Bruderhof

PeterJames0510 said:

I'd be interested in discussing what life is like at Bruderhof communities if anyone has experience in it or are currently in one. I'd be interested in discussing not only beliefs of the tradition, but say a 'day in the life of' kind of scenario and be able to ask questions.

I'm personally Independent Fundamental Baptist, but I have always had a fascination with the Bruderhof, their videos, etc. Unfortunately, I did reach out to them and I haven't been able to read the book they want me to read as of yet to continue discussions with them (not on joining, just general curiosity questions).

Thank you - Peter James

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I don’t have any personal experience with it, but will follow this with some interest. I have had several pleasant conversations with members of the Bruderhof at past SoulFest events, and read some of their books. I found them friendly and helpful.

PeterJames0510 said:

Soulfest; what is that?

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A Christian music festival held in New Hampshire each summer. But there are also various Christian groups and charities that set up informational booths at it.

The SoulFest: Christian Music Festival

PeterJames0510 said:

I'd be interested in discussing what life is like at Bruderhof communities if anyone has experience in it or are currently in one. I'd be interested in discussing not only beliefs of the tradition, but say a 'day in the life of' kind of scenario and be able to ask questions.

I'm personally Independent Fundamental Baptist, but I have always had a fascination with the Bruderhof, their videos, etc. Unfortunately, I did reach out to them and I haven't been able to read the book they want me to read as of yet to continue discussions with them (not on joining, just general curiosity questions).

Thank you - Peter James

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From what I read, I see nothing much against them, but remain skeptical. "Such things do not usually end well." is my thinking. But they have been around in one form or another since 300 years before Karl Marx (--first as "Hutterites"). To my thinking, that's a pretty good record. Communism for its own sake doesn't seem to be their focus.

I don't know enough about their theology to comment on that, at this point, but I will say that from appearances, it can't be all wrong.

PeterJames0510 said:

I'd be interested in discussing what life is like at Bruderhof communities if anyone has experience in it or are currently in one. I'd be interested in discussing not only beliefs of the tradition, but say a 'day in the life of' kind of scenario and be able to ask questions.

I'm personally Independent Fundamental Baptist, but I have always had a fascination with the Bruderhof, their videos, etc. Unfortunately, I did reach out to them and I haven't been able to read the book they want me to read as of yet to continue discussions with them (not on joining, just general curiosity questions).

Thank you - Peter James

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I'd never heard of these communities. It's definitely interesting. I had a quick look but didn't understand everything.

Anyway I'm leaning heavily towards IFB and I am attending a Independant Baptist chuch soon in the UK and hope to be baptised soon also. I'll look into the Bruderhof stuff more but only out of curiosity.

PeterJames0510 said:

I'd be interested in discussing what life is like at Bruderhof communities if anyone has experience in it or are currently in one. I'd be interested in discussing not only beliefs of the tradition, but say a 'day in the life of' kind of scenario and be able to ask questions.

I'm personally Independent Fundamental Baptist, but I have always had a fascination with the Bruderhof, their videos, etc. Unfortunately, I did reach out to them and I haven't been able to read the book they want me to read as of yet to continue discussions with them (not on joining, just general curiosity questions).

Thank you - Peter James

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Good topic / thread.
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I find "History of Bruderhof" very interesting.
- Especially, early days of movement.

PeterJames0510 said:

I'd be interested in discussing what life is like at Bruderhof communities if anyone has experience in it or are currently in one. I'd be interested in discussing not only beliefs of the tradition, but say a 'day in the life of' kind of scenario and be able to ask questions.

I'm personally Independent Fundamental Baptist, but I have always had a fascination with the Bruderhof, their videos, etc. Unfortunately, I did reach out to them and I haven't been able to read the book they want me to read as of yet to continue discussions with them (not on joining, just general curiosity questions).

