What about marriage?

Quite a few people have asked me what I think about marriage, divorce, LGBTQ issues, and so forth. Chris and I have been married for four years so we’re still pretty new at it, but we have the example of a lot of couples around us who have been faithfully married for decades. So that’s important and that’s the model of marriage we aspire to. But it’s also very important to me that every person - married, single, or whatever station in life - is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. At the same time, Jesus' words to us on sex and sexuality, like many of his teachings, require us to renounce things that our human nature often clamors for - things like material possessions, wealth, and fame. That includes sex outside of marriage. When we’re able to give these those things up, no matter how hard that may be, then we come closer to Christ.
If you’d like to read a more complete statement of the Bruderhof’s beliefs on marriage, see www.bruderhof.....
*****
About Me
I'm a young mom living in an intentional community called the Bruderhof, and vlogging about what that's like.
If you want to know more, subscribe and ring the bell so you don't miss any new videos:
→ / @laurafromthebruderhof
I used to vlog on the Bruderhof channel. See all my old videos in this playlist:
→ • Meet My Mom - Laura fr...
*****
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 at the Bruderhof KZbin channel: ► www.youtube.co...
More info is at:
► Website: www.bruderhof.com
► Instagram: www.bruderhof....
► Twitter: www.bruderhof....
► Facebook: www.bruderhof....

[@elizabethwittig3930]

Love hearing little man in the background, what a little sweetie.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

He's the best!

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

Don't be afraid or excuse yourself for picking up your child. I discovered what the word love meant the first time I held my daughter in my arms 💕👍

[@tamainda5647]

How do you guys deal with domestic abuse if divorce isn’t prohibited?

[@sofiwester6193]

Like she said in the video, many couples separate without getting a divorce. They’re still married just not living together

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

@@sofiwester6193 can they not have a new partner?

[@tamainda5647]

Sofi Wester Marriage offers certain rights to the individuals especially if there are children involved. Even if the parties are separated, there is no legal standing for the victim to keep the children away from the abuser. Domestic abuse doesn’t just end between spouses, that sort of rage can easily turn to child abuse. Divorce doesn’t just exist to allow new relationships. If divorce is prohibited, the only moral action is to kick out these abusive members from the Bruderhof.

[@mrs.garcia6978]

Looking on their FAQs for the community, if divorced and the other person is still alive you cannot remarry. The abuse question is self explanatory if you read their FAQs, abuse isn't allow, if you refuse to stop you cannot stay. Custody is worked out in the secular courts obv

[@ashlieleavelle]

I appreciate your boldness. I am married to a Pastor, and too many couples divorce when things get difficult. Marriage is for life.

[@kuti8233]

In polish lutheran church half of bishops are divorced! Some regular pastors are also divorced, plus some have families but are gay and practice gay sex. Sad but true.

[@lea2767]

@@kuti8233 there’s nothing sad about people living out their desires and being happy with who they love - no matter their gender.

[@joetrester3139]

Laura, thank you for this video. I am divorced and I appreciate your position on the sanctity of marriage. I also appreciate your mercy and compassion. I wish more people showed such Christ-like characteristics...

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks Joe! All the best.

[@roisinodowd4722]

Thank you, Laura, for talking about marriage. Although I disagree with your beliefs about this, I respect you being open about what your community believes and resonate with your stance of not judging others. Wishing you and your family health and happiness.

[@mari11anna]

As a gay woman, who loves learning about your lifestyle, I appreciate how clear you are on your position. I think some people forget that the hof is a place where you CHOOSE to be, whether you come from outside or inside of it. It seems clear to me that a gay person has the choice of how to live their live, and relatively to your community's convictions - If you are gay you are accepted but not foreseen to marry and be sexually active. And, I imagine ,if you live outside the community as an openly gay person you can still visit if you so wish/if you want to connect to ppl from the bruderhof etc. To me, the most important thing that you said is no judgement. We can all respect each other and coexist to the extend that all of us are comfortable with. Hope you have a great day!

[@jackienaiditch7965]

Mari--I find it interesting that your view--as a gay women--of the Bruderhof's rules about being gay in their community are more charitable than mine, as a straight woman. A problem I have with their views is that I feel it's a bit disingenuous of Laura to say she (and supposedly others in the Bruderhof) are nonjudgmental. In fact, they are passing judgment on those living a different lifestyle, and the results of this judgment are not benign. People in the LGBTQ community are victims of hate crimes, including homicide, and have a relatively high rate of suicide. Again, much of this is because of attitudes of many Christians. To me, this is the exact opposite of loving your fellow man, which I think is a big claim of the Bruderhof. As we know, the bible can be cherry-picked to reflect many different points of view, and was even used to justify slavery years ago. I find it very puzzling and counterintuitive that a gay person is less likely to be accepted by a very religious person than by, say, an atheist.

[@sandyfaithbringer6072]

Jackie Naiditch It’s love the sinner - hate the sin. You can treat people with kindness and love, without agreeing with their lifestyle choice. Bullying them is not acceptable but it’s okay to say that you don’t agree with homosexuality in a Christian context. As a Christian, I will never celebrate homosexuality as it goes against my beliefs but I will not bully or ostracise someone for their sexual orientation. These days, as soon as you don’t agree with something, it’s automatically deemed hate speech. No - it’s called having an opinion and a conviction and sticking to your moral values.

[@mari11anna]

@@jackienaiditch7965 thanks for your comment. I agree with everything you mention and, regrettably, I have some personal experience with it too. But I cannot expect someone whose moral code and convictions are different than mine to accept me and my lifestyle within their living framework. Now, don't get me wrong, I WILL argue with anyone who disrespects me. But what Laura does is acknowledging my existence and placing it within her reality where she sees fit, with no judgement and no violence. So honestly I couldn't ask for more and I wish everyone acted the same way with people they don't agree with. I hope this made sense! :)

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply Mari. Yes, you would absolutely be welcome to visit. All the best!

[@RichJCW]

@@sandyfaithbringer6072 The problem is that what you have said makes no sense. If homosexuality is a real thing that some people are born with (as you seem to suggest you accept), how can you 'not agree with it' or it say that it 'goes against your beliefs'? That's like saying you don't agree with people being blind or that people having different colored skin 'goes against your beliefs'.

