What do you think?
Jesus comes to the sick: Brotherhood meetings
A stunning photo essay paired with 100 stories of members gives a rare glimpse into the Bruderhof, a Christian community that has stood the test of time.
Yes, it is possible to create a society where there are no rich or poor, where children and elderly are welcome, where no one lives in isolation. Meet 100 individuals from diverse backgrounds who ventured everything to build a life together where everyone belongs and each can contribute, pooling their income, possessions, talents, and energy.
As the community marks its first 100 years, the people in this book tell why they have chosen this radical way of life and share insights gleaned along the way. Their stories represent a cross section of the Bruderhof as an international and intergenerational community. With photography by British photojournalist Danny Burrows, this book celebrates what is possible when people take a leap of faith. It will inspire anyone working to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.
Yes, it is possible to create a society where there are no rich or poor, where children and elderly are welcome, where no one lives in isolation. Meet 100 individuals from diverse backgrounds who ventured everything to build a life together where everyone belongs and each can contribute, pooling their income, possessions, talents, and energy.
As the community marks its first 100 years, the people in this book tell why they have chosen this radical way of life and share insights gleaned along the way. Their stories represent a cross section of the Bruderhof as an international and intergenerational community. With photography by British photojournalist Danny Burrows, this book celebrates what is possible when people take a leap of faith. It will inspire anyone working to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.
10 pages, Unknown Binding
Published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 23, 2020
I've always wanted to try to live the way Jesus taught us to, to truly follow Him, but while I love my church, it never seemed like enough. I have too much and so many have nothing, let alone enough. I feel inadequate to be His hands and feet. I'm too wrapped up in the world and my desires. Then I saw this book offered on NetGalley and was drawn in by the picture on the cover. Requested it and was granted it.
And wow has my life changed, just in knowing the Bruderhof exist. After this whole Pandemic thing has calmed down enough to travel responsibly and safely, I am visiting one of these communities. I want to see it for myself. "Come and see."
They've been around for 100 years and still going strong. To me, that's not a commune, that's not a cult, that's REAL.
I probably sound a tad off saying all of this, but the title of the book is so TRUE. Another life IS possible. The stories in the book aren't all about how perfect life in the Bruderhof community is, they are real people with real problems, sorrows and joys, but I've always thought it wonderful that Believer's have an invisible means of support. In this community, it's visible as well as invisible. It's beautiful.
Now, it doesn't all seem perfect, for example, the women all wear skirts/dresses, in EVERY picture, so I can imagine that's how they dress all of the time. I personally HATE skirts and dresses, so should I want to actually join a community, that will be a great way for me to get over myself and my desires. I'm good with the floor-length of said skirts and dresses, it's just the lack of pants wearing at all that irks me.
The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and, obviously, the people all appear to be happy, but would you put any unhappy mugs in a book about your community? I'm sure they are all pretty peaceful though. I want to see for myself.
5, I am so glad that I finally learned about this community of Believers now, stars. Highly recommended book, for all.
My thanks to NetGalley and Plough Publishing House for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
And wow has my life changed, just in knowing the Bruderhof exist. After this whole Pandemic thing has calmed down enough to travel responsibly and safely, I am visiting one of these communities. I want to see it for myself. "Come and see."
They've been around for 100 years and still going strong. To me, that's not a commune, that's not a cult, that's REAL.
I probably sound a tad off saying all of this, but the title of the book is so TRUE. Another life IS possible. The stories in the book aren't all about how perfect life in the Bruderhof community is, they are real people with real problems, sorrows and joys, but I've always thought it wonderful that Believer's have an invisible means of support. In this community, it's visible as well as invisible. It's beautiful.
Now, it doesn't all seem perfect, for example, the women all wear skirts/dresses, in EVERY picture, so I can imagine that's how they dress all of the time. I personally HATE skirts and dresses, so should I want to actually join a community, that will be a great way for me to get over myself and my desires. I'm good with the floor-length of said skirts and dresses, it's just the lack of pants wearing at all that irks me.
The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and, obviously, the people all appear to be happy, but would you put any unhappy mugs in a book about your community? I'm sure they are all pretty peaceful though. I want to see for myself.
5, I am so glad that I finally learned about this community of Believers now, stars. Highly recommended book, for all.
