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God's Revolution: Justice, Community, and the Coming Kingdom
Do you feel powerless to change the injustice at every level of society? Are you tired of answers that ignore the root causes of human suffering? This selection of writings by Eberhard Arnold, who left a career and the established church in order to live out the gospel, calls us to a completely different way.
Be Arnold doesn’t approach discipleship as the route to some benign religious fulfillment, but as a revolution - a transformation that begins within and spreads outward to encompass every aspect of life. Arnold writes in the same tradition of radical obedience to the gospel as his contemporaries Barth and Bonhoeffer.
Be Arnold doesn’t approach discipleship as the route to some benign religious fulfillment, but as a revolution - a transformation that begins within and spreads outward to encompass every aspect of life. Arnold writes in the same tradition of radical obedience to the gospel as his contemporaries Barth and Bonhoeffer.
204 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2021
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734 people want to read
About the author
Eberhard Arnold
70 books68 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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January 2, 2022
Eberhard Arnold was a German pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident. In. 1920, he co-founded a community outside of Frankfurt called the Bruderhof. The group was made up of Jesus followers who wanted to embody a living alternative to the status quo of individualistic, materialistic, nationalistic Germany.
By living in community, working together, and sharing all things in common (except their spouses!), they sought to unite around the vision of living what Jesus modelled and taught in the Sermon on the Mount.
The Bruderhof community stood as a counter to the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. A small, faithful remnant showing another way. And their legacy lives on today with communities all around the world. Truly remarkable.
While Arnold was a respected pastor and theologian, having received his doctorate in 1909, he died of a leg injury at age 52 and did not get the chance to publish many of written works.
This book, then, is an attempt to reconstruct his various writings into a cohesive work. Each chapter is a collection of journal entries of his stretching from 1915 to 1935 shortly before his death.
While the book is clunky at times, the content is gold. Arnold was a prophet of his time and his words still have much power today. He knew how to pack a punch and ruffle some feathers. And reading this 100 years on, I think it still has the same effect.
Also – he has a lot to say about unity and unanimity. I feel I’m still sorting it all out in my brain, but I’ve got some thoughts on it I’ll maybe share at a later point.
Until then, I’ll end with this quote on the subject:
“Only if we are one in what we ask God for will he grant it, but then he surely will” (p. 186).
By living in community, working together, and sharing all things in common (except their spouses!), they sought to unite around the vision of living what Jesus modelled and taught in the Sermon on the Mount.
The Bruderhof community stood as a counter to the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. A small, faithful remnant showing another way. And their legacy lives on today with communities all around the world. Truly remarkable.
While Arnold was a respected pastor and theologian, having received his doctorate in 1909, he died of a leg injury at age 52 and did not get the chance to publish many of written works.
This book, then, is an attempt to reconstruct his various writings into a cohesive work. Each chapter is a collection of journal entries of his stretching from 1915 to 1935 shortly before his death.
While the book is clunky at times, the content is gold. Arnold was a prophet of his time and his words still have much power today. He knew how to pack a punch and ruffle some feathers. And reading this 100 years on, I think it still has the same effect.
Also – he has a lot to say about unity and unanimity. I feel I’m still sorting it all out in my brain, but I’ve got some thoughts on it I’ll maybe share at a later point.
Until then, I’ll end with this quote on the subject:
“Only if we are one in what we ask God for will he grant it, but then he surely will” (p. 186).
Read
August 4, 2011As I wrote in a review for "Why we live in community" by the same author, this is a priceless book. It features excerpts out of his other works, however, so one should understand that they are only going to get 'glimpses' into his thoughts, quite profound at times. Of course, that might be a real plus to some readers who appreciate being able to grab a bit of a thought and think about it all day (I have, many of those thoughts are still with me months later!).
You should know that Eberhard Arnold's books are offered complete in digital format online and so one need not 'buy' them unless that is preferable to you.
Either way, he has my highest recommend as a writer for Christians trying to live authentically with others in church and community. I read TONS of these kind of 'church' (ecclesiology) books and this one is PRICELESS. If churches and believers absorbed and practiced only a few thoughts from this book (not to mention the NT :–) the church would be transformed!