[@mimad57]

Divorce has it's place. There is nothing worse than staying in a toxic or abusive marriage. Especially when there are children involved, and watching. A healthy marriage is a wonderful thing, it is not always possible though. Unfortunately 😞

[@Eessgg93]

Great point! ❤

[@thekingsdaughter4233]

There is that... How much better would it be, though, when certain marriages didn't take place to begin with. If Christians go about finding a partner in the same way the world does, the results can hardly be different. :-( In many occasions (though not all), divorce is like closing the barn door after the horses ran out... :-(

[@CatSchroedinger]

@@thekingsdaughter4233 I'm not a Christian but I have faith in marriage too. I believe that if both partners are good people and are invested you can always prevent divorce.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I discussed this in a video Chris and I did telling about how we met, but it's really important to take time before marriage to make sure you have a common basis for spending the rest of your lives together. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKPNmJiGgMyMi8U And like I say in the video from today, I know that I am lucky to live in a community that supports us and that many people don't have that, so I'm not going to judge their situation. If there's an abusive situation with children involved the most important thing would be the children's safety, but parents living separately is not the same thing as divorce.

[@jackienaiditch7965]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof In spite of taking this time before marriage, sometimes a marriage evolves in a very negative or even dangerous way. That's why, for instance, there are places for sheltering women who are in abusive relationships. Sometimes the most prudent plan is for these women to get divorced. They deserve the chance to find happiness with someone else.

[@regisprimo2429]

What a wonderful testimony of Christian life, Laura. God bless you. Greetings from Brazil. 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@suzannepeck5610]

Congratulations on 15,000 subscribers. It’s richly deserved because of the richness of your content, the sensible ness of your observations, and the sweetness and delight of your wonderful sons.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks Suzanne!

[@dawnm5834]

So sweet to hear little baby noises in the background. He’s absolutely precious.

[@harrieth7003]

I've recenelt discovered your channel and am binge watching your videos!! Love them! You seem so genuine. I'd love to hear from some of the other types of members you mention - single parents, ex-atheists etc - have some guests on your show :D

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes, I'm planning to do this!

[@DollyJohanne]

You explain this so well 💕 We are all sinners and one sin are not “better” or “worse”. We should love the sinner, but not the sin, that simple, but also so hard. Thank you for sharing and God bless 💕 Love from Johanne, Norway

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Absolutely!!

[@lxs118]

I'm curious to know if your feelings on divorce also apply to those, who find themselves in abusive relationships. Or if one parent is abusive towards the children. Isn't it then the responsibility of the other parent to remove the children and themselves from the abusive partner?

[@kellylorang6845]

She stated that there are families who have lived apart for years while trying to work things out. What I find rather appalling is how so many people use a serious situation like this, not to really talk about separating for good reasons, but as an excuse to remarry. Basically, once you are married, its for life. If you have to live apart for health reasons, that doesn't give you permission to divorce & remarry.

[@emma-janeward8745]

Kelly Lorang legally divorcing an abusive spouse is needed for many reasons. Safety is the biggest one, probably not applicable to the Bruderhof but financial security is also a second and very important reason. Abusive relationships are not simply an excuse to divorce. I can’t tell you how many times my mother tried to kill me as a child because I’ve lost count. I am blessed beyond belief that my Dad was able to successfully and legally seperate himself from her or I have no doubt I would be dead. God is good, God doesn’t want use to be abused. If He provides us a way out of abuse, do not shame people for taking it. Do not lump domestic abusive survivors in the same category as people who seperate due to irreconcilable differences.

[@therobertsuk8498]

Kelly Lorang depends if you believe in religion I guess!

[@888biblestudy]

@@emma-janeward8745 I divorced after 35 years because I became suicidal due to my marriage to a narcissist who turned my adult kids against me. I feel he abandoned me in various ways and therefore broke his vows. I am remarrying a man I have known since 1994. I cannot say for sure that the remarriage on my part is right but I also know that we are happy and serving God together and that I will not lose my salvation over it. I also follow Paul and not necessarily things written in the gospels as that is still the Old Testament and Jesus was teaching the law. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law in at least two ways: as a teacher and as a doer. He taught people to obey the Law (Matthew 22:35-40; Mark 1:44)

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

In a situation like this the safety of the children would be the priority. But the parents living separately isn't the same as divorce.

[@suebillingham8181]

Thank you for your words of wisdom. A good marriage takes a lot of work & commitment! I have been blessed with Christian parents, in- laws & many other good examples of marriage around me in my church.

[@jkth4500]

I'm married to the most wonderful man for 34+ years, he is a devout Anglican Christian and regular church goer, I'm not bothered about religion....we work wonderfully together, people need to chill and let others do what suits them, both ways.

[@kellylorang6845]

Ok, I see people keep asking about the gay lifestyle. She has stated that the Bruderhof believe in marriage between 1 man & 1 woman, as the Bible decrees. Full stop. She does say that a gay person can join the Bruderhof if they live a celibate life, just as ALL single people are expected to do outside of marriage (as given to us in the Bible).

[@justinswanton287]

I was tempted to post exactly the same thing. Laura is diplomatic but clear. This topic is being pushed too often and too hard in the comments. Everybody knows exactly what the traditional Christian take is on the subject. The question is answered in advance. See Romans 1.26-7, I Corinthians 6.9-10, I Timothy 1.9-10 and Jude 1.7. Much less diplomatic but also clear enough.

[@donnaalpenhaus5916]

God is science. Religions get hung up on the fine print, while the earth continues to evolve :)

[@kellylorang6845]

@Matt Arnold The Bible is believed to be the inspired word of God/Holy Spirit. The problem is, either you believe it in its entirety, or you have to believe that God left man with no teachings at all. Because, if only part of the Bible is inspired by God, who decides what is truth? EVERY commandment or story is up for grabs. I mean, how would we know that Jesus is actually the Son of God & not just another prophet? We can't say the parts of the Bible we agree to are inspired but the other parts aren't! Either the Bible is true in its entirety or not. just my 2 cents worth. As for why God would 'make' a person gay if it is against God's will for us, we might as well ask why some men are interested in children, or why some are born with dibiltating deseases/birth defects, etc. God gives us all a cross to bear. Mine is an anxiety disorder, OCD & agoraphobia.

[@CitizenKatie]

@@kellylorang6845 So you shouldn't wear clothes made of two different materials? Or sit where a menstruating woman has sat? And if you drop grapes on the ground you have to leave them there for poor people? Literal like this?

