Are Christian communities escapist?

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About our LIFE TOGETHER series

In this series, we take an in-depth look at a topic from a variety of perspectives across several videos. Topics will draw from experiences and challenges that the Bruderhof has learned from over the last 100 years, discussing both our experiences and answering your questions.

Interested in a specific topic for the future? Have a question about the current topic? Let us know in the comments or by email.

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What is the Bruderhof?

More info is at:

[andrewdewitt]

I found both Rich and Doreen's comments useful: we are only 'drops in a bucket' and cannot solve systemic problems, but we can represent Christ to those we meet. Much to think about here. Thanks.

[gregbourn]

I am a professed Catholic brother. Our vocation is to serve the poor in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. We spend our days serving the homeless and also ministering to the prison population. We take vows of poverty. While I only receive a stipend of $70 a month, the community as a whole is quite wealthy. We live an upper middle-class lifestyle. We live in a nice suburb and drive to Chicago to serve the poor. This has been difficult for me to accept, as I feel we should be living amongst the poor. It seems almost hypocritical and I am struggling with it. I wonder if you might speak to this more fully in a future video? I was fortunate to be able to visit your community in Pennsylvania. Your way of life is inspiring.

[hondafreedom]

I wish I had read this book with you!! What is your next book? I want to live at the Bruderhof so much! Doreen is such an articulate, intelligent young person! How refreshing.

[billiebluesheepie]

We might not be able to change these poor areas - but we can give people hope - even if it’s only one or two individual people - to suggest to them that there is another way to live - and that’s a good enough success rate for me.
Billie.

[peterdesmier]

Once again thank you for your ministry of sharing this insightful book and the concept and practice of Intentional living. Without this site I would have not had the experience and informative resources to understanding and discovering intentional Christian living today.

My experience in working with churches in Baracoa Cuba has humbled me in how well off we are as Christian’s in North America.

However do we “give” just just for the sake of giving or is there a time to give and a time not to give?

Giving is not just ones money but time and resources.

[sassy]

A lasting change in blighted communities can only take hold when the people take on personal responsibility. Christians can help by teaching and rewarding personal deicipline and drive. Would the Bruderhof have survived and thrived if they only depended on hand outs? Of course not. It was the discipline and drive of the individuals in cooperation with God's principles that made the difference. Look to help people that need help, but are also willing to do the work themselves to make a change. Teach discipline in personal and work habits first. Then reward those that put in the effort to do the work to build, plant, restore, educate. Only then will the results will be satisfying and permanent.