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Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People
Fifty-two readings on living in intentional Christian community to spark group discussion.
Gold Medal Winner, 2017 Illumination Book Awards, Christian Living
Silver Medal Winner, 2017 Benjamin Franklin Award in Religion, Independent Book Publishers Association
Why, in an age of connectivity, are our lives more isolated and fragmented than ever? And what can be done about it? The answer lies in the hands of God's people. Increasingly, today's Christians want to be the church, to follow Christ together in daily life. From every corner of society, they are daring to step away from the status quo and respond to Christ's call to share their lives more fully with one another and with others. As they take the plunge, they are discovering the rich, meaningful life that Jesus has in mind for all people, and pointing the church back to its original to be a gathered, united community that demonstrates the transforming love of God.
Of course, such a life together with others isn't easy. The selections in this volume are, by and large, written by practitioners--people who have pioneered life in intentional community and have discovered in the nitty-gritty of daily life what it takes to establish, nurture, and sustain a Christian community over the long haul.
Whether you have just begun thinking about communal living, are already embarking on sharing life with others, or have been part of a community for many years, the pieces in this collection will encourage, challenge, and strengthen you. The book's fifty-two chapters can be read one a week to ignite meaningful group discussion.
Contributors include from John F. Alexander, Eberhard Arnold, J. Heinrich Arnold, Johann Christoph Arnold, Alden Bass, Benedict of Nursia, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, Leonardo Boff, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Joan Chittister, Stephen B. Clark, Andy Crouch, Dorothy Day, Anthony de Mello, Elizabeth Dede, Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Jenny Duckworth, Friedrich Foerster, Richard J. Foster, Jodi Garbison, Arthur G. Gish, Helmut Gollwitzer, Adele J Gonzalez, Stanley Hauerwas, Joseph H. Hellerman, Roy Hession, David Janzen, Rufus Jones, Emmanuel Katongole, Arthur Katz, S�ren Kierkegaard, C. Norman Kraus, C.S. Lewis, Gerhard Lohfink, Ed Loring, Chiara Lubich, George MacDonald, Thomas Merton, Hal Miller, Jos� P. Miranda, J�rgen Moltmann, Charles E. Moore, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Elizabeth O'Connor, John M. Perkins, Eugene H.Peterson, Christine D. Pohl, Chris Rice, Basilea Schlink, Howard A. Snyder, Mother Teresa, Thomas � Kempis, Elton Trueblood, Jean Vanier, and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.
Gold Medal Winner, 2017 Illumination Book Awards, Christian Living
Silver Medal Winner, 2017 Benjamin Franklin Award in Religion, Independent Book Publishers Association
Why, in an age of connectivity, are our lives more isolated and fragmented than ever? And what can be done about it? The answer lies in the hands of God's people. Increasingly, today's Christians want to be the church, to follow Christ together in daily life. From every corner of society, they are daring to step away from the status quo and respond to Christ's call to share their lives more fully with one another and with others. As they take the plunge, they are discovering the rich, meaningful life that Jesus has in mind for all people, and pointing the church back to its original to be a gathered, united community that demonstrates the transforming love of God.
Of course, such a life together with others isn't easy. The selections in this volume are, by and large, written by practitioners--people who have pioneered life in intentional community and have discovered in the nitty-gritty of daily life what it takes to establish, nurture, and sustain a Christian community over the long haul.
Whether you have just begun thinking about communal living, are already embarking on sharing life with others, or have been part of a community for many years, the pieces in this collection will encourage, challenge, and strengthen you. The book's fifty-two chapters can be read one a week to ignite meaningful group discussion.
Contributors include from John F. Alexander, Eberhard Arnold, J. Heinrich Arnold, Johann Christoph Arnold, Alden Bass, Benedict of Nursia, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, Leonardo Boff, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Joan Chittister, Stephen B. Clark, Andy Crouch, Dorothy Day, Anthony de Mello, Elizabeth Dede, Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Jenny Duckworth, Friedrich Foerster, Richard J. Foster, Jodi Garbison, Arthur G. Gish, Helmut Gollwitzer, Adele J Gonzalez, Stanley Hauerwas, Joseph H. Hellerman, Roy Hession, David Janzen, Rufus Jones, Emmanuel Katongole, Arthur Katz, S�ren Kierkegaard, C. Norman Kraus, C.S. Lewis, Gerhard Lohfink, Ed Loring, Chiara Lubich, George MacDonald, Thomas Merton, Hal Miller, Jos� P. Miranda, J�rgen Moltmann, Charles E. Moore, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Elizabeth O'Connor, John M. Perkins, Eugene H.Peterson, Christine D. Pohl, Chris Rice, Basilea Schlink, Howard A. Snyder, Mother Teresa, Thomas � Kempis, Elton Trueblood, Jean Vanier, and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2016
157 people are currently reading
2199 people want to read
About the author
Eberhard Arnold
70 books62 followersEberhard was born in Königsberg, East Prussia into an academic family. He studied theology but, because of his views on infant baptism and his decision to leave the Lutheran church, he was refused his degree. He changed majors to philosophy. He married Emmy von Hollander and together they dedicated their lives in obedience to God’s will. This led to the beginning of community in 1920.
Eberhard was criticized for his uncompromising faith, which cost him many friends. Not wanting to form a separate sect, he always sought out others who felt as he did. This led to a year’s trip to North America (1930-31) to visit the Hutterites. He was accepted as a minister and the Bruderhof became part of the larger Hutterian movement.
