In The World But Not Of It
Photographer: Tim Smith
Exhibit Title: In The World But Not Of It
Location: Canada
The Hutterites, pacifist Anabaptists whose roots trace back to Europe during the 16th Century Reformation, live communally on colonies throughout western Canada and the north-western United States. Their culture continues to be preserved through deliberate separation from mainstream society and economic self-sufficiency. Their belief in the sharing of goods separates them from other Anabaptist movements as well as the majority of mainstream society.
Hutterites on average experience less of the anxiety, loneliness and isolation prevalent in the modern world. The importance given to engagement in family life, social life and spirituality, and the defined purpose for their lives means Hutterite communities meet many of the requirements to be considered Blue Zones; area’s where health, happiness and life expectancy rates are higher than average. Their belief in following a path to godliness rather than worldliness has served them well.
There are many aspects of community and sustainability that western society can learn from the Hutterites. Beginning with a chance encounter in 2009, the photographer has been documenting Hutterite colonies in Manitoba for over a decade.
The Hutterites, pacifist Anabaptists whose roots trace back to Europe during the 16th Century Reformation, live communally on colonies throughout western Canada and the north-western United States. Their culture continues to be preserved through deliberate separation from mainstream society and economic self-sufficiency. Their belief in the sharing of goods separates them from other Anabaptist movements as well as the majority of mainstream society.
Following a history of persecution the Hutterites are currently in the midst of one of their most successful periods. Facing no overt threats from the outside world they have prospered and grown to over 45,000 members. They are one of the most successful models for communal living in modern history.
Success brings its own challenges. A group that has strived to be "in the world, but not of it" is becoming increasingly tethered to modern conveniences and outside influences. Each colony must decide how rigidly they cling to time-tested traditions verses how much they bend to the accelerating pressures of the modern world. Some Ministers see this period of prosperity as leading to the watering down of Hutterite culture. After surviving five centuries worth of outside threats, they worry about a cultural death from 1000 cuts caused by minute changes and compromises.
Despite outside pressures, Hutterites on average experience less of the anxiety, loneliness and isolation prevalent in the modern world. The importance given to engagement in family life, social life and spirituality, and the defined purpose for their lives means Hutterite communities meet many of the requirements to be considered Blue Zones; area’s where health, happiness and life expectancy rates are higher than average. Their belief in following a path to godliness rather than worldliness has served them well.
Beginning with a chance encounter in 2009, the photographer has been documenting Hutterite colonies in Manitoba for over a decade.
Tim Smith
12047206941
info@timsmithphotography.ca
www.timsmithphotography.ca
Instagram: @othertimsmith
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