[@chelsey9987]

@@CitizenKatie this! Funny how some “Christians” cherry-pick two consenting adults who love each other to be the most abominable sin when they also spout all sins are equal...

[@pjmpjm1000]

Odd question. As a couple, do you have couple friends? How can single people not feel like a third wheel if they are assigned to live/or hang out with a married couple? As usual, you always do a great job on presenting the Bruderhof, thank you!

[@janwoG]

I am too individualistic to live your lifestyle but I admire you. May the Lord let your community to flourish.

[@CatSchroedinger]

I'm wondering how you would deal with one of your children possibly being gay. How cut off from the rest of society is your community? Would your gay child be able to live their truth without being kicked out of their community? As a teenager would they be allowed to bring a romantic parner home with them? I very much admire your stance of non-judgement. However, I wonder how true that can really be if being gay is seen as wrong in your faith. Gay people often feel judged, even if they have a support network around them. Are you not afraid that a gay child of yours would feel judged by your faith? Have a nice day!

[@donnaalpenhaus5916]

I was reading some comments from the BBC video about Bruderhof. One of the comments of about someone who was “kicked out” for being gay. My heart goes out to them and also their families as it seems quite cruel.

[@groundcrw847]

Doubtful she will respond to this one

[@fiona9100]

Bert Clayton what is a domineering mother?

[@melfros7100]

Being gay is not the issue for the Bruderhof. Laura made it clear that gay people are welcome to join. The issue is a relationship other than the accepted biblical norm: one woman, one man. One union. Furthermore, I believe the Bruderhof understands marriage foremost for its procreative purpose.

[@CatSchroedinger]

@@melfros7100 But wanting a relationship outside the biblical norm that's what being gay is. You can't separate "being gay" from "doing gay".

[@elygale2001]

Children can have two loving parents who are married and both female or both male. Also, many people are not born male or female, some people are born intersex. So, I identify as a Christian and have even found teachings about intersex people in the Bible (yes, we have been around a long time). I lived in a Quaker community for three years that I always wished was more Christian in practice and teachings and think that there are many ways I would be happy living in a Bruderhof community. But having been raised female and then finding out I was medically more male in my teenage years because of the way my intersex condition works, I am now living as male. I’m not producing any sex hormones (estrogen or testosterone) and having to take testosterone to survive. If I came, would I have to lived in secret or just be asked to leave outright?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Ely! I don't want to comment on your personal situation but you should feel free to send an email to [e-mail] if you want to be in correspondence with somebody. All the best.

[@elygale2001]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof would you be the one reading and responding to my email?

[@thekawaiicripple]

How does the community view situations like myself in which a woman cannot have kids? I think marriage is for more than just recreating 💕

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Not every marriage is given children (and some people also marry when they're older), but we believe that there should be an attitude of welcome to all children. Yes, marriage is wonderful in many ways!

[@zsuzsannaszasz5145]

We can see you are a very good mom. I am a hungarian christian and I want to say I love you. You are so clear. Your society can be proud of you.

[@victoriaortega1990]

I got one question, just because i´m curious, i wanted to know if in the community for a married couple, is it allowed to use birth control?. Not because a couple don´t want children, just on cases like they want a certain number of kinds and not 10 for example. Love the community, i find it really inspiring.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Victoria. This is a personal issue for each couple. We love children and we're happy for every one!

[@victoriaortega1990]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you so much for your answer!. I really like how honest you are about your life in the videos. Love watching them.

[@spicynugget1140]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof If a couple wanted to use birth control are they limited to non-hormonal contraception or are hormonal ones also acceptable? Would they need to access that outside of the Bruderhof or our the doctors in your community willing to prescribe it?

[@irmar]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof This doesn't answer the question. If a couple wants to use contraception to limit the number of its children without using just abstention, is contraception allowed and available? A clear yes or no answer would be needed.

[@lesreid2704]

@@irmar She has responded " this is a personal issue for each couple" !! And like nearly every other small community, medical professional services, hospital facilities and specialist medical care are accessed in the wider society.

[@staceyjensen4071]

Well said! What a blessing to have been raised in this Godly environment. I can see the wonderful effect it has when ever I watch you and the other members of the Bruderhof. God Bless you all.

[@OurFamilyJourney]

I love hearing about family and marriage etc within the community. I also love to hear that single parents like myself are supported somewhat, that sounds really lovely. The bruderhof really is like seeing a glimpse of what God had planned for the world. You are very lucky to live there ☺️

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Maybe you can come visit us someday! When Covid permits!

[@OurFamilyJourney]

Laura from the Bruderhof I used to visit a lot when younger. A new visit is already in the works, just waiting on covid to ease. Hoping not too far off!

[@luqicharmz]

I have a friend that grew up in a Bruderhof community and I’m trying to learn more.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Awesome! So cool. Welcome to my channel. Hope you enjoy 😊

[@suebillingham8181]

PS I've been married nearly 36 years to a wonderful Christian man but we have been through a lot together.

[@mritchie85]

I'd like to get married, seems like the emphasis in today's culture is that everything takes precedence over family, marriage and home making with more and more people still single late into 30's.

[@diamarieful]

You say that the love between a heterosexual married couple is unique, but I have spent enough time around committed same-sex couples to know that there can be the same commitment and love between two people of the same sex as in a heterosexual marriage. You might find what you perceive as God's plan to be beautiful, but when it means asking people who could be in happy and fulfilling relationships to suppress their sexuality and remain alone for life, I have to say I find it pretty damn ugly.

[@Benstephan123]

Interesting. I am around gay men for decates and my experience with my male gay couples, they have an open relationship they agree on, no exception. I don't know about lesbians.

[@sofiabravo1994]

It’s an abomination nothing beautiful about going against God’s ways.

[@mommytwice1023]

Hi Laura :-) I'm wondering how much maternity leave you get from your "work" commitments in the Bruderhof? Can you be a stay at home mum if you like? Or are you expected to return to you chores as soon as possible?

[@Mjl449]

Mommy Twice they get 6 weeks of mat leave and when they go back to work they get to leave work several times a day to feed their baby.

[@alenalaetitia7394]

I live in Germany with my husband and my six children. I never would go back to work since I have a baby under 2 years, because I think, him or she needs mum or dad, not other persons since the day.

