Many Mennonite congregations live a lot like this. They pay their taxes, they do business with the outside world as necessary, but they don’t vote and don’t worry about what’s going on politically in the capital or the county seat. The ones I’ve been around are some of the finest, warmest, most giving Christian people I’ve ever come in contact with.
MM (in TX)
Your comment reminded me of a book I just finished: the fascinating autobiography of a woman who was raised on a Hutterite colony, but whose family left for the outside world when she was about 10 years old.
The book is very engaging and gives a marvelous glimpse into Hutterite life. If you’re interested, here it is:
I was impressed that she was able to simultaneously convey a deep respect and love for her heritage, and yet also to give a fair & balanced account of the realities (some absolutely heartbreaking) which caused her family to eventually leave the colony.
I enjoyed the book very much and recommend it highly.