All things common: the Hutterian way of life.

Book

All things common: the Hutterian way of life.

Summary:

In Dr. Peters' study of the Hutterian Brethren (commonly called Hutterites), a group of devoutly religious farmers who have established many communal colonies in the midlands of the United States and Canada, he first traces the historical development of the group and then describes in detail their way of life by focusing on the Manitoba colonies. After their church was founded in Central Europe at the time of the Reformation, the Hutterians moved slowly east until they settled in Russia, where they lived for over one hundred years. Then, in the 1870's, they immigrated to America and settled in the Dakota Territory. During World War I they fled to Canada under pressure of wartime hysteria. Since they moved to Canada, the Hutterians have encountered more problems but have successfully spread their colonies across the prairie provinces and back into the United States. At present, the Hutterians are the oldest and most successful community group in the history of western civilization. They believe that their practice of Christian communism is in true harmony with the spirit and teachings of early Christianity. Other aspects of their behavior such as the refusal to do military service and their disapproval of radio, television, dancing, movies, and cosmetics have made them a source of interest and concern to their neighbors.

Record details

ISBN: 9780061316302
ISBN: 006131630X
Physical Description: xiii, 233 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, map, plates ; 21 cm.
Edition: First Harper torchbooks edition.
Publisher: New York, Harper & Row 1971, ©1965.

Content descriptions

General Note:: Includes index.
Bibliography, etc. Note:: Bibliographical references included in "Notes" (pages 213-226).
Formatted Contents Note:: Foreword / H.C. Pentland -- The origin and background of the Hutterian Brethren -- Hutterian migrations -- From the steppes to the prairies -- Hutterian expansion, a cause of controversy -- The community-congregation -- Colony life -- The communal economy and colony divisions -- The cultural heritage -- Hutterian education -- The Hutterians and the public school -- Some aspects of Hutterian community stability -- Kindred societies, converts, and neighbors.