[@Mjl449]

Alena Laetitia I live in Canada where taking 1 year to 18 months off is the norm. I, too, can’t imagine leaving my baby at 6 weeks old. But, Laura is from the states where it is very common to go back to work when baby is 6 weeks so that’s the norm for her.

[@alenalaetitia7394]

how sad 😢

[@Titbitist]

@@alenalaetitia7394 How is a year calculated to be enough even

[@brooklynn.y.2507]

Love watching ur videos. I love ur content. I'm a practicing orthodox Jewish women. I was brought up the reason divorce is aloud is because gods presence can not be in a home that does not have peace. We go to all lengths to try to work stuff out but sometimes that's not possible. Example a couple who marries young and one of them develope schizophrenia and refuses to use meds and is completely off the wall. What would the bruderhof say the young women or man is stuck for the rest of their life?? Also is it right to children to grow up in a hostile environment? Sometimes a one parent household is healthier.

[@brooklynn.y.2507]

Also doesn't a women or man have the right to divorce an ill/abusive spouse and move on and build a home with another person. Why would God want ppl to suffer? Especially if they are young?

[@justinhughes1]

I worked just down the road in Robertsbridge not long after the Bruderhof started. I can remember it being spoken of with confusion and disdain then. I am a Christian minister now, but was not a disciple back then. I must drop in a visit one day when over there. I live the Westcountry now.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You totally should Justin!

[@allthebest744]

Xander is such a happy little guy. Thank you for sharing him with us. I received my copy of “Another Life is Possible”. What a beautiful book! I just received it yesterday, so I am still looking at all of the stunning photos. I am eager to read how the Bruderhof has impacted so many lives.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

My grandfather Carroll King is in there! And Chris's dad Clem Robertshaw.

[@allthebest744]

Laura from the Bruderhof Thank you for referring me to their stories. I am so thankful that your grandfather found the forgiveness he was searching. I also enjoyed the story about your father-in-law. How rewarding it must be to teach the teenagers woodworking skills and then have the community enjoy their projects. Some of the stories are heartbreaking, but the one about little Luke really touched my heart. I have never heard of a doctor inviting a family to her house so they could visit and make decisions in a relaxed setting. Derek and Sara faced a difficult situation with prayer, love, and family. And it was done in their home, with the support of the community. Baby Luke knew he was loved and home. Laura, you are a treasure and truly have a gift of communication. I always feel happy after I watch your posts. Have a nice weekend!

[@thumper5832]

I agree with a lot of what you say. I would just add that Paul makes it clear in 1Cor. 7:15 that you are not to seek a divorce, but if someone abandons you, you are not bound by that covenant which they broke. Followed up by 1 Cor. 7:27-28 "if you have been loosed from a wife and marry, you have not sinned." This is biblical divorce and remarriage.

[@delphinium5555]

The lovely Laura speaking so eloquently on Marriage despite the background squawking by her beautiful son!

[@emma-janeward8745]

Hi Laura and Xander I love your videos and I hope you are both having a lovely day! I am curious is birth control and/or natural family planning, within the confines of marriage, used in the Bruderhof? Is divorce or annulment allowed in extenuating circumstances? For example a member repeatedly commits adultery, a member leaves Christianity or domestic violence? Thanks again for your videos, I love them!

[@clarkjc44355]

He is so adorable! My daughter would do the same thing. Just lay in her crib at nap time or bedtime and "talk" for the longest time 🤣.

[@allthebest744]

Quick update! In addition to the book (see the post below), I just received my first issue of Plough Quarterly. Again, I am impressed with the quality of the publication and the content of the issue. Looks like I will be busy reading and being inspired!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That's great!

[@traceybooth5840]

I HAVE BEEN MARRIED 4 TIMES, MOSTLY TO ABUSIVE AND VIOLENT MEN. I CANNOT HAVE ANY MORE CHILDREN, BUT I LOVE CHILDREN. ARE YOU OK TO LIVE WITH A MAN JUST FOR COMPANIONSHIP NOT AS A LOVER?

[@lisaeshleman754]

thank you for your comments on divorce!!! love your thoughts on marriage!! your biblically based worldview is so refreshing im so glad I found you!

[@ammelepiz7265]

Laura, I'm so blessed by your videos. You're so beautiful inside and out, you have such a beautiful smile and you're so wise. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us :)

[@eirishemd]

Lovely refreshing vlog and words to think about. Thank you for sharing❤️

[@TimeTraveller2054]

I love the mobile over Xander's crib! Is that handmade? He sure has found his voice! 😂

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes, Chris and I made it - has a fishing theme of course!

[@user-lx7ul5ft7y]

I really appreciate all your videos Laura. They give one a deeper understanding of the Bruderhof. I find the Bruderhof ways perfectly acceptable. Your son is very sweet. Lots of love and blessings to you and all the folk living at your nice Bruderhof.

[@mindfulskills]

Hi Laura, I love your videos and highly respect you and the Bruderhof. I understand that your definition of marriage as being exclusively heterosexual is based on your understanding of scripture. However, I believe that the idea that the "love within a [heterosexual] marriage is . . . not to be found in any other relationship" is narrow-minded. In the lived experience of the vast majority of gay people, sexual orientation is not a choice but the way God made them, and according to a study conducted at UCLA more gay people live with integrity in life-long committed relationships than straight people do. In the view of the Bruderhof, do such people also have a place in God's plan? Are there any openly gay members in the Bruderhof? Must they renounce their sexuality to remain? Does the Bruderhof believe in "conversion therapy"? Thanks for considering my questions.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks George. I think Jesus’ teachings on the subject of marriage are quite clear and cannot be ignored. Following Jesus will always mean sacrifice, and different people will experience this in different ways. As I said in the video it’s not my place to judge others for how they live and I do believe everyone has a place in God’s plan and trust in the ultimate redemption of all of humankind past, present, and future. It’s difficult to give a thoughtful enough answer in KZbin comments, you are welcome to email [e-mail] if you’d like to discuss your questions with another Bruderhof member.”

[@helpfultips1533]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof hi Laura as a reverend I agree with George god being lgbtq is not choice it the way the lord made them

[@tigermiep]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Can you tell me where Jesus offered any teachings on LGBTQ+ marriages? I have read the gospels, but have never seen Jesus speak even once to this, as it wasn't a cultural reality in the first century under Roman rule. I think it's important to recognize that when you say, "I do not judge anyone else, as we are all sinners," you are making a very clear statement that you think (judge) someone else's actions to be sinful. That is, in fact, judging. It's important for us to be really aware of the context of Jesus's words, and of the context of the epistles as well, when we are choosing what scriptures to follow and what not to. There are plenty of laws in the Bible that aren't followed at the Bruderhof, because they aren't appropriate to our time, or to your calling.

