An atheist/non-religious based version of the Bruderhof? - Ask Laura

[@hidinginsight1879]

"What's in store for us in 2020? I have no idea and that's probably a good thing." Wow, sister, are you ever prophetic on THAT one!

[@kellymeganart]

100%!!!

[@InkyBink]

Aged like wine that opening hahahaha

[@sapiora7]

Just watched it mid september. Oh girl, 2020!

[@tabbymrp]

Watching this in Oct 2020....what a year.

[@bexabomination7432]

I'm binge watching you . I have very different beliefs to you but I think you are a beautiful soul and an shining example to your community. I send you love. We may have very different paths but we're all just walking each other home. X

[@IbrahimMehdiStudios]

I'm just interested on how these people live and honestly she is actually so sweet.

[@historynut00]

I'm glad you covered the atheist question. I grew up with a semi religious upbringing but always loved the community feel of church/religion. The Bruderhof really appeals to me and it's nice that the option is out there for me to join and commit myself to Christ. If my partner was willing, we would be joining.

[@gregbourn6915]

Last night I read Josef Ben-Eliezer’s book from Plough Publishing. He was an atheist that was interested in finding a way that men could live together in brotherhood. He came to the Bruderhof and ultimately converted to Christianity. I’m sure you have read it as well. My reading of the book was well timed with your post here. Happy New Year!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That's a great book!

[@Theacademichouse]

Hey Laura , I have been watching for a while now and I feel the peace and happiness overwhelming environment that your community aspire to , actually I am a practicing muslim and I saw that you explain alot of things to your audience when it comes to head cover and other things which we actually have in common , And I love the way you handle with those questions which any godly faithful person could handle , thanks for sharing .

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks so much Nashad. All the best to you!

[@Tsumebleraar]

May you find Jesus dear Nashad! (Issa in the Quran)

[@dylanmurphy572]

@@Tsumebleraar Muslims already believe in Jesus and see him as a prophet.

[@D.N..]

I found your answer to the question of women in pastoral roles extremely intersting. It never occurred to me that the wife does share a role since she is one with her pastor husband! Your understanding of the wife's role is very enlightening !!

[@catalinaholly5583]

I am 15 and I am agnostic and love your channel. I have never heard of the Bruderhof before your channel. I love how inclusive and accepting your community seems to be I think the whole world should be like that. It almost reminds of the Quaker’s in early america that I have been learning about recently. Their ideas were considered radical and unfortunately I think your are too it’s too bad we could not have moved forward farther since then. I hope that some day people can learn to just be kind always but I also know that that is not human nature and that we will need to work hard to get there, and to stay there. Thank you for setting an example of how we could treat each other. I have always thought of religion as corrupting and something we should leave in our history books but even though I may never believe if religion can pull people together in this way it can’t possibly be all bad. Thank you for changing my mind.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you! The early Quakers are an inspiration. I really appreciate you responding.

[@rev.carlosparada4353]

Really I like your comprehension of the role of the Spirit in the understanding of the Bible. Is dynamic like the WIND. Please pray for me and my family.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I will do that

[@rev.carlosparada4353]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Exist a big difference between a follower and a mere religion teacher. Between a COMMUNITY and a mere dominical meeting. That is the center of the cuestion: Jesus as a "idea" but not as the Way. Between the theology made with words and the spirituality made in the middle of the life. Thanks for yours prayers.

[@joannhernandez9884]

I am still catching up with your older vlogs. Haven’t been disappointed once. This was excellent!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Glad you like them!

[@willowsreign3732]

Hi Laura, I enjoy your videos, the lifestyle of community living has appealed to me for many years. I would love to find a community similar to the Bruderhof. But as I am now agnostic but baptised a Catholic the beliefs you have I do not share. I admire your faith and the comfort it gives you.

[@WeRNthisToGetHer]

I don't know that I would fit well in your community or not, but I am fascinated. I love the example you give to the world and I am a fellow believer. Peace and blessings to you all. You are a refreshing joy to follow and I am glad you do these videos for us! I would love to do something similar in the US.

[@hatersgonnahate4343]

You are so awesome! You are very well educated and dont come across judgemental. I want to be you, Laura when I grow up!.. Please keep the videos coming they are very inspirational . God Bless

[@margaretwang3818]

I LOVE your answer to the question about whether the Bible is the literal word of God. I agree with you 100%, and you expressed it so well.

[@justchevrotainrating]

thanks for answering the question on atheists.

[@maxschon7709]

There atheistic communities like Arcosanti or Cosanti in Arizona. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYayYYGHbaqqmNk

[@kassrripples3659]

@@maxschon7709 I didn’t know about these, thanks for sharing.

[@maxschon7709]

I don't say it's the same but there are communites without faith too

[@lisaeshleman754]

hahaha I am just watching this now! Looking back on January is such a crazy thing!

