Hutterite Brethren
The Hutterites are an Anabaptist communal Christian movement founded by Jakob Hutter in Moravia in 1528. They are distinguished from other Anabaptist groups by their practice of full community of goods — all property is held in common by the Bruderhof (colony) — which they understand as the literal New Testament model of the Jerusalem church in Acts 2–4. Hutterites live in agricultural communal colonies of 60–150 people, primarily in the prairies of Canada and the northern United States. They speak a Tyrolean-Austrian German dialect and maintain plain dress and separation from the wider culture.
Theology
Christology
Soteriology
Salvation
Affirms
Salvation by grace; faith expressed in communal life and Gelassenheit
Atonement & Ransom
Affirms
Christ's death reconciles sinners to God; the community participates in his cross
Predestination
Nuanced
Arminian: salvation freely offered to all who yield to God in faith
Original Sin
Affirms
Humanity is fallen; grace and communal support are needed for faithful life
Eschatology
Soul & Afterlife
Affirms
The righteous rest with God after death; resurrection awaited at the last day
Hell
Affirms
Hell is a real consequence of unfaithfulness; God's mercy and judgment coexist
Heaven
Affirms
Eternal life with God is the hope that sustains communal faithfulness
Second Coming
Affirms
Christ will return; the community waits with patient, communal faithfulness
Millennium
Varies
No specific millennial position; eschatological speculation avoided
Ecclesiology
Church Authority
Nuanced
Colony led by a Vorsteher and preachers; national and world conferences coordinate
Clergy & Priesthood
Nuanced
Male preachers lead; elected from colony; bivocational service without salary
Sacraments & Ordinances
Nuanced
Adult baptism by pouring; Lord's Supper observed; foot washing practiced
Scripture
Biblical Canon
Affirms
Sixty-six book Protestant canon; Acts 2–4 is foundational for community life
Biblical Inerrancy
Affirms
Scripture is divinely inspired and authoritative; plain obedience is expected
Extra-biblical Revelation
Nuanced
Spirit guides the community through Scripture; charismatic gifts not emphasized
Scripture Interpretation
John 1:1 — "The Word Was God"
Affirms
Affirms traditional reading: the Word is divine, coequal with God the Father
Isaiah 7:14 — "Virgin or Young Woman"
Affirms
Affirms virgin birth interpretation; a special sign of God's incarnate coming
Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"
Nuanced
Rock refers to Peter's faith and testimony; authority given to the apostles
Romans 9:18-21 — "God's Sovereign Choice"
Affirms
God's sovereign election affirmed; paradox of election and human response embraced
James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"
Nuanced
Faith without works is dead; genuine faith produces communal obedience
Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"
Affirms
Trinitarian baptismal formula affirmed; baptism in name of Father, Son, Holy Spirit
Hebrews 1:8 — "Your Throne, O God"
Affirms
Christ is addressed as God; affirms Christ's full deity and eternal throne
Revelation 20:1-6 — "The Thousand Years"
Nuanced
Millennium understood symbolically or realized; emphasis on faithful community living
Genesis 1:1-2 — "In the Beginning"
Affirms
God is creator of all things; Genesis 1 affirmed as divine revelation
Mark 16:9-20 — "The Longer Ending"
Nuanced
Mark 16:9-20 may not be original; absent from earliest Greek manuscripts
John 7:53–8:11 — "The Woman Caught in Adultery"
Nuanced
John 7:53–8:11 absent from early manuscripts; message of mercy is biblical
1 John 5:7-8 — "The Comma Johanneum"
Nuanced
1 John 5:7 Comma not in earliest texts; Trinity affirmed elsewhere
Deuterocanonical Books — "Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Maccabees"
Denies
Deuterocanonical books not canonical; Protestant 66-book canon affirmed
Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"
Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not canonical; early Christian text but non-scriptural
Ethics & Practice
Sabbath
Nuanced
Sunday worship; communal work schedule shapes rest without Sabbatarianism
Blood Transfusions
Affirms
No prohibition; standard medical care including transfusions is accepted
Military Service
Denies
Military service is rejected; nonresistance is a core Hutterite conviction
Holidays
Affirms
Christmas and Easter observed communally; Pentecost is especially significant