Why he is not better known is anyone's guess,...Maybe because he wasn't American, or because his community was pretty radical and shared everything. Maybe because some today have criticized the current day movement as being controlling or cult-like. I cannot speak to those criticisms except to say that regardless of the current movement, eberhard NEEDS to be reread in our day. Esp. as the church seeks to be relevant and engage again, they need to consider wat they are offering the world when are not even sharing the Life with one another.
You should know that Eberhard Arnold's books are offered complete in digital format online and so one need not 'buy' them unless that is preferable to you.
Either way, he has my highest recommend as a writer for Christians trying to live authentically with others in church and community. I read TONS of these kind of 'church' (ecclesiology) books and this one is PRICELESS. If churches and believers absorbed and practiced only a few thoughts from this book (not to mention the NT :–) the church would be transformed!
Why he is not better known is anyone's guess,...Maybe because he wasn't American, or because his community was pretty radical and shared everything. Maybe because some today have criticized the current day movement as being controlling or cult-like. I cannot speak to those criticisms except to say that regardless of the current movement, eberhard NEEDS to be reread in our day. Esp. as the church seeks to be relevant and engage again, they need to consider wat they are offering the world when are not even sharing the Life with one another.
April 25, 2024
Summary: A collection of the writings of Eberhard Arnold, describing the life of discipleship embodied in the Bruderhof, as a radical alternative to the institutional church.
I was in an online conversation today, provoked by posting an image of a new book titled Claiming the Courageous Middle. The person who responded thought I was talking about the idea of being a political moderate and wondered how many biographies have been written about great moderates. I remarked that none of those labels fit what I’m talking about and I rather agree with the implied characterization of moderate as being something like insipid. As a Christ follower, I have a different allegiance, to God’s kingdom and a way that is far more radical than anything politically on offer, the way of Jesus. If I were with the person, I would just offer him a copy of the book I’m reviewing by Eberhard Arnold and say, “Read this, if you want to understand what I’m talking about.”
Eberhard Arnold is the co-founder of the Bruderhof, “an international movement of Christian communities whose members are called to follow Jesus together in the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount and of the first church in Jerusalem, sharing all our talents, income, and possessions (Acts 2 and 4).” Writing in the 1920’s and early 1930’s as National Socialism was rising in Germany, he articulates the defining features of this alternative Christian community, differentiating it from the institutional Christianity of his day, increasingly identified with and supportive of the state. Eventually the German community fled to neutral Switzerland, while other Bruderhof communities flourished in England, Canada, the U.S. and eventually South America. This work was drawn from his notes as he taught the German community and is organized thematically with the date the message was given.
This work is organized into four parts. The first reflects his own sense of the crumbling civilization of his time and contrasts this with the inbreaking of the kingdom of God. He describes the Church as “an embassy of God’s future reign.” that looks for the day when that kingdom will extend to the whole world, uniting all under Christ in peace. The Sermon on the Mount reflects the way those who embrace the hope of the kingdom live, and the early chapters of Acts, on which the Bruderhof is modeled, reflect the living out of the sermon.
The second part talks about the fleshing out of this new order heralded by Jesus. The church was established and continues to be established by an outpouring of the Spirit, forming her as a community and empowering her for mission. He writes about the community, that it must be built by God in contrast other communal efforts built on human effort. He recognizes the evil power of money as the reason for the sharing of possessions and no private ownership or savings. Entry into community comes through repentance, a “recognition of the gravity of what we have done.” Baptism represents our break with the status quo, reflecting our spiritual rebirth. The Lord’s supper is a feast of bread and wine, remembering not only Christ’s perfect sacrifice but our communion with each other, one cup, one loaf. Arnold takes seriously the scripture saying we ought not worship if we have a quarrel with someone in community; we should settle it first. Finally, the expectation of the coming kingdom of Jesus calls every one of us in some way into the church’s shared mission.
