The Hutterian Brethren or Hutterites are a religious group originating from the Reformation of the 16th century (www.hutteritehistory.org).

It is interesting to note that the Hutterites and Mennonites (and thus the Amish) share common roots.  Both of these sects are Anabaptists and both of these movements trace their beginnings to the same period of time, to the same occurrences, during the Reformation.

Their roots are found in Switzerland where a group of Bible students came to the conclusions that:

• baptizing babies is not biblical.

• the Bible requires the separation of church and state.

• a Christian should not wield the sword (pacifist)

• the Lord's Supper is symbolic of the suffering of Jesus, and should be done in remembrance of him

These 4 points became the basis for this movement. The followers of this movement are known as the Anabaptists or re-baptizers.  They are called rebaptizers because they were baptized a second time, in adulthood. 

The religion of the Hutterites is unique in their belief in the community of goods in which all material things are held in common. This idea is gleaned from the teachings of Jesus, where he explained to the rich young ruler what he needed to do to receive eternal life (Matthew 19);   from the fact that Jesus and his disciples shared everything (John 12);  from the early church where the apostles and their followers held all things in common (Acts 2: 44-47).   Hutterites believe community of goods is the highest command of love.

All members of the colony are provided for equally and nothing is kept for personal gain. Hutterites do not have personal bank account; rather all earnings are held communally and funding and necessities are distributed according to one's needs.

Hutterites attend a 1/2 hour church service almost every day besides a 1 to 1 1/2 hour service every Sunday and common religious holiday.   In addition, special services are held for baptism,   marriages, Christmas, and Easter