Christian Communism

This week we're reading pieces from José Porfirio Miranda and Helmut Gollwitzer in Chapter 7 of 'Called to Community' www.plough.com...
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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.
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What is the Bruderhof?
The Bruderhof is an intentional Christian community of people living in radical discipleship in the spirit of the first church in Jerusalem. We gladly renounce private property and share everything in common. Our vocation is a life of service to God, each other, and you. Learn more by subscribing to our channel: → www.youtube.co...
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[@lindaf.588]

For the past several years I have been truly inspired by your videos. My husband and I live a very simple life, own very little, work hard to make ends meet in Southern California, and pour ourselves into service in our local church. Through a miracle of God, were able to buy some property in the northwest for retirement - God willing we would not really "retire", but build a self sufficient homestead with space enough to live in community with whomever God brings into our lives. I am learning to embrace the idea that I do not truly own anything that I have - all has been a gift from God, and is to be shared. Thank you for modeling God's plan for Christian community!

[@Bruderhof]

Thank you Linda. That's inspiring to hear what you and your husband are doing. Wishing you the very best for that. - Rich

[@yamspeedy6190]

Are there any Bruderhof communities in Australia??

[@SixteenVoice]

Well, I as an atheist came over just to see what that title was all about. I am still not a Christian but I enjoyed the conversation as it was at least something fresh and different from what I always hear from Christians. I cannot say God bless but I can say "be well". ✊🏿

[@Maxim.Teleguz]

I have found nothing but hate among your people and the sheer ignorance of the fact that satanism is okay and not a religion and it’s okay to raise money for them and help them with fundraisers and go to there dwelling places of worship. It’s so strange when you look from afar that they are fighting against Christians with such fervor but okay with satanism because they are siding with their side. Makes you wonder. I truly ask you to question them and quickly realize who your friends are.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

You could say "May millions of years and evolution be well with your descendants" as that is your faith

[@LarzGustafsson]

I used to be an atheist as well. But Jesus transformed me back in 1984.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

@chandllerburse737 Why are atheists so triggered by still having a belief system? Agnostics are like human atheists. If they want to be humble, then call yourselves agnostics. Atheism is an arrogant position.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

@chandllerburse737 But yeah I agree with you, my comment was pointlessly triggering. I apologize!

[@maxschon7709]

Christians got involved into Conservativism for so many decades a little intermix would be a difference.The early communities were disvolved by force in many times by roman state not by failure.

[@rebeccamoore7763]

I think living with a Christian community off grid is so beautiful! Im in the UK and want to find something like that. Currently I'm a Christian totally on my own, not even belonging to a church family.

[@Bruderhof]

You're more than welcome to visit!

[@231181]

Falo do Brasil. Muito bonito o respeito que vocês discutem sobre o Comunismo e o Cristianismo. Jesus abençoe sua família e comunidade!

[@martinhaglund9970]

Amen !!! There is Tremendous Freedom when we take the Yoke of Christ upon ourselves and walk in Community as those who take the Cross of Living His Way Daily.

[@mritchie85]

I've been researching the Bruderhof in the UK, it seems like such a positive and good movement in line with what I believe it means to be a Christian, I hope you can be a light to the wider communities especially in the UK and show how we can live with Christ everyday as the central focus of our life's and not have to subscribe to wider non Christian secular way's and norms.

[@gillianhatters6613]

Me too! I’m English and plan to visit one of the two UK Bruderhof communities in the Spring. Have you been to any of them? I didn’t know that the UK had any Bruderhof communities until I saw the BBC documentary Inside The Bruderhof. Looks like the perfect Christian life to me, no-one is rich, no-one is poor. What do you think?

[@mritchie85]

@@gillianhatters6613 Hi Gillian, no I haven't been to any of the communities in England, I actually hadn't heard of them until recently when researching on here, but I'm happy to see people living Christ centred lives in the UK where other things tend to take priority in peoples life's unfortunately. I really think highly of the idea of living like they do in the Bruderhof, I'd love to visit in the future like you. What do you think of living like they do?

[@Bruderhof]

Thank you Mark! I hope you visit one of the UK communities. - Rich

[@mritchie85]

@@Bruderhof Yes, I look forward to visiting sometime soon Rich, it's good to see communities in the UK too, I hope they prosper and grow.