[@marisellopez6022]

you have a beautiful way of explaining your religion. Normally I cringe when people talk about god because it seems very disingenuous , but it feel very genuine coming from you.

[@rebeccaspalding6132]

Such a beautiful happy baby boy, despite the teething...💞

[@ingridlinbohm7682]

Catholics are taught that marriage is covenant where we bound together and find our salvation through marriage for those who are married. Those who are called by God to be married are also called to reflect the love of the Holy Trinity. Marriage is between a man and a woman so that it can be fruitful with children.

[@oliviaa5559]

Team keep Xander in the videos- I love his joyful noises!

[@johannesdekoning9521]

Yes we are all in need of grace and mercy! Our only hope is the all sufficient sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Dankie vir jou kosbare getuienis!

[@taraburke826]

Thank you for sharing your Biblical practice and views on marriage. It is good to witness how God has blessed marriage, family and community under obedience to HIS written law. The Bruderhof expresses a most beautiful and living love of God and HIS people. Your living relationship with God and HIS people is a great and important example to us all. Thank you!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks so much Tara

[@logothaironsides2942]

Love seeing the insider account of the bruderhof. I have only yesterday realised this group of people even existed and that England has two communities. If we had known of them 30 years ago, maybe we would have joined.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You can still visit!

[@Benstephan123]

The baby entertain himself 😍😍 soooo cute

[@axlismypuppy]

I think one of the biggest factors in fights in a marriage can be financial issues so I think community living is a great thing to exclude that specific issue. These days it seems that divorce is too quick of an option rather than both parties 100% working towards their marriage. I'm curious on the community's stance on divorce within the community. There are some VERY good, Biblical reasons for divorce like infidelity, abuse of all sorts etc. Does the community approve of divorce within the community when it comes to these issues? How would they deal with the abuser or cheater?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

A couple might be separated for a time, but marriage vows are taken for life. I don't mean to sound glib and I know there are many difficult situations that people find themselves in.

[@axlismypuppy]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof I get that vows are supposed to be for life but in my opinion there are certain instances where God would call for divorce. There are things to me that are just too horrible to find forgiveness for. For example my mom is divorced from my dad due to a lot of infidelity, including with a husband and wife, as well as physically abusing me to the point where I am disabled for life (plus mental, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse). My mom tried at first but his family hid him when the Pastor came to speak to him. I don't believe God would want that for his children. BUT that being said I understand what you're saying to a point.

[@lolo-ey6kk]

Hi Laura, thank you for explaining all of this perfectly. You said it would be fine for gay or lesbian people to join the community but I didn't quite get if they were able to have a romantic relationship to someone of the same sex. I would love an answer to this and the birth control topic that's already been commented on. I'm sorry if you already explained the first question in the video. As english is not my first language there's a small language barrier for me:)

[@lolo-ey6kk]

@Bert Clayton Thank you!

[@chefevilee9566]

Bert Clayton yes I gay person would take a vow of Chastity. But single people of this world should take that vow as well. Also Jesus said this.... But he said to them, “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.” -Matthew 19:11-12

[@zariballard]

My goodness! That little boy is adorable♥ Laura, I just discovered the Bruderhof and while I know that no situation or environment is perfect, I would have to say that the structure of the Bruderhof is as close to perfect as you could get. This of course is because it follows the teachings of Jesus. I am fascinated by the openness of the community and how non- judgemental you all are. I'm almost worried that an outsider could come in with the wrong intention and taint the environment and how awful that would be to have to kick someone out. I wonder if that has happened. I wonder how you feel or think about comparing with the Amish in beliefs and teachings. You have an awesome family and I find you delightful. 🤗

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Zari, thanks for watching. I think that if we believe strongly in what we're doing, influences from the outside won't be able to change or affect it. We come from the same faith tradition (Anabaptist) as the Amish, the biggest difference is that we believe in full community of goods as practiced by the first Church in Jerusalem.

[@RichJCW]

Hi Laura, thank you for your video and I really respect that you have laid out your position frankly and explained why you have chosen to dedicate yourself to it. I also really respect that you have made it clear that you are not judging anyone else. However, while the comments section of a KZbin video isn’t the place for having a deep and meaningful engagement on these issues, I would just say that your statement that Jesus clearly taught that sex outside of marriage is a sin isn’t actually true - he is never recorded as having said any such thing directly. Jesus has almost nothing to say about sexual relationships in the gospels and your position is largely an extrapolation from one pair of verses (Matthew 19:4-6). In actual fact, you could carry out the same exercise and make a clear case that Jesus wants all of us to reject the family institution (see Luke 14:25-27 or Matthew 10:35-39). I’m not saying that I don’t agree with your ideal of marriage (I am lucky enough to have been in a Christian marriage for almost 30 years), I just don’t agree that there is anything in scripture which forbids our understanding of bonded relationships from being expanded so that it can encompass gay people.

[@justinswanton287]

Christ is clear about sex outside marriage in John 8.1-11. A woman is caught in adultery (i.e. having sex outside marriage) and must be stoned to death. Christ does not deny that she has sinned - He respects the Law's take on the situation and when the pharisees leave he tells the woman to 'sin no more'. So she sinned. Luke 14.25 and Matthew 10.35 say nothing about whether Christ upholds marriage as an institution or not. Matthew 10.35 prophecies how faith in Christ will split households - not that there shouldn't be households - with unbelievers turning against believers. In Luke 14.25 Christ points out, using his classic penchant for hyperbole, that his disciples must be prepared to love him more than their families - not that there shouldn't be families.

[@RichJCW]

@@justinswanton287 Thanks for replying Justin. Yes, John 8 is the other text that you can draw on in this area - though most scholars (even the most conservative ones) would have to agree that it wasn't originally part of the gospel and has been added significantly later. I think the point I'm really making is that sexual relationships were very far from being Christ's primary concern - he was far more concerned with the way people treat one another. Therefore, for someone to base their opinion about sexual relationships on 'Christ's clear teaching' is somewhat disingenuous. You have done quite a bit of interpreting on the texts above to arrive at a conclusion about what they are telling us and I could easily do a bit of interpreting to put a different perspective on them. For me, sex within monogamous marriage is the Christian ideal but I would say that you have to make some huge leaps of reason to say that there is anything in Christ's teaching that forbids monogamous bonded relationships between gay people.