Part three focuses on the individual in relation to the community. Our bond is not our intention or vision but the Spirit who unites very different people, and fits them, with their gifts, together. Arnold doesn’t speak of leaders but elders who are servants of the word (and housemothers responsible for the women and their work–it appears there was for Arnold a real gender division in the communities). Arnold emphasizes how important is the heeding the leading of the Spirit in one’s speaking in the community. This is a community that practices discipline–“straight talking with love.” At the same time, life in community is always voluntary. If one wishes to leave, they may. All are expected to work, health permitting, according to their gift. Arnold considers marriage a sacrament to be enjoyed in unity and purity between man and woman. Life is to be revered, children welcomed. He denounces abortion. Singleness is also honored. He discusses the high value the Bruderhof place on education although his emphasis is one the formation of character through consistent discipline. The aim of education is to help children see Christ everywhere, in every field of study.
The final section concerns the commitment to peacemaking and non-violence. What is striking is that this commitment rules out work in government, which only makes sense for these self-sustaining communities. While not anti-government, the call is one of “hands off,” of no political involvement. I do wonder how, beyond personal service to humanity and in the order of Bruderhof communities, justice is pursued. What is clear from the final chapter is a deep call to identify with Christ’s sufferings in the suffering of humanity.
I certainly have not captured all the nuances of Arnold’s thought here. He offers bracing challenges to the comfortable traditional church, foremost of which is, do not the scriptures call us to this kind of life together? Nor do I know the extent to which this describes present day Bruderhof communities, although the description on their website sounds consonant with the teachings of Arnold. What is striking to me though is that Arnold thought and taught deeply about how the kingdom life should be lived out among God’s people, particularly around the issues of money and property, as well as the renunciation of violence in any form (including corporal punishment). He challenges all the excuses we make for why we don’t pursue this life. He reminds us of how radical it really can be to say, “I have decided to follow Jesus.”
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
I was in an online conversation today, provoked by posting an image of a new book titled Claiming the Courageous Middle. The person who responded thought I was talking about the idea of being a political moderate and wondered how many biographies have been written about great moderates. I remarked that none of those labels fit what I’m talking about and I rather agree with the implied characterization of moderate as being something like insipid. As a Christ follower, I have a different allegiance, to God’s kingdom and a way that is far more radical than anything politically on offer, the way of Jesus. If I were with the person, I would just offer him a copy of the book I’m reviewing by Eberhard Arnold and say, “Read this, if you want to understand what I’m talking about.”
Eberhard Arnold is the co-founder of the Bruderhof, “an international movement of Christian communities whose members are called to follow Jesus together in the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount and of the first church in Jerusalem, sharing all our talents, income, and possessions (Acts 2 and 4).” Writing in the 1920’s and early 1930’s as National Socialism was rising in Germany, he articulates the defining features of this alternative Christian community, differentiating it from the institutional Christianity of his day, increasingly identified with and supportive of the state. Eventually the German community fled to neutral Switzerland, while other Bruderhof communities flourished in England, Canada, the U.S. and eventually South America. This work was drawn from his notes as he taught the German community and is organized thematically with the date the message was given.
This work is organized into four parts. The first reflects his own sense of the crumbling civilization of his time and contrasts this with the inbreaking of the kingdom of God. He describes the Church as “an embassy of God’s future reign.” that looks for the day when that kingdom will extend to the whole world, uniting all under Christ in peace. The Sermon on the Mount reflects the way those who embrace the hope of the kingdom live, and the early chapters of Acts, on which the Bruderhof is modeled, reflect the living out of the sermon.
The second part talks about the fleshing out of this new order heralded by Jesus. The church was established and continues to be established by an outpouring of the Spirit, forming her as a community and empowering her for mission. He writes about the community, that it must be built by God in contrast other communal efforts built on human effort. He recognizes the evil power of money as the reason for the sharing of possessions and no private ownership or savings. Entry into community comes through repentance, a “recognition of the gravity of what we have done.” Baptism represents our break with the status quo, reflecting our spiritual rebirth. The Lord’s supper is a feast of bread and wine, remembering not only Christ’s perfect sacrifice but our communion with each other, one cup, one loaf. Arnold takes seriously the scripture saying we ought not worship if we have a quarrel with someone in community; we should settle it first. Finally, the expectation of the coming kingdom of Jesus calls every one of us in some way into the church’s shared mission.