[@gillianhatters6613]

@@mritchie85 sorry for the late reply Mark, I’ve only just seen this. The idea of community living sounds perfect to me. I would definitely have joined the Bruderhof if I’d known about them when I was younger and without responsibilities. Have you arranged to do a visit yet? I’m currently trying to arrange one where I can stay for a few days as I live at the other end of the country. I’m really looking forward to it

[@chriskirwan6277]

I love that you posted this And I truly love that you both shared this dialogue especially where you disagreed. Lovely is the word that comes to mind!

[@slukky]

Prior to Lenin, communism (small c) simply meant living in a sharing community. Lenin said he'd change communism to Communism & politicize it-- & he did. That doesn't change the original meaning of communism one iota. It, like gay, grass, mouse, bitch, ass, etc., depends on context & intent. Wicked people make filth of anything & everything, just as I did when I was lost.

[@yamspeedy6190]

I agree, don't label how you choose to live. It is amazing

[@JustJoe827]

People of this world have ' converted ' many words, that were originally proper words, into bad words. Should we as Christians still use those words because they were originally good words? Retarded, Idiot, Bitch and Communism are now vulgar words!

[@cynthiaconrad6145]

The truth is that the Soviet Union and other countries did not and do not operate under a communist economic and political system. True communism exists only in Bruderhof and Hutterite communities. The Soviet Union has operated as no more than a faulty socialist, nasty dictatorship. Most people, but especially Americans, have an incorrect understanding of what communism is really all about. Communism can only work in a society where the objective is to live a life dedicated to God and the teachings of Christ. And Marx and other so-called "communists" denounced religion. So they failed miserably. Of course, it is only a limiting label that has no real bearing on reality. I wish that I had learned about anabaptism a long time ago. But, I have terminal cancer with only about a year left to live, and don't feel in a position to try out living in a community. However, I am very grateful to have learned about it. I admire your videos very much.

[@Bruderhof]

Thank you Cynthia. So sorry to hear of your illness. Wishing you comfort and courage. - Rich

[@SwedishDrunkard5963]

their lack of religion is not why they failed, that has to do with firstly the soviet union failing the revolution in a way by having to become more authoritarian to deal with the countles of threats faced by the first worker state like the civil war and nazi invasion and then the economic sige by the capitalist world (and a small scale invasion by over 10 nations during the civil war)

[@K1ERKEG44RD]

As an european that has studied subjects in Sociological theory, Political theory and also Russian history from 1861-2015 it is so provoking hearing americans badmouthing communism, without AT LEAST including theory from essential thinkers like Rousseau, Marx and Engels 😂🤣😅

[@maxschon7709]

Maybe instead Communism we shall call it Communitism = Being in a in Comunities.

[@CandyCinema]

Or communalism, like Murray Bookchin's ideas.

[@wegder]

I'm old enough to remember Christians, I don't think that exists in my area anymore.

[@raimiranda126]

I can never stress how blessed I Am for watching your video. Just because the next generation pf Christians didn't follow in the early footsteps of their predecessors mean they're wrong and the teaching they've borrowed from The Lord Yeshua is wrong. It simply means that eventually, SOME WILL ABANDON THE FAITH and will become lovers of MONEY more than GOD. And that APOSTASY (besides a false form of worship) has been carried down, to our modern Age, hence followers of Apostate Christianity OR Christendom, view those like us who STAND APART as 'CULTS' and 'COMMIES' because we follow the PURITY and SIMPLICITY of the EARLY Christians RATHER than the traditions, beliefs, ideologies and mindset of this world, that promotes competition, rather than cooperation, ambition rather than to set their eyes on the goal of eternal life in Christ. Just as these TRUE Christians, were seen as threats to the Roman empire before SO are we, to the world around us today. Be not surprised, My brethren if the world hates you. (1 John 3:13)

[@Lillyluvsanime]

If I may contribute to the conversation here. Yes, we are one in heart and spirit and of one faith, but I don't necessarily think you are required to interact in a large community or be in a huge group to count as Christian. To be Christian is to follow Christ and His teaching. I'm Autistic and I have a hard time with social groups and large community spaces. I do find a sense of community and belonging with my family and with those that have similar experiences to my own that I communicate with online, but I haven't been to a church in years because it's not the right environment for me, socially or sensory-wise. While I love being in the building and singing the hymns and having the sense of a sacred space, it's often just far too people-y for me, so I try to go for a while and then I burn out and continue my faith journey between myself and God. That's what I believe it's really about, a relationship with God first and foremost. I'm not 100% isolated, but I just don't do well around a lot of people and have a hard time connecting with them because of our differences. I am socio-politically communist though. Resources should be in the hands of the people, not hoarded by a wealthy few who then redistribute them for a fee. Why should people have to pay for things that are provided in nature?