My thanks to NetGalley and Plough Publishing House for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
The Bruderhof (German for “Brotherhood”) are an Anabaptist offshoot that began in Germany in 1920 and spread worldwide. Considering the barefoot children and women with historic dresses and covered heads, they’re easy to conflate with the Amish, with whom they share roots. But imagine the Amish with a more sanguine view of technology and the outside world, lots of multimillion-dollar businesses, and a 1960s commune’s grasp of all things in common and social justice, and you have the Bruderhof.
This exquisite coffee-table book from Plough Publishing consists almost exclusively of breathtaking photos by Danny Burroughs and personal stories from Bruderhof members, past and present, from around the world. The Bruderhof has 26 settlements around the globe, and its members are committed to a First Century vision of Christianity: owning everything in common, no poverty, no hunger, helping one another, meaningful work for all — and working for social justice so as to love their neighbors in the outside world as themselves. Meals are communal; the community has its own clinic (free, of course); employees’ families come before the Bruderhof businesses; women have their own professions; disputes are handled through mediation; children learn vocational and academic skills while getting plenty of playtime and time outdoors; lectures, sermons and school lessons openly weave messages against racism, militarism and inequality, and for universal love and unselfish devotion to God; everyone gets excellent health care; the community ensures that new mothers, the ill, the elderly, the children with special needs and the bereaved get the extra help they need; the young volunteer at local nonprofits (or donate their proceeds if they’re paid); the sect ensures that abandoned women and orphans do not suffer as they would in the greater world. This riveting book nearly brought me to tears more than once. It’s the Utopian vision that I’ve always craved: a world without war or violence (the Bruderhof, like all Anabaptists, are pacifists), poverty, racism, ignorance, greed, shallowness or inequality. So appealing.
And yet.
Plough Publishing is the Bruderhof’s own publishing house, so you might expect Another Life Is Possible: Insights from 100 Years of Life Together to gloss over some of the Bruderhof’s more problematic views. And it does. You won’t read about the lack of democracy, with a small group of men calling the shots. Neither will you find out about shunnings, banishments and rigid adherence to conformity, public shamings, nor their strict adherence to traditional gender roles at home (regardless of their leeway in the professional world), and unrelenting opposition to homosexuality and divorce. The book only hints at the Bruderhof’s adamant opposition to abortion. Lastly, those who have left the Bruderhof said, as recently as this month, that the Bruderhof punishes “leavers” by cutting them off from their families. And still, the temptation to leave this world for a better way is nearly irresistible. This lovely coffee-table book does show that another way is possible: the world of the First Century Christian church, with no inequality, racism, want or lack of medical care. That’s a great vision for anyone. And I’m still inspired to seek that heaven on this earth.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Plough Publishing House in exchange for an honest review.
This exquisite coffee-table book from Plough Publishing consists almost exclusively of breathtaking photos by Danny Burroughs and personal stories from Bruderhof members, past and present, from around the world. The Bruderhof has 26 settlements around the globe, and its members are committed to a First Century vision of Christianity: owning everything in common, no poverty, no hunger, helping one another, meaningful work for all — and working for social justice so as to love their neighbors in the outside world as themselves. Meals are communal; the community has its own clinic (free, of course); employees’ families come before the Bruderhof businesses; women have their own professions; disputes are handled through mediation; children learn vocational and academic skills while getting plenty of playtime and time outdoors; lectures, sermons and school lessons openly weave messages against racism, militarism and inequality, and for universal love and unselfish devotion to God; everyone gets excellent health care; the community ensures that new mothers, the ill, the elderly, the children with special needs and the bereaved get the extra help they need; the young volunteer at local nonprofits (or donate their proceeds if they’re paid); the sect ensures that abandoned women and orphans do not suffer as they would in the greater world. This riveting book nearly brought me to tears more than once. It’s the Utopian vision that I’ve always craved: a world without war or violence (the Bruderhof, like all Anabaptists, are pacifists), poverty, racism, ignorance, greed, shallowness or inequality. So appealing.
And yet.