[@alan15768]

Happy new year to the Bruderhof community !!

[@bekah728]

I like that you can be very direct with your answer

[@dianner6637]

Laura, you are wise beyond your years! Thank you for such thoughtful answers.

[@reenie4299]

Watching this in October 2020. 10 seconds in, so far. Just have to say, with the benefit of hindsight, "I have no idea what's in store, and that's probably a good thing" seems almost prophetic

[@willdouglas1398]

Thank you and God bless to you and your fam. and the community. I've been binge watching you since last night. Say, hey, to Chris for me. I look up to him and you all. You all make me feel good.

[@brucewiley1561]

I admire the beauty of your communal living. It takes great discipline and deep faith. I think anytime that women are products of complementarianism, as is the practice of Anabaptist believers, the faithful lose a voice and an important lens through which to look at life. That said, pastors wives are great gifts, as are you in these videos. Every blessing to you and yours in this new year.

[@lisahagenhomeschoolingmom]

Happy new year! I hope your family is blessed in the upcoming year!

[@Black_Swan_Rider]

"When the spirit of truth comes he will guide you into all truths." John 16:12. I love this part at the end, you are a wise woman.

[@timothypierce6576]

Well said sister!

[@naturelover6520]

Obviously someone wise in the community knows about your charisma hence they choose you for the videos. You are excellent. One thing I'd like to know is.. if someone decides to leave the community, since once you enter you give up your patrimony and personal possessions, how do you manage?, You'd be leaving without a penny.. would be very hard to make it again in the outside world.. do people who leave the community get any help at all. I doubt it..

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

If someone wants to leave we'll help them get established.

[@kassrripples3659]

I just watched this on 13 December 2020. “What’s in store for us in 2020?”... ohhh doozey... I watched this because I’m drawn toward the way of living... but taking it slow. I was raised in a Catholic school system but haven’t lived as a Christian for the previous 25 years. I would like to visit a Bruderhof community but aren’t sure how.

[@stormhawk31]

My Aunt Joann used to live with the Bruderhof in Connecticut back in the 80s. She liked it, but it ultimately wasn't for her.

[@vgs1259]

I’ve enjoyed hearing you perspective though a few videos. However your answer on women excluded from pastoral roles saddened me. Not that I believe there is any good, well educated explanation, but why don’t you expand on such answers rather than just saying “no” and moving right along?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Sorry. You can read more about pastoral leadership here if you're interested: www.bruderhof.com/en/our-faith/foundations/church-order/pastoral-leadership

[@vgs1259]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof thank you for the link, Laura. However, after reading it, I still don’t see an explanation of why women are exempt from pastoral roles. Maybe I missed something?

[@helenahandkart1857]

Power. Men love it & are fearful & loathe to relinquish it or even equally share it. Power is the un-named & entrenched & institutionalised thing hoarded jealously to the breast of patriarchy, & fear of it's diminishment is the unspoken sharp spur that drives the dogmas & decisions of it's preservation.

[@kaycure8629]

@@vgs1259 I don't know the exact verses in the Bible but the pastor at a church is supposed to be a man. It is biblical. It's as simple as that.

[@INTEGRITY273]

@@kaycure8629 is it really so simple?

[@els1f]

"What's in store for 2020?! " Lol 🤣😬

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Right. Who knew.

[@tanksouth]

Glory.

[@els1f]

I love your answers 😭

[@patfros5902]

A blessed and happy New Year for you and all community members! Thank you for the answers! I have a question about being sick (physically or mentally) how you deal with that inside the community. Does one go to the hospital or do you have you own clinic? And what if it is a lifelong chronic illness and one cannot contribute as other healthy community members can.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you Pat! Yes we have a clinic with our own doctors but if someone's situation is more complicated they will see an area specialist. People with chronic illness are cared for in the community by other members. Our promise is to be there for one another in good times and bad. Happy New Year to you!

[@garyedwards3269]

Thanks for your answers and faith Laura. Happy New Year!

[@hondafreedom9329]

That looks like a chalk drawing on the wall behind you. Did you make it? It is BEAUTIFUL!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes I did. Thank you!

[@bonnieclark9801]

Another great video from Laura!

[@mindfulskills]

Hi Laura, I really like and admire your videos. Regarding that last question about believing the Bible literally, your answer (that it's scripture PLUS the guidance of the Holy Spirit that yields insights on a situation-by-situation basis) was so helpful. But I'd like to probe a little further. Is evolution taught in your schools? Does the Bruderhof believe that the earth is only 6000 years old? Thank you.

[@sassy3923]

Thank you for adhering to the biblical principle that pastoral leadership should be the responsibility of men. As a woman I don't feel threatened by this; God ordained order and when we follow His principles we have harmony and balance in our relationships.