[@raimiranda126]

So blessed from listening to you two. When the pandemic hit last year, some of My fellow Filipinos have decided to share what we have to meet the needs of our poor neighbors, by our food pantries just as others do, in their own respective countries and because of that, the government before has branded us as communists, eventhough we aren't, because maybe we have something SIMILAR to Communism. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what people say. All that matters is what GOD thinks because our reward for doing what's right is from Him, NOT man. I think the Message of Yeshua The Son of Man in His time and era, which is also, a timeless one, isn't about "financial freedom" or "financial breathrough" as many prosperity preachers preach today, but the liberty of the soul from sin and also the freedom from being attached, on things that do not last. People and their kings fight and wage war over resources which they couldn't take with them after they die and IF they realize that there is still something out there and riches far greater than the material things they'd leave after they rest in peace on this world, they would lay down their weapons and start walking side by side as brothers, and children of One Father. Isn't this the TRUTH behind contentment and the lesson why we shouldn't hoard up TOO MUCH wealth in this life? Because the Apostle wrote 1 Timothy 6:7-8 (WEB) For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be CONTENT with that. We cannot take them with us when we die anyways, so UNLESS money and material things are a requirement to be SAVED, we shouldn't be attached to the desire of acquiring OR amassing such wealth, that we would eventually leave, in the world behind. By being content and satisfied with the things we have, and not ambitious of the things of others we are truly free and know, what freedom is like, as the birds that fly the air and are happy among themselves even without the material attachment, that humans call "wealth."

[@LarzGustafsson]

In order to be saved you must be baptized according to Acts 2:38. God's name is Jesus. He is One. Not three.

[@andrewdewitt7234]

There is a danger in labelling the adopted lifestyle of the first-century Christians with that of a modern political movement. The early Christians were acting on direct divine inspiration. Communism however, is based around the idea that man's problems can be solved by man and man alone. George Orwell's book 'Animal Farm' challenged this idea by proposing that whatever the political system, the problems will re-emerge, but in slightly different clothing. Christ came to show us 'the much better way'.

[@Bruderhof]

Thanks Andrew. That's absolutely right.

[@yamspeedy6190]

I'm interested in what you guys are doing. Community is so important in our walk with God. I haven't had a chance to find a Community since moving 3yrs ago. I am interested in what you have to say. Please feel free to give me a references

[@runningbetweenspaces]

You understand that George Orwell was a narc and a horrible person? And also communism is about making things better for the working class by surpassing the capitalist system. For Christian Marxists, this is by following the teachings of Jesus which most European-based denominations don't.

[@olentangyriver1191]

To bad Christianity abused women and disabled people and is a religion of greed pride misogyny and hate towards minorities in modern times.. I hate Christianity in it's selfish modern form all it serves now is to justify greed and abuse

[@mayhemamigos4766]

George Orwell was an anarchist, his book was criticizing soviet style socialism

[@bernhardbauer5301]

To what community belonged Paul? He belonged to the Body of Christ! When the Head and the Body will be united then everybody will have access to everything.

[@jamesbarry5508]

There is a very nuanced history with the Soviet Union. Many great things were achieved and in polls many people look back on it favourably. Much of the protections and freedoms people around the world enjoy today were because of its influence. It’s worth looking at who didn’t want it to succeed, why, and did it really fail or was it illegally dissolved?

[@LarzGustafsson]

I AM a Christian Communist.

[@ballandpaddle]

Sisters and brothers in Christ, I say this from two thousands of years in the future, but let me remind you what the Prophet Himself had to say way back then in the Greek Days, from Acts 4:32: "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need." This is from the Acts Themselves, that is, how We should Act. We give to those who don't deserve, we exalt those who don't have, we give this World to those who have no world to inherit. Praise to Jesus, praise to God, who gave us Jesus. We heal the sick, the blind, the less-fortunate. To do otherwise is not of Christ.

[@sassy3923]

The topic developed in this chapter truly separates the sheep from the goats. The problem with American churches is that they have become reduced to Christian social clubs. Faith is rarely put to the test, and the best test of faithfulness is the willingness of Christians to forsake all for the sake of community as the Bruderhof do. We need more of this in order to show the world that the embodiment of Christian ideals as lived out in actual communities is not only possible but necessary for a Christ-centered life.