Plough Publishing is the Bruderhof’s own publishing house, so you might expect Another Life Is Possible: Insights from 100 Years of Life Together to gloss over some of the Bruderhof’s more problematic views. And it does. You won’t read about the lack of democracy, with a small group of men calling the shots. Neither will you find out about shunnings, banishments and rigid adherence to conformity, public shamings, nor their strict adherence to traditional gender roles at home (regardless of their leeway in the professional world), and unrelenting opposition to homosexuality and divorce. The book only hints at the Bruderhof’s adamant opposition to abortion. Lastly, those who have left the Bruderhof said, as recently as this month, that the Bruderhof punishes “leavers” by cutting them off from their families. And still, the temptation to leave this world for a better way is nearly irresistible. This lovely coffee-table book does show that another way is possible: the world of the First Century Christian church, with no inequality, racism, want or lack of medical care. That’s a great vision for anyone. And I’m still inspired to seek that heaven on this earth.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Plough Publishing House in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2020
I first opened this book back in February, more than two months ago. It's not that Another Life Is Possible isn't a page-turner (it is), or that it's a long read (it really isn't). Rather, it's that each story captures you in a different way - as stories do - and reading slowly seems right for this book.
Another Life Is Possible is a collection of short stories from members of the Bruderhof over their 100 year history, with each story telling the tale of an different individual or a family. The stories are both informational and formational, with each one detailing a different aspect of the communal life, or another person's take on intentional community.
Unlike other Anabaptist groups, the Bruderhof do not practice birth membership. Even children born within the Bruderhof must wait until adulthood to decide whether or not to commit to a life in the community. Hence, many of the stories include an element of decision: "This is what drew us to the Bruderhof", or "This is why I decided to stay when I became an adult." If you are like me, an outsider who is deeply committed to community, you'll find this part of each story intriguing.
As always, there are stories the book doesn't tell. Others have not found life in the Bruderhof to be for them, and have left for various reasons. Many of these stories are accessible elsewhere, and some are quite painful. Regardless, I found the book to be fair in its objective and its bias. Many people have found belonging, purpose, and joy in the Bruderhof communities, and their stories are told here. Another life really is possible, and the broader Christian church has much to learn from the communal witness of the Bruderhof.
The book itself is a delight to read, and is formatted beautifully. The photography of Danny Burrows and the skillful editorial weaving of Clare Stober work together well with the bright colors, and the quotes and anecdotes placed throughout. You'll find Another Life Is Possible very accessible, and a joy to page through.
I recommend Another Life Is Possible without restraint. Whether or not you profess Christian faith, you'll find the stories inspiring and refreshing, and likely be challenged along the way.
*I received this book from Edelweiss and Plough Publishing House in exchange for an honest review.
Another Life Is Possible is a collection of short stories from members of the Bruderhof over their 100 year history, with each story telling the tale of an different individual or a family. The stories are both informational and formational, with each one detailing a different aspect of the communal life, or another person's take on intentional community.
Unlike other Anabaptist groups, the Bruderhof do not practice birth membership. Even children born within the Bruderhof must wait until adulthood to decide whether or not to commit to a life in the community. Hence, many of the stories include an element of decision: "This is what drew us to the Bruderhof", or "This is why I decided to stay when I became an adult." If you are like me, an outsider who is deeply committed to community, you'll find this part of each story intriguing.
As always, there are stories the book doesn't tell. Others have not found life in the Bruderhof to be for them, and have left for various reasons. Many of these stories are accessible elsewhere, and some are quite painful. Regardless, I found the book to be fair in its objective and its bias. Many people have found belonging, purpose, and joy in the Bruderhof communities, and their stories are told here. Another life really is possible, and the broader Christian church has much to learn from the communal witness of the Bruderhof.
The book itself is a delight to read, and is formatted beautifully. The photography of Danny Burrows and the skillful editorial weaving of Clare Stober work together well with the bright colors, and the quotes and anecdotes placed throughout. You'll find Another Life Is Possible very accessible, and a joy to page through.
I recommend Another Life Is Possible without restraint. Whether or not you profess Christian faith, you'll find the stories inspiring and refreshing, and likely be challenged along the way.
*I received this book from Edelweiss and Plough Publishing House in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
Great photographs, but this was a missed opportunity. I was interested in how an intentional community could be sustained over time. This book did not enlighten me. There were too many repetitive stories, and no substance.
September 13, 2020
I won this book in the giveaway! This year has been very difficult emotionally and Another Life Is Possible lifted my spirits and gave me more hope than I've had in a while for my future. A wonderfully enlightening read!
November 25, 2020
Don't mistake the brilliant photography and size of this book for a coffee table edition. Inside is the story of real people of all ages who chose a different lifestyle and community that provides both freedom and structure to live a healthy, peaceful life. It's a great illustration of how "it takes a village" truly works. It's not theory. It's not a "commune." It's real people who tell us from their own experiences and backgrounds how living in this faith-based community changed their lives and hearts.