Part three focuses on the individual in relation to the community. Our bond is not our intention or vision but the Spirit who unites very different people, and fits them, with their gifts, together. Arnold doesn’t speak of leaders but elders who are servants of the word (and housemothers responsible for the women and their work–it appears there was for Arnold a real gender division in the communities). Arnold emphasizes how important is the heeding the leading of the Spirit in one’s speaking in the community. This is a community that practices discipline–“straight talking with love.” At the same time, life in community is always voluntary. If one wishes to leave, they may. All are expected to work, health permitting, according to their gift. Arnold considers marriage a sacrament to be enjoyed in unity and purity between man and woman. Life is to be revered, children welcomed. He denounces abortion. Singleness is also honored. He discusses the high value the Bruderhof place on education although his emphasis is one the formation of character through consistent discipline. The aim of education is to help children see Christ everywhere, in every field of study.
The final section concerns the commitment to peacemaking and non-violence. What is striking is that this commitment rules out work in government, which only makes sense for these self-sustaining communities. While not anti-government, the call is one of “hands off,” of no political involvement. I do wonder how, beyond personal service to humanity and in the order of Bruderhof communities, justice is pursued. What is clear from the final chapter is a deep call to identify with Christ’s sufferings in the suffering of humanity.
I certainly have not captured all the nuances of Arnold’s thought here. He offers bracing challenges to the comfortable traditional church, foremost of which is, do not the scriptures call us to this kind of life together? Nor do I know the extent to which this describes present day Bruderhof communities, although the description on their website sounds consonant with the teachings of Arnold. What is striking to me though is that Arnold thought and taught deeply about how the kingdom life should be lived out among God’s people, particularly around the issues of money and property, as well as the renunciation of violence in any form (including corporal punishment). He challenges all the excuses we make for why we don’t pursue this life. He reminds us of how radical it really can be to say, “I have decided to follow Jesus.”
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
August 5, 2016
Approach with caution. A manifesto that covers all aspects of the Christian life– a 3rd way in community and extreme simplicity, subversive to society and the norms the Western world perpetuates like eternal clockwork. This collection of vignettes written by Eberhard Arnold spanning the years of 1917 to 1933, come together as a coherent and complete exoneration for Christian community lived in what to many is conceived as exclusive, separatist, pretentious, and extreme. The only extremity here is Jesus' teachings clearly expressed with important Biblical reference and, apparently lived out at the Bruderhof international community that continues to thrive in 23 communities in the world today. It leaves the reader with interest in visiting or spending some time amongst one of the communities.
April 30, 2021
“God’s Revolution -Justice, Community, and the Coming Kingdom”by Eberhard Arnold speaks clearly about what it means to be a Christian. For Arnold, truth is truth at any cost. His inspiring insights will transform the hearts of readers instantly.
Arnold’s writings have a simple, luminous, direct vision into things, with the authentic ring of a truly evangelical Christianity that stirs us to repentance and renewal. They are a light of hope in a dark age, not to remain hidden under a bushel, but shine out from a mountain top. They pierce our souls with the sharp two-edged sword of truth, opening our eyes afresh to see what it truly means to follow Jesus.
At the heart of Arnold’s radical and realistic writings is Jesus Christ, Son of God. Arnold is true to his word and true to The Word, Jesus Christ. Through his anointed and inspired writings, Arnold makes everyday faithfulness possible. The heart of Arnold’s understanding of the Church is the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. As we study Theology, the Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding. Arnold’s writings are deeply rooted in the Holy Spirit.
As the Church is a community of forgiven sinners, the Holy Spirit makes reconciliation possible between enemies. The Church is the only alternative to the world. As Arnold inspiringly says, “The only way the world will recognize the mission of Jesus is by the unity of his Church.” The unity of the Holy Spirit comes from the love between God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son. This community of love is called the Kingdom of God.
Arnold speaks of a shared community life which is crucial to the Kingdom of God. In Arnold’s view, the Church must bring God’s banner of love to a dying world. Arnold sounds a crystal clarion call “to be ready to be humbled by Christ, to lay down all our power over ourselves so that He alone may have power over us.” Exactly as Arnold says, the heart of Christ is needed to blaze up in the world and in the annals of history. The Church is sent into the world, to bring Christ’s life-changing love to a lost world.”God’s Revolution” is truly a revolution in itself. It causes a revolution in our hearts in the way we love Jesus Christ.