Thank you - Peter James

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The Bruderhof communities are Anabaptist with a few peculiarities that strongly identify with the early nonconformist Swiss Brethren. Like the Hutterites they practice community of goods and like other Anabaptist believe in separation from the world and nonresistance to evil. These Anabaptist are the closest thing the world can experience regarding true Christianity. While Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin were building their own movements and using the force of the state enforce their laws the Anabaptist in their sincere desire to follow the Lamb were being butchered by both the Reformers and the Catholics. The core of their beliefs are laid out in the Sermon on the Mount. They are an unusual people, but isn't that true of all true believers? They are kind and generous and help any who come to them while receiving scorn and ridicule for their efforts. When Paul told Timothy, "If you live righteously you will be persecuted" that very saying has been lived out in true Christians from the beginning including the Anabaptist. Their coming to America was an escape for them and they mostly just mind their own business now.

You should study their history because it is the history of the true suffering Church.

PeterJames0510 said:

And have you ever lived with the Bruderhof? Thank you for your input, though I didn't really learn anything new. I was wondering more about the day to day experiences.

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Yes, I did visit and stay with the Elmendorf Christian Community in Minnesota. It is a very regimented life with everyone having their duties. There was little stress that I could detect. I spent my time in the home of Gary and his wife, one of the leaders, who was a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge of every aspect of the community and a mechanical genius. I met and spoke with other families and with those who have joined the community. The native Hutterites are very austere, simple, forthright in speech, not wasting words with sincere smiles and emotions. Meal times were a lot of fun, a time of gathering and chatter. I witnessed young boys doing the work of men with seriousness and determination. I saw how these industrious people would breath new life into worn-out pieces of machinery. For example, they had recently purchased a bulldozer that had been badly damaged and was repairing it, not with purchased parts but with parts manufactured in their own fully equipped machine shop. Gary drove me around in a truck that appeared old and useless which he had converted from gas to propane as he had done to most of the other vehicles. He showed me their vast gardening projects and canning operation, their large turkey and cattle farm operation and how it was all very clean and run as any efficient business should be, and better even. He explained to me their manufacturing business with the latest computer operated laser cutting metal shop that produces beautiful wood and coal burning stoves and the assembly line for building high quality storage barns. I own a commercial refrigeration company and was impressed by their knowledge of all aspects of design and build systems for food storage and HVAC.

The outside world has nothing on these people, they live together in harmony and are self-sufficient. If I have one point of contention it would be that they have secluded themselves too much inside their community confines and have lost the evangelistic zeal of the early Anabaptist. I have gotten close to many Anabaptist in the last 10-12 years and have a sense that once again there is a spirit of evangelism being energized across the whole spectrum of Anabaptism. The writings of David Bercot, an Anabaptist convert, are reaching into the world of commercial Christianity and finding fertile soil for a new revived spirit ancient Christianity. Commercial Christianity has not produced the fruits that were expected. Separation from the world and nonresistant pacifism have long been missing from the efforts of Church growth merchants who have instead oped for the methods of Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin which have produced large gatherings but very few true converts. True Church growth has always come at great cost to life and personal possessions. Without this sacrifice you only have another Christian business.

To: Steveindy
---
I agree..
- About "Commercial Christianity".

PeterJames0510 said:

Wow, thanks for that! Though I don't believe Bruderhof has locations in Minnesota, I believe they would be considered slightly more progressive than the Anabaptists or even Mennonites. They dress like Mennonites, but they are active in social justice that is not against conservative thought. They are pro-life, born again, traditional marriage. [but they also want to conserve wildlife, save the planet, and preach the gospel - a unique blend]

The way you described the community told me that you probably didn't visit Bruderhof only because if anything, they are totally about inviting people to the community, going out into the secular community, and even living in Brooklyn, NY, attending their schools, etc. They can be secluded, but it is not necessary.

I wouldn't make it on a farm, though! I have chickens, and they barely survive under me! And that's okay at the Bruderhof; you are not forced to work where you have no gifts. At least, that is what I gather from the Bruderhof website.