[@justinswanton287]

@@RichJCW I think that once scholars decide which pieces of the Gospels are to be cut out and which pieces are to remain then one is free to make the Bible say pretty much anything one wants. As a Catholic, I accept the Bible in its entirety, guaranteed by a Church that can trace its origins back to Christ who founded an organisation to transmit his teachings. If one leaves the Gospel of John intact, then Christ treats adultery as sin. If one leaves Romans, I Corinthians, Timothy and Jude similarly intact, then there is an absolute ban against homosexual and lesbian relationships. This has also been the constant understanding of all Christian denominations until very recently. It only changed recently in some Christian groups that aligned themselves with the dissolving moral fabric of the secular West, in which the old norms that regulated society are being eliminated, replaced, in the sexual field, with an increasingly unbridled and bizarre licence.

[@RichJCW]

@@justinswanton287 Thanks Justin. Interestingly, I think you are on much more solid ground as a Roman Catholic because you (presumably) accept the Catholic teaching that the Bible needs to be interpreted within an ordered church and you accept the interpretation which your church has agreed on. I think protestants are on much more shaky ground because it is patently obvious that the Bible cannot work, and was never intended to work, as some sort of 'Haynes manual for life'. Arguments about which writings should be included in the Bible went on for hundreds of years after Christ walked the earth and even a cursory reading of it will reveal many internal contradictions. The Bible can be used perfectly effectively to create an argument for the perpetuation of slavery and was by many. It can equally be used to denounce slavery. We have to call on the Holy Spirit to guide us as to which is the most just and righteous path. This is how I feel about the issue of homosexuality. For me, it has nothing to do with moral degeneracy. If some people are 'born that way' - which is the clear witness of the many homosexual people with whom I've spoken - then I think the most just and righteous thing for the church to do would be to expand its interpretation of bonded monogamous relationships. This would enable homosexual people to have the opportunity to commit to a life partner rather than either be drawn to promiscuous lifestyles or live lives of lonely frustration. I am not particularly arguing for 'gay marriage' as I think Christian marriage means something different, I am suggesting that the church could offer another alternative out of Christian love.

[@justinswanton287]

@@RichJCW As regards the Bible I'm with John Henry Newman: "A book, after all, cannot make a stand against the wild living intellect of man." As a Catholic, I found my religious certitude on the fact that Christ gave all his guarantees to an organisation: "You are Rock (Petros) and on this rock I will build my Church (ecclesia) and the gates of hell will never prevail against it." - Matt. 16.18. Using the Bible to demonstrate the indefectibility of a Church that then confirms the Bible may seem a vicious circle, but the argument doesn't quite go like that: 1. Considering the Bible as a purely human document, it can be demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that Christ existed and that he worked miracles, the most notable being his own resurrection. There is no rational explanation for the disappearance of his body in the tomb other than that he rose from the dead (the pharisees would have done anything to be able to produce his corpse). The Shroud of Turin is a massive scientific confirmation of the resurrection (a whole topic in itself). 2. Christ claims he is the Son of God and has proved his claim by rising from the dead. Hence anything he says can be believed. 3. Christ founds an organisation which he guarantees will not fail until the end of time. 4. The only Christian organisation that goes back to Christ is the Catholic Church. Hence the Catholic Church is the organisation Christ founded. 5. The Catholic Church, invoking Christ's guarantee that it will not err, affirms that every word in the Bible is inspired by God. It also affirmed which books belonged to the Bible and which didn't, in the Third Council of Carthage in 395, which drew up the Canon, or list, of divinely inspired books, excluding other books like Pastor Hermas, the Gospel of Peter, and so on.

[@janajohnson5488]

the baby mobile is such a sweet gift to your son.

[@michaelcaine837]

Hanabeth Meier in 1946 we shared a schoolbench

[@marynevel6015]

Love hearing from you!

[@safehaven2763]

Very well put Laura...this topic is difficult and you handled it gracefully...yes we all do struggle with sin but we know what they are though hard to face at times...we cannot condone those actions. Also you mentioned the kids being taken care of in the community...so if, God forbid, something happened to the parents and the child is not actually a member of the community, the community looks after the child until they reach adulthood? You are so blessed to have genuine communal support for family and marriages!!!

[@fificore]

*What if you don't want marriage and babies?*

[@UnPoquitoDeSal]

It's a good thing you can stop and re-watch parts as I kept getting distracted by the little kiddo! I especially like the part where you mention that you would welcome ANYONE, but who are committed to the same Biblical principles as yourselves. Being in agreement on certain fundamental principles really is one of the most important aspects community i.e. common unity. (I really don't understand why this is a controversial point. I mean, nobody is going to join Extinction Rebellion who wants to continue to defend fossil fuels and not commit to reducing their environmental impact.)

[@ashtonclark4039]

Xander in the background is precious. Please don't feel like you can't make videos with him, it's just like how sweet the sound of a child is to hear in church. Children are such gifts and always welcome.

[@rachaelbakker5138]

Hi Laura, thank you for this video. I really appreciate how clear, honest, and nonjudgemental you are ❤ Having grown up in a Christian home and school I fully understand all the teaching regarding no sex before marriage and how any relationship other than a man or a woman is a sin, but I can't shake how wrong it seems to me and how unlike the character of God to condemn relationships that aren't a man and a woman. I did some research on the subject so that I could try to better understand it and found a really good seminar online. Its definitely worth a listen to. If you look up: Dr. Brownson Romans 1:24-27 part one the Reformation Project on KZbin it should pop up. I highly recommend watching it, its always beneficial to look deeper into the meaning behind why we're taught what we're taught. Thank you for your videos 😊

[@kaleezinn5214]

Awhh! That fishing mobile is so cute!

[@our3geckos]

I've been married for 25 years. My in-laws were married for 63 years❣️Up till my father-in-law's passing this past February 2020💔. My paternal grandparents were married for 67 years, up to my Grandpa's passing. My maternal grandparents were married for almost 65 years up to my Grandma's passing. Neither my husband or myself believe in divorce. I do come from a broken home, of all my siblings MANY are divorced.. but the ones that aren't, we hope to stop that. 💞ALOHA FROM HAWAI'I 💞🌹 LYSSA 🌹

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That is an amazing legacy, and congratulations on 25 years and all the best for the next 25 (and further)!