Miriam Jacob
Arnold’s writings have a simple, luminous, direct vision into things, with the authentic ring of a truly evangelical Christianity that stirs us to repentance and renewal. They are a light of hope in a dark age, not to remain hidden under a bushel, but shine out from a mountain top. They pierce our souls with the sharp two-edged sword of truth, opening our eyes afresh to see what it truly means to follow Jesus.
At the heart of Arnold’s radical and realistic writings is Jesus Christ, Son of God. Arnold is true to his word and true to The Word, Jesus Christ. Through his anointed and inspired writings, Arnold makes everyday faithfulness possible. The heart of Arnold’s understanding of the Church is the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. As we study Theology, the Holy Spirit enlightens our understanding. Arnold’s writings are deeply rooted in the Holy Spirit.
As the Church is a community of forgiven sinners, the Holy Spirit makes reconciliation possible between enemies. The Church is the only alternative to the world. As Arnold inspiringly says, “The only way the world will recognize the mission of Jesus is by the unity of his Church.” The unity of the Holy Spirit comes from the love between God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son. This community of love is called the Kingdom of God.
Arnold speaks of a shared community life which is crucial to the Kingdom of God. In Arnold’s view, the Church must bring God’s banner of love to a dying world. Arnold sounds a crystal clarion call “to be ready to be humbled by Christ, to lay down all our power over ourselves so that He alone may have power over us.” Exactly as Arnold says, the heart of Christ is needed to blaze up in the world and in the annals of history. The Church is sent into the world, to bring Christ’s life-changing love to a lost world.”God’s Revolution” is truly a revolution in itself. It causes a revolution in our hearts in the way we love Jesus Christ.
Miriam Jacob
May 2, 2021
Sent to me by Plough publishers for review. Eberhard Arnold knew a Europe torn apart by war and on the verge of another war. He knew the terror of Nazi storm troopers in his home, ransacking and seizing his library and work. While many of the reflections in this volume center on a community of God enacting a lived Gospel on earth, his writings are of that period of war and threat. Still as I read these reflections I cold not help but connect his words to our time, when some/many religious leaders are following mammon/man. "Beware of false prophets...they are not free from the power of money, from mammon, lying and impurity." (pg.16) He speaks of the disunity of Christians and among Christian churches. (pg.39) He warns to beware of the false prophet in sheep's clothing. (pg. 86) The reader is forewarned in the introduction that Catholics and Protestants will both find some disquieting words in these pages; his belief that infant baptism is not necessary will challenge some Catholics and it caused trouble for Arnold in the Lutheran church. (I find more questionable the marching of seven year olds to confession prior to First Communion, as I ask whether it arouses more fear among children and an aversion to the sacrament down the road.) BUT THIS WORK REACHES THE HEIGHTS ON PAGE 166-what is war? Arnold provides a cadence of societal and political wrongs leading to or redefining war: starvation, poverty, greed of the wealthy, abortion-the list goes on. Again some/many will find discomfort in those words, and in a discussion of community some may find an anti-feminist bent located more in our contemporary world. But Eberhard is a prophet who knows war, and the upending of society. What prophet leaves us feeling completely self satisfied and complacent?
August 24, 2021
A really good book with many wonderful passages. The only thing I'd tell someone in anyway negative is that its basically quotes organized into a book. Like topical quotes organized into chapters.
I still loved the book and many, many quotes in it...here are a few:
We can never say we are strong in faith. That is impossible. When one grows in faith, one feels weak. (2 Cor. 12:9 -10) It means that one hungers and thirsts for God's righteousness, which one does not have.
Pain is the plow that tears up our hearts to make us open to truth. If it were not for suffering, we would never recognize our guilt, our godlessness, and the crying injustice of the human condition. (Ps. 119:67, 71)
The early-Christian revolution of faith rests on the certainty that each individual, all of society, yes, the whole atmosphere surrounding the earth, will be freed from the dominion of evil: The present economic and political powers will be overthrown, and God will establish his rule.
Clearly a deep, abiding faith in Christ.
