'Discover the Inspiring Community of Bruderhof: A Christian Fellowship'

Bruderhof

The Bruderhof, also known as the "Place of Brothers," is a communal sect within Christianity. It was founded in Germany in 1920 by Eberhard Arnold, who sought to follow the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and the example of the early church in Jerusalem. The Bruderhof is rooted in Anabaptist and Hutterite traditions.

The Bruderhof currently has nearly 3,000 members residing in 23 colonies located in Germany, Paraguay, Australia, the UK, and the US. In the UK, they are known as the Church Communities UK. Their primary aim is to put into action Christ's command to love God and neighbor, drawing inspiration from the early church in Jerusalem as described in the New Testament.

Communal Living and Sharing

One of the defining characteristics of the Bruderhof is their commitment to communal living. This commitment is based on the example set by the early church in Acts 2:44–47 and 4:32–35. In line with this practice, no member of the Bruderhof claims any private property. Instead, all resources are shared among the community, and no individual possesses a bank account or receives a salary. All money is pooled for the benefit of the entire group.

The Bruderhof's emphasis on communal living extends beyond what is explicitly commanded in the Bible. While sharing resources and supporting one another is an important aspect of Christian community, it is essential to recognize that this level of communal living goes beyond what Scripture explicitly prescribes.

Why This Matters: The Bruderhof's commitment to communal living challenges us to consider how we can live out Christ's command to love our neighbors practically. While not all Christians are called to live in a communal setting like the Bruderhof, we can still learn from their example by finding ways to share our resources and support one another.

Pacifism and Plain Clothing

The Bruderhof also upholds pacifism as a core belief. They view warfare as the opposite of loving one's neighbor and seek to promote peace in all aspects of life. This commitment to pacifism aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who taught His followers to turn the other cheek and love their enemies.

Additionally, members of the Bruderhof dress plainly as a symbol of their rejection of vanity and worldliness. Plain clothing serves as a reminder to focus on purity of heart and avoid being consumed by material possessions or outward appearances.

Think About It: The Bruderhof's commitment to pacifism challenges us to consider how we can pursue peace in our own lives and communities. It also invites us to reflect on how we prioritize our values and whether we are overly concerned with material possessions or appearances.

Emphasis on Good Works

While the Bruderhof's commitment to communal living and pacifism is admirable, some concerns arise regarding their emphasis on good works. The Bruderhof website places significant importance on good works, but barely mentions the death or resurrection of Christ or the need for faith. This emphasis on good works differs from the biblical teaching that salvation is by grace through faith alone, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–9). The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the centrality of Jesus' death and resurrection as the means of salvation (Acts 2:23–24; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 6:14).

While good works are an essential outworking of our faith, they should not be seen as the means by which we earn salvation. Instead, they are a response to God's grace in our lives.

Why This Matters: It is crucial to understand that our salvation is not based on our good works but on God's grace. Good works should flow from a genuine faith in Christ rather than being seen as a way to earn salvation. This distinction is vital in maintaining a correct understanding of the Gospel.

Broadening the Source of Truth

The Bruderhof's website suggests that truth can be found from various sources, including sages, philosophers, and poets throughout history. They mention figures such as Socrates, Buddha, and Zoroaster as potential sources of divine truth. However, seeking truth from non-Christian sources can be spiritually dangerous. The Bible clearly states that God's Word is truth (John 17:17).

While there may be valuable insights in the writings of philosophers or poets, ultimate truth can only be found in God's revelation through Jesus Christ and the Scriptures. Christians should exercise discernment when considering wisdom from outside sources.

Think About It: The Bruderhof's approach to truth challenges us to consider where we seek our ultimate source of truth. As Christians, we must acknowledge that God's Word is the ultimate authority and rely on it to guide our beliefs and actions.

In conclusion, the Bruderhof is a communal sect within Christianity that seeks to follow the example of the early church in Jerusalem. While their commitment to communal living and pacifism is admirable, it is essential to maintain a biblical perspective on salvation by grace through faith alone. Additionally, Christians should exercise discernment when considering sources of truth, recognizing that ultimate truth is found in God's Word. Ultimately, the Bruderhof's example encourages us to reflect on how we can practically live out Christ's command to love God and neighbor in our own lives and communities.