June 3, 2020
super
May 19, 2024
I’ve been fascinated with Amish & Mennonite communities for decades, & had recently discovered the Hutterites, but I had never heard of the Bruderhof before coming across this book by chance. It did take me a week and a half to read, because I wanted to savour the entries in the book- to really absorb what led each person to the group & to ponder what each individual’s experience was once they got there.
I pored over this book- the beautiful photographs, the way the community functions, the whole concept. It was enlightening. So many times I thought I was getting a handle on their way of life & something would surprise me & I’d have to readjust my understanding. Like they don’t have tv or other pop culture things & you start to think they’re a bit cut off & sheltered, but then you find out they run global, entrepreneurial companies & have all these degrees & qualifications, & they have a social media team.
I love that it’s a community that embraces the value in every person, regardless of your past or your age or your ability level. The elderly are cared for, new mothers supported, people with special needs given a purpose. The childhoods look idyllic & remind me a lot of nature-based home schooling. They appear to be very well educated, creative, & cultured. The support network looks phenomenal. It’s certainly a unique way of doing life, & very thought-provoking.
I pored over this book- the beautiful photographs, the way the community functions, the whole concept. It was enlightening. So many times I thought I was getting a handle on their way of life & something would surprise me & I’d have to readjust my understanding. Like they don’t have tv or other pop culture things & you start to think they’re a bit cut off & sheltered, but then you find out they run global, entrepreneurial companies & have all these degrees & qualifications, & they have a social media team.
I love that it’s a community that embraces the value in every person, regardless of your past or your age or your ability level. The elderly are cared for, new mothers supported, people with special needs given a purpose. The childhoods look idyllic & remind me a lot of nature-based home schooling. They appear to be very well educated, creative, & cultured. The support network looks phenomenal. It’s certainly a unique way of doing life, & very thought-provoking.
June 8, 2020
The Bruderhof, an Anabaptist community was started by Eberhard Arnold in the 1920s. Based on the tenets of the Sermon on the Mount and the community lifestyle of the first Christians, they now have communities in 26 countries around the world.
Another Life is Possible is a beautiful coffee-table book which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first community created by Ebohard Arnold in the 1920s in Germany. It contains the stories of over 100 community members from diverse backgrounds, who tell what drew them to become a part of the community where each member gives up everything to (as the publisher's book blurb states) "build a life together where everyone belongs and each can contribute, pooling their income, possessions, talents, and energy."
Accompanied by pictures by photo-journalist Danny Burrows which show the members of various Bruderhof communities at work, at play, at worship and at rest, this is a book one will linger over. A most interesting read!
My thanks to NetGalley and to Plough Publishing for allowing me to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Another Life is Possible is a beautiful coffee-table book which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first community created by Ebohard Arnold in the 1920s in Germany. It contains the stories of over 100 community members from diverse backgrounds, who tell what drew them to become a part of the community where each member gives up everything to (as the publisher's book blurb states) "build a life together where everyone belongs and each can contribute, pooling their income, possessions, talents, and energy."
Accompanied by pictures by photo-journalist Danny Burrows which show the members of various Bruderhof communities at work, at play, at worship and at rest, this is a book one will linger over. A most interesting read!
My thanks to NetGalley and to Plough Publishing for allowing me to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions stated here are my own.
September 29, 2020
This is such a beautiful book, and a nice addition to any coffee table. I really enjoyed everything about this book, from the beautiful photos, to the enlightening, and touching stories. This book couldn't have come out at a better time, with everything that's going on in the world currently. Reading this book will definitely give you hope and faith for a better world. This book proves that people can live together as one, and not divided. I won this book in a giveaway, and I'm so glad that I did. Thank you Goodreads and Plough Publishing House for this wonderful opportunity to read an amazing book. Get your copy today. You'll be glad that you did.
September 28, 2020
This is a beautifully produced coffee-table book, with some gorgeous illustrations, featuring 100 stories of individual members of the Bruderhof in their own words. It’s a delightful, feel-good read and I very much enjoyed browsing through it. Not surprisingly, it’s hardly a warts and all portrait, not least because it’s published by Plough Publishing, the Bruderhof’s own publishing house, but taken for what it is, an idealistic and rather rosy selection of profiles, it’s interesting, enjoyable and illuminating.