I still loved the book and many, many quotes in it...here are a few:
We can never say we are strong in faith. That is impossible. When one grows in faith, one feels weak. (2 Cor. 12:9 -10) It means that one hungers and thirsts for God's righteousness, which one does not have.
Pain is the plow that tears up our hearts to make us open to truth. If it were not for suffering, we would never recognize our guilt, our godlessness, and the crying injustice of the human condition. (Ps. 119:67, 71)
The early-Christian revolution of faith rests on the certainty that each individual, all of society, yes, the whole atmosphere surrounding the earth, will be freed from the dominion of evil: The present economic and political powers will be overthrown, and God will establish his rule.
Clearly a deep, abiding faith in Christ.
October 13, 2021
Eberhard Arnold called to live a different live to the standard Christian. Society is judged and injustice can be seen all around the world, from the street corner to somewhere hidden from the human eye. These selection of writings in a way gives readers an insight to the causes of our sufferings and oppression. A book ideal for those seeking answers to how we can adjust and alter on the injustice and suffering we live in our daily lives.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Plough Publishing via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
#GodsRevolution #NetGalley
Review run date was set for 03 May 2021 for Netgalley, unfortunately On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 13 October 2021 the review will be posted on linked review blogs WordPress, Facebook, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, and, non linked review blogs at, B&N,
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Plough Publishing via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
#GodsRevolution #NetGalley
Review run date was set for 03 May 2021 for Netgalley, unfortunately On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 13 October 2021 the review will be posted on linked review blogs WordPress, Facebook, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, and, non linked review blogs at, B&N,
October 8, 2021
All collections of writings are variable in quality, and this is no different. The editor does an excellent job of weaving in different sermons and speeches into a coherent argument and book. It is a testimony to Eberhard Arnold that his speeches were consistent enough to be able to form a book as coherent as this.
I continue to admire the Bruderhof way of life, and Eberhard Arnold's passion and belief in the power of God. I think he spoke powerfully and prophetically in his time, but still find myself wondering what shall those of us who do not live in the same kind of community do? His words and trust in God alone is powerful, and causes me to reflect on how little my own expectations of the Spirit's work in my own community is.
I continue to admire the Bruderhof way of life, and Eberhard Arnold's passion and belief in the power of God. I think he spoke powerfully and prophetically in his time, but still find myself wondering what shall those of us who do not live in the same kind of community do? His words and trust in God alone is powerful, and causes me to reflect on how little my own expectations of the Spirit's work in my own community is.
May 5, 2021
With the zeal of an Old Testament prophet, Eberhart Arnold’s wrote and preached a faith and godliness that started not within established churches, but within the hearts and minds of humankind. His writings on injustice and the need for God in our lives are as timely today as they were when he wrote them decades ago. You might not agree with everything he teaches, but his words make you think and examine yourself and your relationships with God and with the world. Very powerful and thought provoking.
I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
February 19, 2021
The editors have done a great job of taking selections from Arnold's work that translate well as stand-alone statements, and then organizing these excerpts around core themes. This is no easy task, but like Plough's recent collection of Abraham Heschel's words, this book comes off as a success through great planning and editing. A compact yet very thought-provoking book.
April 8, 2021
I was not familiar with the work and writings of Eberhard Arnold, and this book was a good introduction. An interesting read if you are interested in his thoughts on injustice, community and how to make a difference in this world.
May 23, 2021
Nice read, fun seeing things written in the early 1900s still relevant today. A lot of knowledge, but I can't say I agree with everything that Eberhard wrote. But a good read and worth the time.
March 26, 2016
This is an interesting little book with excerpts from the writings of Eberhard Arnold. Arnold, along with his wife, were the founders of the Bruderhof in Germany early in the last century. Most of the writings come from a period in the early 1930's when National Socialism was rising to power in Germany. The writings are focused around aspects of life in the Kingdom of God. I found this to be a good devotional read taking a chapter/topic a day at a time
December 31, 2013
Because of their pietistic heritage I have a genuine love and appreciation for the Bruderhof and their focus on peace, justice, and intentional community. There are some wonderful passages in this collection, although as a whole it is a bit uneven.
January 21, 2016
very focused book and challenging to read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews