basis of their communal lifestyle.

Believer’s Baptism

Like all Anabaptists, Hutterites reject infant baptism. They believe that baptism should only be given to those who are old enough to understand their decision and commit their lives to Christ. This is often done after a period of instruction and reflection, usually in late teens or early adulthood.

This belief is rooted in Scriptures like Mark 16:16:
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (NKJV)

Baptism is seen as a public confession of faith and the beginning of a life of obedience to Jesus.

Communal Living

One of the most distinctive beliefs and practices of the Hutterites is communal living. They believe that Christians should not own private property but should share everything in common. This belief is based on their interpretation of the early Christian community described in Acts 4:32:

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” (NKJV)

Hutterite colonies operate as self-sufficient communities. All income and resources are shared. Members do not receive wages or own personal property, and decisions are made collectively, under the leadership of the colony’s elders.

Nonresistance and Pacifism

Hutterites are committed to nonviolence and refuse to participate in war, serve in the military, or resist evil with force. This belief is based on Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:39:

“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” (NKJV)

Because of this belief, Hutterites have faced persecution and imprisonment for refusing to serve in national armies. They believe that Christians are called to love their enemies and follow Christ’s example of suffering without retaliation.

Separation from the World

Hutterites believe in keeping themselves separate from worldly influences, including politics, entertainment, and fashion. They dress plainly, avoid mass media, and generally limit interaction with outsiders. This comes from their understanding of verses like 2 Corinthians 6:17:

“Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’” (NKJV)

Their colonies are typically located in rural areas, and their children are educated within the community to preserve their values and shield them from worldly ideas.

Community Worship and Discipline

Hutterites place great emphasis on community worship, fellowship, and mutual accountability. They meet regularly for worship services, which include singing (usually without instruments), Bible reading, and sermons.

Church discipline is also an important part of Hutterite life. If a member strays from the community’s teachings or commits open sin, they may be disciplined or even excommunicated until they repent. This is based on passages like Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 5.

Their approach to discipline is not about punishment, but about restoring the member to right fellowship with God and the community.

The Hutterite Way of Life

Work and Agriculture

Most Hutterite colonies are agricultural. They raise crops, care for livestock, and often operate dairies, bakeries, or manufacturing shops. Everyone in the colony contributes to the work, and gender roles are clearly defined. Men typically work in the fields and mechanical shops, while women take care of the cooking, cleaning, and childcare.

Children are taught the value of work from a young age. The goal is to live a quiet, humble, and productive life that honors God.

Education

Hutterites provide their own education within the colony. Schools are typically run by the colony with hired teachers (sometimes from outside the community) and focus on basic academic subjects along with religious instruction and the German language, which is still used in worship and daily life.

Education beyond the eighth grade is rare, as Hutterites believe higher education can lead to pride and worldly thinking. They prioritize spiritual formation over academic or career advancement.

Language and Culture

Hutterites speak a German dialect known as Hutterisch, a variation of the Tyrolean dialect their ancestors spoke in Austria. While English is used for interaction with outsiders and sometimes in education, Hutterisch remains the primary language in their homes and churches.

Their culture emphasizes humility, obedience, order, and submission to authority. Individualism is discouraged, while conformity and community values are promoted.

Comparison with Biblical Christianity

While many of the Hutterite beliefs are rooted in Scripture, some aspects may raise questions when compared with the full counsel of the Bible.

Strengths of Hutterite Faith

1. Commitment to Scripture – Their desire to obey the Bible and live out the teachings of Jesus is admirable and often more consistent than what is seen in mainstream Christianity.
2. Emphasis on Community – Their commitment to love, share, and support one another reflects the early church model in Acts.
3. Peace and Nonviolence – Their refusal to participate in war or violence is consistent with the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian martyrs.
4. Moral Purity and Separation – Their concern for modesty, purity, and avoiding worldly influences echoes biblical calls to holiness.

Areas of Caution

1. Legalism – The strong focus on conformity and rules may sometimes overshadow the grace and freedom found in Christ. Galatians 5:1 warns against returning to a yoke of bondage.
2. Lack of Evangelism – Hutterites do not typically evangelize or share the Gospel with outsiders, which conflicts with the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19, NKJV)
3. Communal Living Not Commanded – While Acts describes the early Christians sharing possessions, it does not command communal ownership as the only Christian model. 2 Corinthians 9:7 speaks of voluntary giving, “not grudgingly or of necessity.”
4. Insularity – Their withdrawal from society may prevent them from being “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) and salt that influences others for Christ.

Conclusion

The Hutterites exemplify a distinct Christian community that has maintained its identity and beliefs for nearly five centuries. Their deep commitment to the authority of the Bible, particularly the New Testament, shapes their way of life, which emphasizes communal living, nonresistance, and separation from worldly influences. By adhering closely to the teachings of Jesus, especially those found in the Sermon on the Mount, they strive to reflect the values of the early Christian church.

While their practices demonstrate a strong sense of community and a dedication to spiritual purity, there are areas that may warrant further consideration, such as their limited engagement with the outside world and their approach to evangelism. Ultimately, the Hutterites remind us of the importance of living out our faith authentically and challenge all believers to reflect on how they can embody the teachings of Christ in their own lives.