When Hitler came to power in 1933 Eberhard spoke out clearly, recognizing early on the direction German politics were taking. He spent the last years of his life preparing the Brotherhood for possible persecution. Returning from a visit to government authorities in October 1933, he slipped and broke his leg—a complicated fracture which ultimately led to his death.
Eberhard was criticized for his uncompromising faith, which cost him many friends. Not wanting to form a separate sect, he always sought out others who felt as he did. This led to a year’s trip to North America (1930-31) to visit the Hutterites. He was accepted as a minister and the Bruderhof became part of the larger Hutterian movement.
When Hitler came to power in 1933 Eberhard spoke out clearly, recognizing early on the direction German politics were taking. He spent the last years of his life preparing the Brotherhood for possible persecution. Returning from a visit to government authorities in October 1933, he slipped and broke his leg—a complicated fracture which ultimately led to his death.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 30, 2016
I read this book every morning and again at night. All the commentaries urge you to live in Christian community with the Jesus' words in the background to love each other and to take care of one another. Once your in community, everyone is your brother and sister. You have a responsibility to care for everyone, not just who you get along with. This is not easy and why a lot of communities are not totally united. This book is about perseverance and keeping Jesus close to you so He can keep you strong for your neighbors.
May 31, 2016
Becoming a New Creation
A Review of Called to Community
"Faith desires to incorporate all things so that a 'new creation' can come to be...Christian faith of itself produces an impulse to bind believers in communion and by way of that communion to draw all spheres of life into God's new creation." Gerhard Lohfink
Community is a holy space that through it's structures and communion of believers becomes God's new creation in the world. It is in this holy space that people as individuals can also be transformed into a new creation, and together be part of the transformation of the neighborhood around them. For those of us who have lived in community for awhile, we know that while there is joy, celebration, and deep friendship in this space, becoming this new creation also means there are disagreements, pain, and struggle. Sometimes it feels hard to keep going. We get tired and weary, and are in need of a voice of encouragement and challenge to keep us going. I personally have needed that voice to remind me of what we are about and give me a wakeup call to get me back on the good road of community.
One of those voices came to me in the new book, Called to Community (Plough Publishing House). It is a 52-chapter treasury of wisdom, encouragement, and challenge compiled by Charles E. Moore. It is intended to be read in one year and discussed with those in your community. This collection includes selections from Eberhard Arnold, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Joan Chittister, Richard J. Foster, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, John M. Perkins, and Jean Vanier, plus many more. These are people who have spent their lives not only thinking about community, but living it out. They are voices to be trusted.
This book is not a romantic view of community. It is hard-hitting to the core of one’s soul. Stanley Hauerwas writes in the forward, "I suspect these reflections will make many readers question their assumption that they are called to community. The stark reality of these essays makes clear that when we are dealing with people we must be ready to confront one another with truths about ourselves that we seldom want to acknowledge." Every essay both encouraged and challenged me. It leaves no room for me to say, “oh, I wish so and so would read this, they need to hear it.” The writers always seemed like they were writing directly to me. A theme throughout was to embrace the ones that I disagree with or who are different than me. I wanted to slam the book shut and run, just like I often want to do with conflict. I found myself again and again realizing my own need for transformation so that I can love God, my brother and sisters, and the world in a deeper, fuller way. As I read, I received a renewed vision for our life together. I will keep this book by my bed for quite some time and read a little bit of encouragement and challenge each night to remind me of what I want to be about in our life together. I highly recommend this collection for all of us. May we all continue to be transformed into the creations that God intended.
A Review of Called to Community
"Faith desires to incorporate all things so that a 'new creation' can come to be...Christian faith of itself produces an impulse to bind believers in communion and by way of that communion to draw all spheres of life into God's new creation." Gerhard Lohfink
Community is a holy space that through it's structures and communion of believers becomes God's new creation in the world. It is in this holy space that people as individuals can also be transformed into a new creation, and together be part of the transformation of the neighborhood around them. For those of us who have lived in community for awhile, we know that while there is joy, celebration, and deep friendship in this space, becoming this new creation also means there are disagreements, pain, and struggle. Sometimes it feels hard to keep going. We get tired and weary, and are in need of a voice of encouragement and challenge to keep us going. I personally have needed that voice to remind me of what we are about and give me a wakeup call to get me back on the good road of community.
One of those voices came to me in the new book, Called to Community (Plough Publishing House). It is a 52-chapter treasury of wisdom, encouragement, and challenge compiled by Charles E. Moore. It is intended to be read in one year and discussed with those in your community. This collection includes selections from Eberhard Arnold, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Joan Chittister, Richard J. Foster, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, John M. Perkins, and Jean Vanier, plus many more. These are people who have spent their lives not only thinking about community, but living it out. They are voices to be trusted.
This book is not a romantic view of community. It is hard-hitting to the core of one’s soul. Stanley Hauerwas writes in the forward, "I suspect these reflections will make many readers question their assumption that they are called to community. The stark reality of these essays makes clear that when we are dealing with people we must be ready to confront one another with truths about ourselves that we seldom want to acknowledge." Every essay both encouraged and challenged me. It leaves no room for me to say, “oh, I wish so and so would read this, they need to hear it.” The writers always seemed like they were writing directly to me. A theme throughout was to embrace the ones that I disagree with or who are different than me. I wanted to slam the book shut and run, just like I often want to do with conflict. I found myself again and again realizing my own need for transformation so that I can love God, my brother and sisters, and the world in a deeper, fuller way. As I read, I received a renewed vision for our life together. I will keep this book by my bed for quite some time and read a little bit of encouragement and challenge each night to remind me of what I want to be about in our life together. I highly recommend this collection for all of us. May we all continue to be transformed into the creations that God intended.
November 17, 2016
"Called to Community" is a collection of writings calling people to community, and the community it calls them to is one of selflessness and connectedness, where members give up everything to be redistributed by someone else.
The writings have elements of truth interspersed throughout, sometimes compellingly, yet the collective picture that this book paints and asserts as "The Life Jesus Wants for His People" does not match the picture of community painted by Scripture.
The Forward by Stanley Hauerwas notes the loneliness that can accompany a society of freedom and autonomy. Certainly this is true.
The Introduction by Charles E Moore is a well-written treatise on the things that divide us in our modern, computerized society, and his assertion that "community is more than connectivity" resonated as truth that left me excited and hopeful about what I might find and learn in the rest of the book.
The next few chapters left a mixed taste in my mouth. Some were a little confusing, leaving me wondering how a particular chapter fit into the premise of this book. Others hit on truth that resonated, while others left me puzzled as to what was meant, and others rang out as half truths pushed beyond the bounds of the suggested source of the idea.
I took a break for a couple days and returned with renewed interest to see what I could learn about community from the authors as I picked back up in chapter 7, Christian Communism, by Jose P Miranda.
Before I finished his first page, my mouth dropped as Jose asserted that "...Jesus himself was a communist".
What!!?
I would like to believe that Jose was to trying to assert that Jesus valued community, and that He valued the giving up of personal rights and goods for the betterment of others, for that is certainly true.
Yet I suspect that this is not the mental picture of communism that most Westerners see when they read this statement, and I feared that it is not all that Jose intended by the statement.
Many Westerners think of communism the way it has shown itself in society in our day, and that means someone else, usually government, taking the goods of everyone and distributing them to others according to their own whim or set of values. This is involuntary communism, and nowhere in Scripture is this idea supported. Rather, Scripture paints a picture of us laying down our rights and goods for others repeatedly and frequently and responsibly as an expression of a heart that elevates others above self.
While the first chapters of the book of Acts cited do paint a beautiful picture of community, with many Christians voluntarily laying down some of their goods, and others donating all of their goods, for the betterment of the church and for the church community, Jose takes this beautiful example and extrapolates it to essentially conclude "Every one of you who does not renounce all he has cannot be my disciple", using the words of Jesus Himself from Luke 14:33 to make his statement. Jose concludes his chapter by declaring that it is optional to be a Christian, but that to be a Christian one must give up everything.
While the words of Jesus are beautiful, and true, and the heart that follows this fully & voluntarily is lovely, to suggest that giving up simple worldly possessions is the condition of being a Christian is not only false, it ignores the example of countless Christians in Scripture who are clearly Christians and who also clearly did not give up "all" or even "a significant portion" of their goods.
Yet Jose goes further by alleging that "The origin of the communist idea in the history of the west is the New Testament, not Jambilicus or Plato..." on page 37.
He also makes statements that, "The sermon on the mount failed too...", and that the Ten Commandments failed in history. I imagine he means that since these are not followed by everyone, and/or that no one keeps them all continuously or well. Yet to say that these are a failure since no one keeps them is like saying we should not teach piano or calculus since no one can ever completely master them.
Disheartened, and somewhat disgusted with the distortion I felt emerging from what had promised an enlightenment into understanding Biblical Community, I read on, more rapidly.
Then I arrived at chapter 12, written allegedly by Eberhard Arnold, the founder of the Bruderhof who wrote and distributed the book. He writes, "One can enter into community only if one seeks its religious secret, only if one seeks this with all one's heart, soul, thought, and powers."
Hmmm. Religious secret? Scripture is full of spiritual truth, and none of it is a secret, although many of its concepts are mysteries revealed by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Yet it is available to any who will surrender to the prodding and teaching of the Holy Spirit, and is not a secret that is only secured by entering some society that guards its truth. Eberhard's statement smacks of false teaching, or poor and misguided teaching at best.
He goes on, and writes, "People have come to join our community who claimed to understand nothing at all of religious words, but they understood the social element. Social justice, unity, brotherhood, and social harmony were their highest concern."
Folks seek their community for relationship with people rather than for spiritual enlightenment thru a relationship with God Himself? This sounds more like a cult than a Biblical community.
Eberhard goes on, "All this will be alive for us only if our first concern is not personal salvation and happiness or the fulfillment of our personal wishes, but rather that which is great, that which lives beyond us."
What? Our first concern should not be our own salvation? It seems Eberhard is suggesting a Community for the sake of Community, not a Community that Jesus wants for His people, as the book title suggests.
The first chapters of the book of Acts do paint a beautiful picture of community, as Christians voluntarily gave up their own things to minister to others in need, But some of the authors of this book extrapolate, exaggerate and inflate this passage into something more universal, legalistic, cultic, and non-Biblical.
I did find numerous passages throughout the book that offered thought-provoking ideas on community, and these were the types of ideas I'd hoped to learn, yet when these ideas are interspersed with the distortions of Scripture that I found in the writings of some of the authors, including the alleged founder of the community responsible for the book, it led me to the only rating I can offer, that of the minimum number of stars.