[@Herbeeboy]

Religious people are not just stupid. They're dangerous Commies.

[@prayunceasingly2029]

There's a small town in Alberta called Bruderheim. Is that connected to your movement, or is the name a coincidence? Edit - I guess they are different names but they do have a similarity. Bruderheim vs bruderhof

[@Bruderhof]

Not connected. But interesting name!

[@notvalidcharacters]

"Bruder" is simply the German word for "brother".

[@raimiranda126]

I LOVE THIS REVIEW! GOD BLESS YOU. Subbed

[@TheBreadBasketOfficialOfficial]

Politics should matter to Christian’s and we should be very very loud when there are moments where our voices need to be heard. Who we put in charge of our country is a big deal. Will they protect religious freedom, defend our country in a moral way, or stand up to injustice in our culture and in our world. Abortion is a big moral issue to me, and to many other Christians regardless of whether it is to you or not. I believe it’s evil and it must be stopped, you don’t have to agree with me, but since God revealed the evil in my own backyard I’m not going to stand by and be silent and watch innocent children be murdered. Another concern for me is orphans and foster children and how they are treated and finding them homes. God made them in his own image like you and me, they are living life at a disadvantage. It’s our duty to help them and give them love they desperately need.

[@travisbplank]

I am not religious, but this video makes me feel like I could be.

[@ryantaylor4015]

How can you in the breath of 1 sentence completely miss the message of Christ. Community=Commune=Communism=give away all your possessions=be one

[@MurmilloTV1]

Helmut Gollwitzer (1908 - 1993 [not '33]): He was a friend of student leader Rudi Dutschke and his American wife Gretchen.

[@CandyCinema]

Most people confuse communism (a way of economic organization practiced by many societies of many sizes) with Bolshevism (a specific, political, partisan, authoritarian movement that attempted to bring about large-scale communism through their own means).

[@brianbutler3318]

Hey I like your channel! You have the date of Helmut Gollwitzer's death wrong in the frame with his name and photo--he died in 1993, not 1933 (He would have been 25).

[@Bruderhof]

Yeah I only noticed that mistake after I published the video. Thanks for pointing it out! - Rich

[@teresasmith9333]

When we walk in the light as He is in the light we will have fellowship with one another. We just will. And we are part of His body and He is the Head. We just are.We belong to this one Church and one body where Jesus is the head of the church and the body. No need to humanly create a separate entity. We should trust in the Holy Spirit inspired words given to the apostles and prophets in that Old and New Testaments. Acts ch 2 tells us we should be devoted to the teachings of the apostles and prophets. That is what we should be reading if indeed you believe that whole scripture.

[@kevinmccauley3877]

Seems to be a misunderstanding, The Apostles could not own anything, they are separate from the world. But the Kingdom of God is not by force. It is free will offerings. How can you give an offering if you don't own anything to offer. Who runs this place from the top down?

[@mikemeredith6158]

The church is political. It is a monarchy. Jesus is a King. It is not, however, geographically defined. We do not fight for dirt. Religion is the politics of the Kingdom. Politics is the religion of Babylon. They are both political, but categorically different.

[@BIGLOVE4TRUTH]

After hearing these 2 for only the first few minutes, I concluded the have another Jesus and a different gospel. Biblical Jesus was VERY political. Consider: The first words Mark records Jesus saying in his Gospel are highly political. The kingdom of God has come near. (Mark 1:15) Doesn’t sound political to you? That’s because we live in a different political landscape. Those who heard Jesus say those words would have heard that with a very different tone than you and I do. When you proclaim that a new kingdom has come you are insinuating that the old kingdom is done. The other kingdoms of the world would take this statement as a threat. Also they quote their professor who was a devotee of Karl Marx. Put down your communitarian and social justice books. Read the gospels as if through the eyes of a child. Then you will discover who Jesus is.

[@JesusIstDerWegDieWahrheitLeben]

For our citizenship [ politeuma πολίτευμα ] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: php.3.20

[@rogerplested9484]

The law of God, the most salutary doctrine of life, cannot advance humans on their way to righteousness,but rather hinders them.

[@martinhaglund9970]

Is the "Law of God" or the manmade Interpretations of God's Law that is a hinderance to righteousness ?? This is where I'm at: The Word of God which is the Incarnation of the Law of God is not a hinderance.

[@susannahwhite7561]

@@martinhaglund9970 Jesus Christ is our righteousness!