December 5, 2020
The things which struck me the most were the integration of both children and elderly into the community along with the simplicity of both the men and women. The women all wore their hair covered and all the men seemed to have the same, shaved haircut.
An admirable book in many ways, though a bit one-sided in portraying the highlights of the community.
An admirable book in many ways, though a bit one-sided in portraying the highlights of the community.
September 24, 2021
Seriously a page turner. Filled with well over a hundred short to medium length stories surrounding mainly those who have belonged to the Bruderhof which is an intentional Christian community. Many of the stories brought me to tears. A few of the stories I felt were too short or were edited oddly but most stories offered meaning and wisdom. Truly a great read. Lovely and inspiring photographs.
April 5, 2023
I had absolutely no knowledge of the Bruderhof before reading this book. What a delightful surprise when I received it. It’s a gorgeous coffee table book with wonderful photographs, a history of the Bruderhof, and portraits of current members. It’s an enjoyable and informative read and a really pretty book, too!
January 6, 2021
A glimpse of a this community's history and lifestyle. But I'm left with so many questions about their beliefs, such as why they dress the way they do.
Read
December 5, 2023A remarkable (and challenging) testament.
July 25, 2024
Read and visit a Bruderhof community when you take the chance. Do it soon.
November 17, 2025
Pictures are amazing, wasn’t extremely interested in the topics of the stories
January 19, 2021
I'm always curious about intentional communities, especially when they literally "hold all things in common."
Reading this, I can appreciate that people work together and do jobs that aren't necessarily within the realm of their degrees. It seems the community takes care of college costs and provides opportunities for travel and things, which is nice.
The women's clothing was a huge turn-off to me. I understand that they all share their clothing… But then, why do the men and boys get to wear normal jeans and shirts, but the women and girls have to wear shapeless skirts and blouses that appear 4 sizes too big?
There seemed to be several marriages that broke up after a couple joined the community… and the women and children would stay in the community while the man just left… I wish these stories had included a bit more detail. Were there legitimate reasons for these separations, or was the community perhaps usurping a role of authority in the marriage that belonged to the man? It all seemed a bit questionable.
But mostly, the book just didn't offer as great a variety of stories as I was hoping to see. The vast majority of members are white Westerners, apparently descendants of the Germans who founded the community. They seemed to have somewhat cookie-cutter personalities, which I know can't be true. The interviews needed more depth and nuance.
Reading this, I can appreciate that people work together and do jobs that aren't necessarily within the realm of their degrees. It seems the community takes care of college costs and provides opportunities for travel and things, which is nice.
The women's clothing was a huge turn-off to me. I understand that they all share their clothing… But then, why do the men and boys get to wear normal jeans and shirts, but the women and girls have to wear shapeless skirts and blouses that appear 4 sizes too big?
There seemed to be several marriages that broke up after a couple joined the community… and the women and children would stay in the community while the man just left… I wish these stories had included a bit more detail. Were there legitimate reasons for these separations, or was the community perhaps usurping a role of authority in the marriage that belonged to the man? It all seemed a bit questionable.
But mostly, the book just didn't offer as great a variety of stories as I was hoping to see. The vast majority of members are white Westerners, apparently descendants of the Germans who founded the community. They seemed to have somewhat cookie-cutter personalities, which I know can't be true. The interviews needed more depth and nuance.
November 9, 2020
Beautiful coffee table book with lovely pictures and a glimpse into how this religious group lives. I found some of the stories I read through and some of the pictures I studied and savored. Others I glossed over as they read more as a recruitment essay. Either way I found the book to be interesting and at times facinating.
It left me wondering more about this group that are often confused with the Amish. A curiousity for more information and background. Do I feel that joining a group such as this would be right for me? Absolutely not for so many reasons. Did I find the glimpse into another way to life interesting and though invoking? Absolutely.
I will share this book with a friend but did not find it "keepable" for my personal collection.
~*~ I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~*~
It left me wondering more about this group that are often confused with the Amish. A curiousity for more information and background. Do I feel that joining a group such as this would be right for me? Absolutely not for so many reasons. Did I find the glimpse into another way to life interesting and though invoking? Absolutely.
I will share this book with a friend but did not find it "keepable" for my personal collection.
~*~ I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~*~
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews