| In the last twenty years a revival of Evangelical religion has swept North America. Social scientists have tended to focus their investigations on how this religious movement has affected the general population. However, this religious revival continues to challenge the Hutterites, one of the oldest communal religious groups in the Western world.;The Hutterites have long been known for their communal lifestyle, their uniformity in religious belief, and their success in maintaining strong commitment to their colonies. Almost from birth, Hutterites are taught that living communally is the only path to salvation. However, a crisis has arisen as numerous members openly reject this basic Hutterite tenet. Many have embraced a contemporary, Evangelical interpretation of Christianity in which a "personal relationship with Christ" is emphasized. This is manifested in the way most Hutterite converts change from being timid and reserved to being outspoken and spontaneous.;Through case studies of individuals and colonies, I will analyze the changes in the beliefs and affective life of Hutterites who have rejected their religious communalism for an expressive, individualistic religion. Hutterites offer an excellent opportunity to further our understanding of religious change and how that change can affect an individual's perception of group and self-identity. |