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
The writings have elements of truth interspersed throughout, sometimes compellingly, yet the collective picture that this book paints and asserts as "The Life Jesus Wants for His People" does not match the picture of community painted by Scripture.
The Forward by Stanley Hauerwas notes the loneliness that can accompany a society of freedom and autonomy. Certainly this is true.
The Introduction by Charles E Moore is a well-written treatise on the things that divide us in our modern, computerized society, and his assertion that "community is more than connectivity" resonated as truth that left me excited and hopeful about what I might find and learn in the rest of the book.
The next few chapters left a mixed taste in my mouth. Some were a little confusing, leaving me wondering how a particular chapter fit into the premise of this book. Others hit on truth that resonated, while others left me puzzled as to what was meant, and others rang out as half truths pushed beyond the bounds of the suggested source of the idea.
I took a break for a couple days and returned with renewed interest to see what I could learn about community from the authors as I picked back up in chapter 7, Christian Communism, by Jose P Miranda.
Before I finished his first page, my mouth dropped as Jose asserted that "...Jesus himself was a communist".
What!!?
I would like to believe that Jose was to trying to assert that Jesus valued community, and that He valued the giving up of personal rights and goods for the betterment of others, for that is certainly true.
Yet I suspect that this is not the mental picture of communism that most Westerners see when they read this statement, and I feared that it is not all that Jose intended by the statement.
Many Westerners think of communism the way it has shown itself in society in our day, and that means someone else, usually government, taking the goods of everyone and distributing them to others according to their own whim or set of values. This is involuntary communism, and nowhere in Scripture is this idea supported. Rather, Scripture paints a picture of us laying down our rights and goods for others repeatedly and frequently and responsibly as an expression of a heart that elevates others above self.
While the first chapters of the book of Acts cited do paint a beautiful picture of community, with many Christians voluntarily laying down some of their goods, and others donating all of their goods, for the betterment of the church and for the church community, Jose takes this beautiful example and extrapolates it to essentially conclude "Every one of you who does not renounce all he has cannot be my disciple", using the words of Jesus Himself from Luke 14:33 to make his statement. Jose concludes his chapter by declaring that it is optional to be a Christian, but that to be a Christian one must give up everything.
While the words of Jesus are beautiful, and true, and the heart that follows this fully & voluntarily is lovely, to suggest that giving up simple worldly possessions is the condition of being a Christian is not only false, it ignores the example of countless Christians in Scripture who are clearly Christians and who also clearly did not give up "all" or even "a significant portion" of their goods.
Yet Jose goes further by alleging that "The origin of the communist idea in the history of the west is the New Testament, not Jambilicus or Plato..." on page 37.
He also makes statements that, "The sermon on the mount failed too...", and that the Ten Commandments failed in history. I imagine he means that since these are not followed by everyone, and/or that no one keeps them all continuously or well. Yet to say that these are a failure since no one keeps them is like saying we should not teach piano or calculus since no one can ever completely master them.
Disheartened, and somewhat disgusted with the distortion I felt emerging from what had promised an enlightenment into understanding Biblical Community, I read on, more rapidly.
Then I arrived at chapter 12, written allegedly by Eberhard Arnold, the founder of the Bruderhof who wrote and distributed the book. He writes, "One can enter into community only if one seeks its religious secret, only if one seeks this with all one's heart, soul, thought, and powers."
Hmmm. Religious secret? Scripture is full of spiritual truth, and none of it is a secret, although many of its concepts are mysteries revealed by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Yet it is available to any who will surrender to the prodding and teaching of the Holy Spirit, and is not a secret that is only secured by entering some society that guards its truth. Eberhard's statement smacks of false teaching, or poor and misguided teaching at best.
He goes on, and writes, "People have come to join our community who claimed to understand nothing at all of religious words, but they understood the social element. Social justice, unity, brotherhood, and social harmony were their highest concern."
Folks seek their community for relationship with people rather than for spiritual enlightenment thru a relationship with God Himself? This sounds more like a cult than a Biblical community.
Eberhard goes on, "All this will be alive for us only if our first concern is not personal salvation and happiness or the fulfillment of our personal wishes, but rather that which is great, that which lives beyond us."
What? Our first concern should not be our own salvation? It seems Eberhard is suggesting a Community for the sake of Community, not a Community that Jesus wants for His people, as the book title suggests.
The first chapters of the book of Acts do paint a beautiful picture of community, as Christians voluntarily gave up their own things to minister to others in need, But some of the authors of this book extrapolate, exaggerate and inflate this passage into something more universal, legalistic, cultic, and non-Biblical.
I did find numerous passages throughout the book that offered thought-provoking ideas on community, and these were the types of ideas I'd hoped to learn, yet when these ideas are interspersed with the distortions of Scripture that I found in the writings of some of the authors, including the alleged founder of the community responsible for the book, it led me to the only rating I can offer, that of the minimum number of stars.
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2016
A book Christians need to read! We were gifted it and invited to join the Bruderhof in Elsmore, Australia, for a conference discussing Christian Community. The prophetic nature of the book and our experience of generous welcome in the community have really affected me and will stay with me.
Individualism and materialism have permeated all of life and skewed our ideas around what it means to be a Christian in the West. The thoughts on community contained in this book are dangerous, painful and beautifully hopeful. Dangerous because they threaten to shake up so many of our ideas, painful because they require difficult change and sacrifice, and hopeful because if the Church can do community well, even in spite of our brokenness, we can be a part of the Kingdom of God, here on Earth.