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There are several different strains of Anabaptism and they have their strong points and weak points. The underlying idea is separation from the world, believer's baptism (your Baptist background has an indirect link to the Anabaptist), and especially nonresistance to the evil person as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:39.

I can relate to not being able to raise chickens or ducks for that matter. It isn't so much that they die under our care as it is that the coyotes has to live also and they like chickens.

You should read David Bercots book "Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up" it is a good introductory to the differences between Protestant and Anabaptist beliefs. Also, if you finish that and want another book you may like, "In God We don't Trust" which is a more accurate historical look at the founding of America.

PeterJames0510 said:

Yes, the first time I ever heard about AnaBaptists, I imagined them being just like me and my beliefs, just living in the 14th, 15th century and beyond (in either direction)! What a surprise to learn that the Mennonites and Anabaptists were the ones who had a similar heritage and us IFBers were basically riding on their coat tails to make ourselves look good!

I see pluses and minuses to the movement, but I also don't like to talk about a movement without direct interaction which will probably mean me visiting one of their communities. I see it could tend to be a 'cult' if there are no checks and balances. But it also could foster healthy and pure relationships between believers no matter their gender and would help many people who have loneliness issues. Of course, that is not a reason to join - just for self.

However, everything I see of them on youtube (and I understand youtube is only going to have a good foot forward) - they are gentle and kind souls. What do I care they want to save the planet because they saw Al Gore's movie as long as they love the Lord?

The minuses I see is putting complete trust in your community ... except that might not be a minus, that might be the Christian way and current Western 'Christian' thought is just opposed to it. Like I said, I'm introverted a little - so 'escape' might be hard when wanting to be left alone ... but I fellowship on this forum specifically because I can get lonely sometimes.

I don't know ... for me, it almost seems like an attempt at a slice of heaven on earth - the whole community thing. And yes to the Sermon on the Mount - it is an attempt to place that reality on the Sermon here on earth. It goes against my dispensationalist way of thinking - but again, if we only talked with people who agreed with us - we would never grow.

As far as chickens, while I encased them in a run and hen house now - one of them developed some sort of respiratory infection. Though maybe not. It started gasping for breath, breathing heavily, gasping for air. I didn't know what to do, so I secluded it from the rest of the flock, my son tried to see if something was lodged in its throat, but it didn't appear so. And he died overnight. The rest of the flock SEEM okay, it may have been a defect in the one. But I have more of an emotional side, so that stuff chokes me up.

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As it has been for Christians of all ages and times if we are seekers of truth and not just following the crowd we will receive help and guidance from our Lord. The Anabaptist are not perfect, of course, they are human. Trying to live the kingdom life on planet earth is akin to living in a war zone so we tend to take measures to protect ourselves. But, nonetheless, we are soldiers of the cross and not of the flesh so consequently we use a different method of combat which is our secret weapon against spiritual enemies; we love our enemies and we may have to die for them; that is just the way it is.

PeterJames0510 said:

A part of me says - living with Bruderhof for a little while would be a challenge to my spirituality and way of life ... and would be good ...

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As / if/ when Yahuweh Elohim Sovereign Creator Father in Heaven
directs this, (i.e. going because He Says to, always trusting Him, not ourselves),
yes,
as obeying Him with willing joyous obedience is always right and good, as written.

If , as some once told years ago, the person or family was more interested in what the other people thought ("keeping up appearances") ,
then perhaps not so good ?

PeterJames0510 said:

I was wondering more about the day to day experiences.

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From what I remember, it is difficult, especially for newbies (it takes a lot of stamina , strength and endurance physically) ,
it is 'boring' (not for those who like it and dwell abiding in Christ, but for those who want the typical worldly desires - entertainment, comfort, leisure, 'to-be-served' instead of serving) ,
and it is the same day after day after day for years, except for times of worship and other occasional events, and perhaps shopping ?