Book Review: I Am Hutterite

Book cover image used with permission

I Am Hutterite  is a young woman’s account of her life as a little girl living in a religious colony, a group whose beliefs fall somewhere between the Mennonites and the Amish.  She reflects on her idyllic and simple childhood, as well as her struggle to adjust and be accepted by the outside world when her parents leave the colony she loves.  The story begins with a visit back to her childhood home and recounts her family’s heritage and personal journey.  It’s a story of faith, hope, and love in the midst of politics, intolerance, and unforgiveness.

Reading the book brought back memories of my own struggles.  Although I never lived as part of a religious colony, my family and I briefly worshiped and fellowshipped with a fledgling group having similar beliefs and practices as the Hutterites and looking to form their own community.  While there were many similarities between the fledgling group and Hutterite colonies, because people are different, each group is also different and usually assumes the personality and convictions of those leading them.  As Nicodemus admonished his fellow Pharisees by asking, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him and know what he doeth?” (John 7:51), we, too, should not judge a group of people before talking with and getting to know them.  Some well-meaning friends tried to dissuade us from fellowshipping with the group, but because they offered no personal experience, scriptural foundation, nor tried to get to know the group, our friends seemed disqualified as counselors and we didn’t listen.  While I do have some regrets from the experience as a whole, I am grateful for what I learned about life and relationships and through the exposure of my own heart.  I encourage you to read the book, and I think you, too, may discover the appeal and joy of living in community and the potential snares and heartache of trying to govern your life according to tradition and a strict religious code.

After writing a review for Same Kind of Difference As Me, I was contacted by Thomas Nelson Publishing and asked if I would like to receive a complimentary copy of two other books with no obligation to write another review.  Thank you, Thomas Nelson Publishing, for giving me the privilege and opportunity.  (^_^)