I underlined and scribbled notes the whole way through and I am sure I will refer back to these pages often. I am not left with any easy solutions, but with a desire to work through the challenges particular to my context, with others as passionate about our need for community.
I would love to take the time to read this book again, as recommended, one chapter a week for a year, sharing a meal with friends and disusing the content. There is so much to grapple with and the chapter sections are short and meaty at the same time. Want to join me?
Individualism and materialism have permeated all of life and skewed our ideas around what it means to be a Christian in the West. The thoughts on community contained in this book are dangerous, painful and beautifully hopeful. Dangerous because they threaten to shake up so many of our ideas, painful because they require difficult change and sacrifice, and hopeful because if the Church can do community well, even in spite of our brokenness, we can be a part of the Kingdom of God, here on Earth.
I underlined and scribbled notes the whole way through and I am sure I will refer back to these pages often. I am not left with any easy solutions, but with a desire to work through the challenges particular to my context, with others as passionate about our need for community.
I would love to take the time to read this book again, as recommended, one chapter a week for a year, sharing a meal with friends and disusing the content. There is so much to grapple with and the chapter sections are short and meaty at the same time. Want to join me?
May 12, 2016
This book is a compilation of those who have participated in Christian community or who are at least very familiar with it. I had no idea how difficult such a thing could be. The authors tell us of the many problems of community which may arise due to our preconceived notions, egos, sin etc. which make it very difficult, but not impossible to achieve. We must remember that we are all human and all sinners so even in community nothing is perfect and to think that it can be achieved is to fool ourselves. Anything thinking of Christian community must read this book to receive an abundance of help from those who have done so. Received through Goodreads giveaway, and am happy that I did.
J. Robert Ewbank author “John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms” “Wesley’s Wars” “To Whom It May Concern” and “Tell Me About the United Methodist Church”
J. Robert Ewbank author “John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms” “Wesley’s Wars” “To Whom It May Concern” and “Tell Me About the United Methodist Church”
June 3, 2023
This book took me a long time to get through, but I really enjoyed it. The thoughts and stories introduced in each essay/excerpt provided plenty to reflect on, and to breeze through one after another felt like a disservice to myself and a dishonor to the authors. Some of the ideas are challenging intellectually; most are challenging practically. I definitely will be coming back to this book in the future.
August 24, 2016
Summary: A collection of readings on Christian community centered around the Bruderhof Community but also including theologians and writers from throughout church history.
The Bruderhof communities, beginning with the initial ones formed by Eberhard Arnold, are in the vanguard of a movement among Christians longing for a greater depth of community than ordinarily experienced in congregational life, including intentional communities of Christians sharing accommodations and life together. This book represents a collection of writings published by Plough, the Bruderhof publishing arm, including Arnold and other Bruderhof authors, but also a diverse collection of writers on community including Benedict of Nursia, Eugene Peterson, George MacDonald, C. S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Jean Vanier of the L'Arche communities. This volume, organized into 52 chapters that may be used by groups over a year, brings together some of the best writing by these and a number of other writers on community.
The book is organized into four parts. The first is "A Call to Community". Gerhard Lohfink's statement in the chapter on Embodiment was a stunner:
"For many Christians it would not be a turning point in their lives if they decided, one day, to stop praying tomorrow, to leave off going to church next Sunday...."
This section challenges us to consider the call to something that is central rather than peripheral to our lives.
The next part is on "Forming Community." It includes Dietrich Bonhoeffer's telling observations on "Idealism" from his Life Together, and a wonderful contribution from fellow Ohio Art Gish on "Surrender."
Part Three discusses "Life in Community." The chapter on "Deeds" includes Mother Teresa talking about not despising small things, and John F. Alexander's challenge to focus not on using gifts but cleaning toilets. Working through issues of "Irritations", "Differences", and "Conflict" the section concludes with essays by Richard Foster and Jean Vanier about "Celebration."
The last section is titled "Beyond the Community". One of the most moving essays is that by Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice describing how they "interrupted" a series of five minute reports at a World Congress to wash one another's feet before the assembly. Several chapters in this section talk about boundaries and the real tension between compassion and self-care that allows one to continue to minister and recognizes personal limits. The collection ends with Dorothy Day's incisive comments on "Mercy."
The book includes a study guide with questions and scripture readings for each chapter as well as sources for further study. It seems the perfect resource for a group who wants to go deeper in community, whether they have formed a more intentional community or not.
One of the things that commends this collection is its catholicity, and the stature of those whose writings are included. To listen to those who have lived community across the centuries is to drink at a deep well of wisdom. This is not just the latest "new monastics" thinking or the latest offerings from the Emergent Church. The call to community is challenging, and yet the recognition of the real challenges of community both tempers naive enthusiasm and offers wise counsel to those who pursue intentional communities out of faithfulness to Christ.
______________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The Bruderhof communities, beginning with the initial ones formed by Eberhard Arnold, are in the vanguard of a movement among Christians longing for a greater depth of community than ordinarily experienced in congregational life, including intentional communities of Christians sharing accommodations and life together. This book represents a collection of writings published by Plough, the Bruderhof publishing arm, including Arnold and other Bruderhof authors, but also a diverse collection of writers on community including Benedict of Nursia, Eugene Peterson, George MacDonald, C. S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Jean Vanier of the L'Arche communities. This volume, organized into 52 chapters that may be used by groups over a year, brings together some of the best writing by these and a number of other writers on community.