[@Alex-dk8dl]

I couldnt remarry a community member if I came in as a divorcee?

[@ashleyladner7620]

Laura, why do you have wedding bands on both ring fingers?

[@TicketToLearning]

How are mental and chronic health conditions handled by the Bruderhof? Are new people with these types of conditions still welcomed as it could potentially put a strain on the community?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

The wonderful thing about community is that people with health conditions can be taken care of and participate in community life, the same goes for older people - no one ever goes to an old people's home, they are cared for in their home.

[@mmck1463]

I really enjoy your teachings, as I think of them that way. I learn so much from you!!

[@GeekTrow]

Wait, the mobile on the bed, what do I see, but lures! So today our sermon for worship was on Matthew 19. Have a blessed week!!!

[@justinswanton287]

If you don't mind, I'd like to copy a post I wrote some time ago on the subject of families. At the heart of the collapse of modern society is the collapse of the family. But what caused the family to collapse? Two hundred years ago the family was the fundamental social and economic unit of society. The only industry was home industry. The father worked at home or in the adjacent fields and helped raise the children - who helped him and learnt their trade from him (the boys at least). The mother stayed at home and, besides looking after her children, was entirely responsible for the following trades: spinning, dyeing, weaving, catering, brewing, distilling, preserving, pickling, bottling, bacon-curing, and in addition to that, a goodly share in the management of household finances and assets. The family was rock-solid and the children had normal and protected childhoods. Then it all fell apart: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗲: Industrialisation takes the women's traditional occupations out of the home and puts them in the factory where the men do them, reducing the women to the status of domestic servants whilst the men are not longer at home to help raise the children. This is the 1950s domestic utopia. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘄𝗼: The women eventually get fed up with their artificially subordinate status and rebel, starting with the suffragette movement and ending up with women moving into the workplace to employ their mental and physical skills alongside the men. But now the problem of who minds and trains the children has no good solution. The women however - not the men - are expected to somehow make it work. This hampers their careers and puts a real burden on them. But they are not willing to go back to their former (artificial) position of domestic servants. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲: The women increasingly abandon having children since that is the only option that leaves them able to freely employ their skills, and feminism has now definitively removed their strike one obligation of minding the kids at the cost of their own abilities. Sanger and Co. did not create this abnormal situation but simply fed off it, facilitating the woman's desire to escape what is a technologically imposed bondage in a way that makes her state much, much worse. The real solution is not to return to the 50's housewife paradise (it isn't a paradise) but to go the whole hog and do what the Amish [and the Bruderhof] are doing. Because what they are doing 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨.

[@emma-janeward8745]

I found this very difficult to read with no references or evidence. Have you considered referencing at all?

[@justinswanton287]

@@emma-janeward8745 Sure, what references are you looking for?

[@anna-katehowell9852]

Xander is so big! Best of luck to him with the teething -- I know that can be rough on little ones.

[@sue1263]

I see that you wear two rings, what does the other one represent? I know that you have mentioned that you and the community own no material possessions so I am assuming the other ring has some sort of significance? While I don’t necessarily share the same beliefs, I love that you are so devoted to living your faith. Thank you for sharing your life and answering our questions. I so enjoy your videos and one more question do you use cloth or disposable diapers?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes, I have a wedding ring and the other ring I wear is for the lifelong vows I made to be a member of the Bruderhof - I think members of some Catholic religious orders also wear rings when they make vows. If you look at it closely, it's an open ring (there's a little gap in it) to signify that our circle is open to others, and the gap is in the form of a cross. To your other question: cloth diapers!

[@kalakakku7749]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof That is so interesting. I had wondered this also, since I saw others from the Bruderhof also wear two rings.

[@groundcrw847]

Your husband is a science teacher, correct? If you are believers of science, which is always evolving and improving our intellect, you should also believe the scientific findings of why and how exactly a person is born gay. It is not a demonic choice as early man may have rightly thought, but rather a genetic imbalance in the embryo. Love is love, end of story. PS. Many gay couples are also married for life.

[@safehaven2763]

The theory of spontaneous generation held that living creatures could arise from nonliving matter and that such processes were commonplace and regular. This theory was proven to be wrong by a scientist...spontaneous generation cannot occur. The theory of evolution is spontaneous generation.

[@thesaintmustwalkalone708]

I disagree. I believe injecting children with the opposite DNA from birth has a lot to do with it,, as well as society and environment. DNA fragments from aborted babies get into the nucleus of the cells and can cause mutagenesis. Stem cells can repair and replace up to 80% of a person's cells. This is why a person can clearly be one sex, but show differently on lab tests.... That and disappearing twin syndrome can cause similar affects from a twin absorbing the cells of their opposite sex twin. So science actually shows these things occur after DNA is formed at conception.

[@KatiePepperSpark]

Hi Laura (and Xander!), I really love your channel and I am considering visiting a Bruderhof community when the world opens up again. I have one main question after watching this video. Would a divorced person who joins the community be able to marry someone in the community (ie a second marriage)? Or would their first marriage still be considered to exist? Does the answer depend on whether the first marriage was a legal or religious marriage? Okay so maybe that was three questions, but they were all on the same train of thought! Thanks again for your videos and for answering our questions! I hope you are having a lovely day :)

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Katie - we would want to consider the facts of each situation, but in general we do believe that a second marriage after divorce is wrong. Hope you can come visit us!

[@KatiePepperSpark]

Thank you @@LaurafromtheBruderhof so much for your answer! I really appreciate it :)

[@AdelBeautyCon]

I have some follow-up questions about sex and sexuality in the Bruderhof, I will nest them in a comment so I don’t make anybody uncomfortable.