[@LarzGustafsson]

Do you believe in speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Spirit?

[@notvalidcharacters]

Thanks for your efforts. I think you might want to change your vital dates for Helmut Gollwitzer to d. 1993 because that picture is definitely of a man older than 25 ;-) To the meaning of the word "communism/communist" keep in mind that meaning was intentionally perverted by political forces to apply to totalitarian states in an appeal to Ignorance, and appeals to ignorance can never be countenanced.or left unchallenged. I am not familiar with the Bruderhof but I have had close contact with Hutterites, which is why I stopped here.

[@HermitagePrepper]

Jesus was a commiunist Jew...just admit it.

[@table_salt]

I do 😅

[@michaelcscott1985]

In my own, admittedly, limited research the "misdeeds/crimes/atrocities" of the USSR are no more egregious than those of any other modern day major economic society and indeed pale in comparison to those of the colonial powers and the US today. I think its a bit too easy to criticize the other while ignoring the society we are a part of. And there is more than a little projection.

[@emersonphillips1095]

Do you appoint spiritual WATCHMEN over your leaders and fellow bruderites? Concerns over the GREAT FALLING AWAY.

[@enbyjedi]

I believe Christ was very political, but not in the modern meaning. The nature of being the Messiah seems innately "political" not to mention turning over the tables at the temple and his opposition to the rich

[@noskpain2792]

Indeed, a lot of proto communist revolutions that failed were led by Christians.

[@kennlove4014]

Mr. Gollwitzer did not look well for a man who died at age 25...(1908-1933)...

[@CandyCinema]

Lmao. We had to look him up. He actually died in 1993, not 1933.

[@Bruderhof]

Yeah my mistake on the title - Rich

[@jessewallace12able]

You can only be a Christian by yourself. The individual is the one that believes or does not believe.

[@Xmasshow24]

how many assasins cited this book

[@notvalidcharacters]

I would guess that the next one will make a total of One.

[@ugisupatnieks1997]

LPSR anthem

[@imheck]

parable of the vineyard workers in the Bible's Matthew 20, Then parable of the talents Matthew 25 There's more. Communism/Socialism is forced redistribution of wealth. But truly His kingdom is not of this world!

[@noskpain2792]

Expand please.

[@UniversalistSon9]

Anarcho-socialism

[@MurmilloTV1]

Communism from Latin 'communis' - common.

[@ugisupatnieks1997]

If great Soviet pleasant in your life you have part of great klever man in world history Lenin спасибо ильич its Christian revolution

[@Viator19]

You can't be both a Christian and a Communist. Martin Luther King Jr wrote a sermon on this titled "How a Christian should view Communism". As it says in the New Testament you cannot serve two masters.

[@robertocaetano4945]

Early Church Christians pratice some form of communism. Thats how the church used to work.

[@koran7132]

If you’re a Christian and you’re not a communist or a socialist you’re either ignorant or a hypocrite

[@SwedishDrunkard5963]

there are alot of south american priests who wants to talk to you

[@michaelcscott1985]

But we can serve Capital and God at the same time?

[@LarzGustafsson]

I do NOT however vote.

[@harrylime9611]

Bruderhof girls are the cutest😍

[@lewinwickes9882]

Yeah, they're cute, but don't forget the Mennonite girls. Seriously, the fact that girls and women in these communities don't use makeup accounts for their healthier and more attractive appearance.

[@harrylime9611]

​@@lewinwickes9882 Did you hear the one about the Amish girl who got kicked off the farm? Two-men-a-night😂

[@corex72]

Nope.

[@jerome1194]

Pol Pot for Jesus!

[@beatnikjones26]

So you support communism?

[@IslamicAmerica550]

God is a dictator and communism. GOD GAVE EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE FOR FREE. Isn't that communism is helps everyone and community?

[@michaelcscott1985]

I do.

[@FleetStreetBarber765]

You can't be both one or the other.

[@Trap-eZoid]

Its an oxymoron and a contradiction of theological ideology. In the original communist manifesto, it clearly states that they do not believe in God, and wish to worship themselves. BLASPHEMY

[@michaelcscott1985]

Id be curious what passage you are referencing.

[@K1ERKEG44RD]

Yes pure Marxism is blasphemy, but communism as a social system most likely existed thousands of years before Marx was even born.

[@notvalidcharacters]

I'm afraid the concept of "communism" is WAAAAAAAAAAAY older than your "Communist Manifesto", pilgrim.