The book is organized into four parts. The first is "A Call to Community". Gerhard Lohfink's statement in the chapter on Embodiment was a stunner:
"For many Christians it would not be a turning point in their lives if they decided, one day, to stop praying tomorrow, to leave off going to church next Sunday...."
This section challenges us to consider the call to something that is central rather than peripheral to our lives.
The next part is on "Forming Community." It includes Dietrich Bonhoeffer's telling observations on "Idealism" from his Life Together, and a wonderful contribution from fellow Ohio Art Gish on "Surrender."
Part Three discusses "Life in Community." The chapter on "Deeds" includes Mother Teresa talking about not despising small things, and John F. Alexander's challenge to focus not on using gifts but cleaning toilets. Working through issues of "Irritations", "Differences", and "Conflict" the section concludes with essays by Richard Foster and Jean Vanier about "Celebration."
The last section is titled "Beyond the Community". One of the most moving essays is that by Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice describing how they "interrupted" a series of five minute reports at a World Congress to wash one another's feet before the assembly. Several chapters in this section talk about boundaries and the real tension between compassion and self-care that allows one to continue to minister and recognizes personal limits. The collection ends with Dorothy Day's incisive comments on "Mercy."
The book includes a study guide with questions and scripture readings for each chapter as well as sources for further study. It seems the perfect resource for a group who wants to go deeper in community, whether they have formed a more intentional community or not.
One of the things that commends this collection is its catholicity, and the stature of those whose writings are included. To listen to those who have lived community across the centuries is to drink at a deep well of wisdom. This is not just the latest "new monastics" thinking or the latest offerings from the Emergent Church. The call to community is challenging, and yet the recognition of the real challenges of community both tempers naive enthusiasm and offers wise counsel to those who pursue intentional communities out of faithfulness to Christ.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 4, 2024
Not a bad collection of writings about Christian community but quality varies from writer to writer. My biggest problem with the book is that most of the contributors are part of radical communities, and while I admire their willingness to live those lives, but it often leads to a warped or unrealistic expectation for the vast majority of Christians who are trying to live faithful lives in their churches and communities where radical community would be a hindrance not a help, not to mention other theological disagreements one might have. For example, one author points out in their community that everyone just works menial jobs, are discouraged from taking jobs that would be too time consuming, and shares all the money and that is the best example of serving Christ. Not all of that is bad in theory, but imagine extrapolating that out from a community of five to 25? Or even 50? Is the best way for someone who is skilled in medicine to sling burgers at McDonald's? So many of these communities are influenced by the monastic traditions, but even monastic orders had a place for expertise and provided skilled service
If there were to be a third volume the editors should cast a wider theological and experiential net. What does this look like at a parish level? Was it all bad? No, there's good stuff in here. It is just hampered in applicability, though I appreciated the discussion questions provided in the back.
All in all, good for challenge, not good for application.
If there were to be a third volume the editors should cast a wider theological and experiential net. What does this look like at a parish level? Was it all bad? No, there's good stuff in here. It is just hampered in applicability, though I appreciated the discussion questions provided in the back.
All in all, good for challenge, not good for application.
October 16, 2017
The different selections in this book reflect on what it means to live out the Christin life in community with believers, predominantly in the context of a commune. The readings are insightful, provoking serious thought on the issue of Christian fellowship, challenging one to shift a bit or change entirely what we think it means to be a Christian, both in relation to other believers and, although not really the purpose of the book, unbelievers.
In some respects the thoughts shared are too idealistic, in my opinion, and surpass the realm of the practical in consideration of the way the world really is and how we really are as Christians and fallen creatures; nevertheless, to dismiss what is stated in these pages is to dismiss and, perhaps, even refuse God's high-calling to fellowship with one another as Christians in unity with Christ.
A few short essays are included in each titled section discussing Community, Forming a Community, Life in Community, and Beyond the Community. If you're looking for a book that will deal seriously with the deep issues of the heart, especially our self-centeredness, this is the one for you.
In some respects the thoughts shared are too idealistic, in my opinion, and surpass the realm of the practical in consideration of the way the world really is and how we really are as Christians and fallen creatures; nevertheless, to dismiss what is stated in these pages is to dismiss and, perhaps, even refuse God's high-calling to fellowship with one another as Christians in unity with Christ.
A few short essays are included in each titled section discussing Community, Forming a Community, Life in Community, and Beyond the Community. If you're looking for a book that will deal seriously with the deep issues of the heart, especially our self-centeredness, this is the one for you.
October 6, 2016
This is a perfect book for a church small group or an intentional Christian community to read through together. My group is made up of people who all live in the same under-resourced urban neighborhood, though our "standard" church small groups are also using the book and enjoying it. On the surface level, I love that the book does all the work for you. No need to create curriculum as a pastor or small group leader as the format for the book works perfectly. We read a chapter aloud then there is discussion questions and Scripture readings included. But much deeper than that, and what I love most, is how the readings have helped us see how most of the definitions we use for Church today come from American values, not from biblical values.
These aren’t easy concepts to digest. We all agree with them, but it’s a challenge to figure out how to apply them within the construct we are all used to. Walking this journey in community allows the Lord to convict us simultaneously, allowing him to reshape our collective paradigm not only for Church, but the Christian walk itself.
