A unique Christian community with a purported free-energy device.
Religion: Christianity
Founder: Paul Baumann
Founded: Late 1950s
Location: Linden, Switzerland
Size: 100-150 members
Other Names: The Community of Methernitha
Founded in 1960 by Paul Baumann, Methernitha is a Christian-based organization situated in Linden, Switzerland, that encompasses two related entities: the Methernitha Christian Alliance and the Methernitha Cooperative. It was formed by a group of individuals who sought to live in accordance with the teachings of the Bible, leading to the establishment of a commune in the canton of Bern.
The Methernitha Christian Alliance is characterized as a loose association of members devoted to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, without organized meetings or a necessity for members to live in proximity. Its membership is distributed across Switzerland and beyond. On the other hand, the Methernitha Cooperative, registered as a legal entity in 1960, is a residential and work cooperative grounded on democratic principles. This cooperative is notable for its self-sufficiency, housing its own television studios, school, nursing home, and a “clubhouse” for worship and as a repository for historical archives. Despite its self-contained nature, members remain Swiss citizens, contributing to taxes and social security.
Central to Methernitha’s beliefs is a Christian ethos that eschews evangelism, as well as abstention from alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, and money. The community aims to live in harmony with both nature and spiritual principles, emphasizing simplicity, self-reliance, and communal living.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Methernitha is its claim to have developed the Testatika, a purported free-energy device capable of harnessing nature’s power to generate electricity. The device, according to the community, operates on principles that align with respecting and understanding nature. However, access to the Testatika has been restricted by the community, citing humanity’s unpreparedness for such a revolutionary technology. Skepticism surrounds the Testatika’s legitimacy, especially given the absence of verifiable evidence supporting its functionality and the community’s reliance on conventional hydroelectric power.
Methernitha has faced criticism and controversy, notably in France, where it was labeled a cult by the anti-cult association ADFI. Further controversy stemmed from the conviction of its founder, Paul Baumann, in 1976 for sexual abuse of children, which has marred the community’s reputation. However, Methernitha continues to operate, adhering to its unique blend of Christian principles, environmental sustainability, and the pursuit of spiritual development.
image via Cabinet Magazine