[@AdelBeautyCon]

What does sex and relationships education look like in the Bruderhof? Can couples use contraception or other forms of family planning? Does the Bruderhof have anything to say about pleasure and sex/sexuality - for example, masturbation and having sex/being sexual with your partner just for fun, not tied up in the idea of having a baby? How does the community respond where a member has sex either before marriage or outside of their marriage? How do the Bruderhof think about sexual consent? How does the community respond to sexual assaults that happen within the community? Thank you for considering these questions ☺️

[@brianmurphy7962]

Hi Laura, I pray that you and yours are well. I have a question regarding the Sacrament of Baptism at the Bruderhof. I am a Catholic deacon, I teach baptism preparation and celebrate the sacrament. We teach that all sacraments have “matter and form.” The matter being materials present (for baptism, water) and the form, or formula/ prayer being, “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (as Jesus told his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew).These two things are necessary to confer the Sacrament. I tried to find the form for baptism used at the Bruderhof. I can’t find it. Can you let me/your viewers know? Thank you and God bless you.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Brian, after the person requesting baptism answers a series of questions they recite the Nicene Creed as a public confession of faith and are then baptized "On the confession of your faith, I baptize you in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Then they are given a blessing with the laying on of hands "Since God in his grace has been merciful to you, and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, and through the intercession of his church, has forgiven and remitted your sins, may he clothe you with powers from on high, write your name in the book of life, and keep you faithful and true until the end. This I wish you through Jesus Christ. Amen." Thanks for asking Brian

[@brianmurphy7962]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof thank you Laura!

[@edw8889]

I love ur videos. So nice to listen to u. Thank u for talking about not judging others

[@catherinegrant7890]

Hi Laura, are people allowed to remarry if their spouse passes away? Especially at a young age? Or is it considered the same as divorce?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

If a spouse dies than someone can absolutely remarry - marriage vows are "till death do us part."

[@emmib1388]

may I ask why you feel death of a spouse is the same as a divorce?

[@victoriaortega1990]

LOVE YOUR BABY!, SO CUTE! AND your videos are really good!

[@greyjay9202]

In the explanatory literature on the Bruderhof website, reference is made to "authority" and "obedience." A common pitfall of intentional communities, both religious and secular, is the abuse of both concepts. How has the Bruderhof community avoided these traps? Who holds authority? How do they earn that position? Are there safeguards against abuse of authority? We are all imperfect beings, living in a fallen world. If authority does not begin with self mastery, but is only imposed from without, I see trouble ahead.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Great questions. There's a good description of that in Foundations of our Faith and Calling which a document that describes our beliefs and way of life www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/pastoral-leadership I might make a video about this soon as well!

[@annekanilsson1909]

Do the Bruderhof allow you to have friends/connections outside the community? For example, if a person leaves their family to join the Bruderhof, are they allowed to call their parents/siblings and check in? Are they allowed to take a trip to visit their family?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes to all your questions!

[@lukitzo98]

what are the community’s thoughts on contraceptives or natural family planning methods?

[@H3arme3r0ar]

What happens if the relationship is abusive . Sadly there are some people who do very bad things and harm their spouse and/or children. Would the couple he allowed to divorce in this case and the abused members be saved ?

[@GreaterGood2024]

Can you start a Bruderhof commune in Asean countries?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We have a little community in Taebek, South Korea - you can look it up on bruderhof.com. All the best!

[@chazchillings3019]

To become catholic, we would have to write all our previous sins on a list ( like divorce etc.) and send it to Rome to be absolved. What is Bruderhof’s membership process on sin.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You can read about that process here www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-actions/baptism

[@EarlEBird-fz6yr]

Thank you, you have one lucky boy there!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes! So blessed. Thank you 😄

[@RealFarknMcCoy]

You say that gays & lesbians would be welcomed into your community, provided they take the same vows of poverty and chastity (outside of marriage), etc., but does your community recognise gay marriage at all? If not, then that excludes gays and lesbians from enjoying the same rights as the rest of the community.

[@emmib1388]

she mentions it in the video -- the person would be welcome, but in order to be an official 'member' they would choose to live a celibate life -- no different than a heterosexual single would have to do the same. In God's eyes -- marriage is between a biological born male and a biological born female. If you did not want to agree with their statement of faith, why would you want to join their community?

[@curtisangelamay1510]

If there is no personal ownership of any physical objects, are you allowed to keep pictures of family with you when you transfer communities, or are there no framed pictures of family, or family photo albums?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Curtis. Yes, people have family albums, personal Bibles, and so on. We don't "own" anything but we each have (for instance) a wardrobe of clothes that is ours to use, and likewise household items.

[@curtisangelamay1510]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof I have the same philosophy with pets. I don't personally feel you can own another sentient being, you simply have them. I have a dog, I don't own a dog.

[@suemoravec422]

As I continue to watch your videos, more questions come to mind, I know that I read or heard somewhere that children can go to college, I am assuming that since no one has money at the Bruderhof, that the students would most likely qualify for 100% financial aid and therefore the community would not have to pay for their college tuition, and that while no job is considered better than another, such as a physician is not valued any more than the person who does the laundry there is still a need for those that can perform jobs that require an education, such as dentists, teachers, Dr.s occupational therapists and the like. Who decides in the US Bruderhof communities who can go into those specific career paths in college? Medical and graduate schools are typically not covered under financial aid.

[@fr.photiosparks3713]

Although, I don't know anything about the financial aid piece, from what I've been told, the community pays the tuition. They have numerous members who have gone through medical school, etc. and numerous members are at Duke, WVU, and a bunch of other reputable school studying. I studied the Bruderhof for my masters thesis but that was some years back. But...Laura (or anyone from within the community) could answer this way better than me.

[@chefevilee9566]

Wonderful!

[@ckblackwoodmusic]

To judge means to form an opinion of another; you say you don't do that just after having said that marriage should be between a man and a woman! I'd strongly implore anyone (ESPECIALLY LGBTQIA+ folk) to avoid joining this community or any Christian community at all costs; I've seen firsthand that Biblical standards destroy everything.

[@sharoncole8249]

Hello again hope you and all your family are keeping well and safe much love sharon from uk 💜🙏💜

[@kylieholman3877]

I'd love to know how you get saved and how you stay saved according to the BH. Also what happens if someone leaves the BH. Are they welcome to join in and still be part of the community to the extent they chose or are they shunned?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

If someone leaves the Bruderhof we would try to keep lines of communication open - and they are welcome to come back.

[@ace-demiromantic-girl1129]

Would Bruderhof accept a in their state or counrty legaly married couple as a married couple?

[@emmib1388]

she answers your question in the video....

[@deborahgate965]

I really enjoy your videos Laura. Your baby boy is gorgeous! Hello from Australia 😃🇦🇺

[@888biblestudy]

Xander was adorable and definitely not too loud. I am sure he was louder to you than to the camera. :-)