These aren’t easy concepts to digest. We all agree with them, but it’s a challenge to figure out how to apply them within the construct we are all used to. Walking this journey in community allows the Lord to convict us simultaneously, allowing him to reshape our collective paradigm not only for Church, but the Christian walk itself.
May 7, 2018
This was an interesting read, but I think it would be more for a group setting, rather than personal reading, unless you have time to ruminate in between essays. I enjoyed parts of the book, others seemed heavy and cumbersome. However, with many of the authors writing from their specific viewpoints on community throughout history, I can see how it would be difficult to place each opinion in a box. Really worth a read if you're seeking information and opinions on the importance of community. I would most likely still purchase a hard copy for the good stuff and leave the more cumbersome essays out. ;)
Thanks to #NetGalley, I reviewed this in a PDF format. All opinions above are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.*
Thanks to #NetGalley, I reviewed this in a PDF format. All opinions above are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.*
May 4, 2016
This is a Goodreads win review. This is just my kind of book. When I lived in CA for years we never had Sunday off to even belong to any church. Since I moved I have joined a nice church. This book is about an excellent subject. Each chapter has it's own subject written by someone, it is a collection of writers. I myself do not like to live Christian only on Sunday for show but actually practice my faith daily. This book talks about sharing our faith and our life with others and the community at large. It wants us to get back to the roots of gathering and being united. We need an intentional community to sustain a good community.
January 6, 2018
Surrender to the better self.
Begin the New Year with 52 weeks of practicing your spiritual journey with those who have gone before us and left a blazing trail.
Here are a few quotations that I have kept in my notes:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Idealism " God is not a God of the emotions but the God of truth"
Eberhard Arnold: Obstacles "Everything we have is the unmerited gift of God. Ask for grace"
Arthur G Gish: Surrender " It is those who have nothing to lose who are the most free to be faithful"
Discussion guide for small groups.
Remembering that we are not alone on this journey.
Begin the New Year with 52 weeks of practicing your spiritual journey with those who have gone before us and left a blazing trail.
Here are a few quotations that I have kept in my notes:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Idealism " God is not a God of the emotions but the God of truth"
Eberhard Arnold: Obstacles "Everything we have is the unmerited gift of God. Ask for grace"
Arthur G Gish: Surrender " It is those who have nothing to lose who are the most free to be faithful"
Discussion guide for small groups.
Remembering that we are not alone on this journey.
December 8, 2018
52 reading from a wide range of writers around the central theme of how to live out Jesus' call to be in community. As with any anthology, I related to some excerpts more deeply than others. I would love to read this with others, and discuss the questions that go with the readings. Recommended especially for American Christians seeking to break through our culture of individualism. Review based on an ARC received through NetGalley.
December 13, 2018
We read selections from this book for my church community group. I found it absolutely fascinating, and it sparked great debate amongst our group. There was so much to talk about and many opportunities to go back to scripture.
October 18, 2016
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review...
A decent book, well put-together, great for anyone who is a strong believer and Christian.
A decent book, well put-together, great for anyone who is a strong believer and Christian.
December 22, 2016
Excellent book. Loved the variety of voices. Made me think a lot about relationships, community, justice, etc.
May 29, 2024
I read through this with the Adult Ed class of the little church I pastor.
The challenge, for those of us who do not live fully in intentional or collective Christian communities, is finding that place where these writings speak to our choice to be community together. We're not goin' full Acts 2, even if that is...to be honest...my sense of the best way to do the church thing.
That's just so much of a reach for folks, and so instead taking the learnings from those who have successfully chosen to be intentional and collective in sharing church life together? It works well to cast a light on how we share space, how we work together, how we build the church portion of our lives together.
While we all didn't resonate to every reading, one of the great strengths of this collection is that it draws from the polycultural voice of the Christian faith. Writings come from every corner of our ancient tradition, and are well selected to harmonize with one another.
A note...I'd read the original version in preparing for the class, and this edition...which deletes some voices that ultimately brought shame on the church...is a worthy update. Not all are perfect, but...so it goes.
A four point four, and a good way to get your particular Jesus tribe thinking about how to best do life together.
The challenge, for those of us who do not live fully in intentional or collective Christian communities, is finding that place where these writings speak to our choice to be community together. We're not goin' full Acts 2, even if that is...to be honest...my sense of the best way to do the church thing.
That's just so much of a reach for folks, and so instead taking the learnings from those who have successfully chosen to be intentional and collective in sharing church life together? It works well to cast a light on how we share space, how we work together, how we build the church portion of our lives together.
While we all didn't resonate to every reading, one of the great strengths of this collection is that it draws from the polycultural voice of the Christian faith. Writings come from every corner of our ancient tradition, and are well selected to harmonize with one another.
A note...I'd read the original version in preparing for the class, and this edition...which deletes some voices that ultimately brought shame on the church...is a worthy update. Not all are perfect, but...so it goes.
A four point four, and a good way to get your particular Jesus tribe thinking about how to best do life together.
February 17, 2024
I was drawn to this title because our church is studying the topic of communion of the saints. This book is a collection of short essays by a variety of Christian thinkers on the topic of Christian community. There are 52 essays which lend themselves to being read one a week, pondered, and possibly discussed with others in the community of faith. Whether or not you agree with every concept presented, this book is valuable in encouraging Christians to consider the biblical mandate for believers to be closely connected to other members of the body of Christ on this earth. This is particularly challenging for we Americans who pride ourselves on our independence, self-sufficiency, and individualism. But scripture states that the world will know we are Christians by our love for one another—and we need to know one another more than superficially in order to love well. Lots of food for thought (and action) here. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 16, 2024
"Called to Community" is a collection of essays that explore the concept of intentional Christian community. It is edited by Charles E. Moore, and contributors include theologians, writers, and practitioners who share their experiences and insights on living in community.
The book delves into various aspects of intentional community, such as the biblical foundation for community, the challenges and joys of communal living, and practical guidance for seeking and cultivating community in one's own life. It offers a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the communal way of life.
Overall, "Called to Community" has received positive feedback from readers who appreciate the diverse range of voices and the thoughtful exploration of community living. It offers inspiration, encouragement, and practical advice for those interested in exploring intentional community or deepening their understanding of this way of life.
The book delves into various aspects of intentional community, such as the biblical foundation for community, the challenges and joys of communal living, and practical guidance for seeking and cultivating community in one's own life. It offers a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the communal way of life.
Overall, "Called to Community" has received positive feedback from readers who appreciate the diverse range of voices and the thoughtful exploration of community living. It offers inspiration, encouragement, and practical advice for those interested in exploring intentional community or deepening their understanding of this way of life.
January 4, 2024
One of God’s greatest commandments to his people is “Love one another.” In this book from Plough Publishing, contains 52 essays on creating communities based on the concept of living this ideal. One of the things I like most about this book is that there are so many different authors, ranging from Mother Teresa to C.S. Lewis to Fyodor Dostoevsky. They each offer their own interpretation and advice for living a life that creates Heaven on Earth. It’s an excellent book that makes you think, not only about the people around you and how to reach out to them, but also about yourself and your relationship with God and your fellow human beings. I cannot recommend it enough.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2025
I love this book. I strayed from Christianity long ago as I began to see it as a religion of hate (as depicted by western society). This book has given me faith that it is really about love and community. It has given me hope.
May 29, 2024
A 3.769.
April 5, 2025
Chapters are uneven. Best as a discussion book for a group.
June 9, 2025
Booked filled with great excerpts, teaching me that in community I am not blameless in my actions or words. Commuity is hard, but God desires it for his people.
January 29, 2024
This is a book that will contribute to understanding the whys of Christian community. The 52 selections included in this book will be useful for a year of weekly group study. There is a detailed discussion guide in the appendix. This book is well written and has an edited guide for living a life in a Christian community.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
April 24, 2024
Surprisingly, this book is better balanced than I expected. I was glad to see articles criticizing the church for not creating the proper community as well as ones extolling what the church does well. What I didn't see that I would have liked to have read was community without church. I know that's the basis of this. But you can be a community without it just being Christian. Jesus would have wanted us to bring everyone to the table. The book addresses this only within the Christian sphere.
The book has essays from various times, places, and sexes (I won't say gender because it's not that well-balanced).
Christians will enjoy the enlightenment and even the Christians that are written in an understandable and relational way.
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
The book has essays from various times, places, and sexes (I won't say gender because it's not that well-balanced).
Christians will enjoy the enlightenment and even the Christians that are written in an understandable and relational way.
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
January 3, 2025
Plough continues to delight, educate and inspire with this marvelous assembly of writers and thinkers on the subject of Christian community. Imagine my surprise when my copy immediately opened to Anthony de Mello. And as always Plough does the unexpected opening this rich collection with a wonderful story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. This is not a book to be read slavishly cover to cover. Rather journey through with writers familiar-Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton-and those soon discovered and savored. Benedictine Kathleen Norris sent me from pages of this book to rediscovery of a marvelous farewell message penned to me over forty years ago by a gentle monk as I left a summer program at St. Meinrad's in Indiana. I have lived in community-that house of scholastics briefly, a novitiate, a seminary, and numerous rectories. I could have used this book then! On a larger scale today, as society seems increasingly divided in a tangle of politics and (often loudly self professed) Christianity, these thoughts from these thinkers such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer who knew the silence and often collusion of religion with oppressive political regimes ring clearly in a needed lesson. Thank you so much for my copy to be savored and treasured and revisited.
Read
January 2, 2026My husband & I are reading through this book in 2025. There are 52 essays with a discussion question section at the end. With the variety of voices from various Christian traditions, one is likely to meet with views that resonate as well as views that challenge or even, as a very few reviewers indicate, red flags in regard to theology.
The adventure begins.
Chapter 2: I highlighted these words: "The primary function of a church, if it is to be the continuing body of Christ in the world is to raise human life out of its secular drift and to give reality to the eternal here in the midst of time."
Chapter 3: "Unless we have community in the flesh, in things material, we will never have it in spiritual matters (1 John 3:16-18). We are not mere spirits. We are human beings of flesh and blood."
The adventure begins.
Chapter 2: I highlighted these words: "The primary function of a church, if it is to be the continuing body of Christ in the world is to raise human life out of its secular drift and to give reality to the eternal here in the midst of time."
Chapter 3: "Unless we have community in the flesh, in things material, we will never have it in spiritual matters (1 John 3:16-18). We are not mere spirits. We are human beings of flesh and blood."
January 13, 2017
I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway! Religious/Christian book - This is a great book about loving one another and working with one another through out life and life issues. Never work against each other, because we all know where that will get you! I am sure we have all experienced a time or another in either family or work where there is an issue and instead of working together to find common ground to make everyone happy - the place turns crazy or in to a war where there is one side against another. Life is too short. You should do more for others, and more for others outside of your family. It was a great read!
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