[@americanliberal09]

Being non-religious is not the exact same thing as being an "atheist". There's a huge difference between the 2.

[@xabeke.]

Happy New Year Laura! slightly technical question here. im from the uk and our taxes are are generally taken automatically from our payslips and by our local housing councils. i hear that in America every individual has to file their taxes separately in april? how does that work within the bruderhof? does everyone still have to file their own taxes regardless of not personally being a custodian of their finances? thank you for your wonderful insights into life at the bruderhof, i hope your family is doing well💛

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Happy New Year! Yes we file our own taxes every year. Same April joys as everyone else :)

[@vahidm6119]

“without all the bad communistic parts” 😆 Right! I love your community. Do you keep Sunday or Saturday for sabbath?

[@victorwelkin9136]

Looks like they keep Sunday...as well as some traditional Catholic religious days like Lent.

[@cynboz]

I've just come across Bruderhof videos and I'm fascinated. Your videos are a delight. Being Apostolic, I identify with women's dress standards and traditional gender roles. Do women cut their hair and wear makeup? I'm also confused about a few things. It seems that, despite being Anabaptists, there is no clear doctrine. How does the Bruderhof believe a person is saved? Do you believe in the rapture of the church? I'm also surprised that Bruderhof people drink alcohol. Thank you in advance for answering my questions.

[@elizabethciortuz8715]

Love your videos, Laura! I'm not sure if this has been asked before but how do you deal (if it ever happens) with people in the community that are dishonest / don't fully respect the values of the bruderhof (for example if someone were to want their own money or property etc)? Would they be asked to leave?

[@hundo9314]

Great answers.

[@DarkMoonDroid]

1:27 Why does the one who has been hurt have to seek forgiveness and do all the work to heal relationship? Why doesn't the community come around those in the conflict and bring the one who has hurt others back into right relationship with the community? Matthew 18: 15-17 Every church I've ever been in loves to preach 18: 21,22 and they love to pretend that the Bible says to forgive whether the offender has apologized/repented or not (but it doesn't) but they never read out loud or teach about 15-17. Does your Leadership rotate? Are they chosen by lots? While voting sounds really "democratic" and "fair", it actually invites corruption because then the Leadership role goes to the one who is most convincing - not necessarily the most honest. Only rotation and lots - as in how the Priests who administered in the Holy of Holies were chosen - can keep that kind of pandering out. 3:32 Yes!! 3:40 Oh. Well, that kills that dream. I've seen how well "teamwork" works out for the one without the "Status". Hierarchies like this are inherently corrupt. So sad....

[@laverndowsley8850]

I wonder how income tax is handled? I don't know what it's like where you live but here in Canada even if you don't earn an income each individual must submit personal income tax forms.

[@Kit-yv7ob]

I wonder about the finances too, here in the uk if you dont make National Insurance contributions, you wont get your state pension, but I suppose if you lived there until death, you wouldn't need it. I also wonder if all of these Bruderhof communities send money to the owners, 'cos a workforce of 2,700 working for food and clothes seems highly exploitable to me.

[@kaycure8629]

@@Kit-yv7ob What owners are you talking about?

[@INTEGRITY273]

They most likely have a charity status and enjoy tax exemptions. Many such communities create several legal entities to protect themselves from lawsuits from inside and outside world. And to protect their assets. They most likely have a legal aid to help them set up trust fund, etc. They of course will not parade such info online, since “optics” are very important to their survival. They also run large businesses (I.e. making furniture for schools, etc.) and make good money from it. I doubt they will be willing to share that part of their life with YT.

[@laverndowsley8850]

@@INTEGRITY273 hi, that makes sense 🙂

[@INTEGRITY273]

@@laverndowsley8850 Speaking from experience.

[@Gibbinifuggs]

I wUv YOU!

[@amyyyamy]

I hope someone’s in charge of checking on these members who are in charge of the finances...

[@shia7421]

They probably, like any institution or company with money, have every expense in writing and are holding meetings with a counsil where everyone can see what was spent on what past years and how much income from what, etc. That's how they do it in sport clubs too. Very transparant and I can't imagine Bruderhof doing it differently.

[@annakreisfeld6831]

@@shia7421 I can. Easily. Religious organizations sure do not have a great track record regarding finances.

[@Libertylute]

@@annakreisfeld6831 You must be referring to televangelists and the "church" of scientology, which most people I have met do not consider to be religious organizations. In fact, if instead of spewing unfounded, accusatory statements, you would take a minute to do some research, you would find that religious organizations generally make their financial statements open to the public, often after paid, professional audits. Put the terms "Presbyterian financial report," "Methodist Church financial statement," "Baptist Church financial report," "Lutheran Church financials," etc, into a search engine of your choice. You will find hundreds of hits for everything from individual, local churches up to the national, central offices.

[@micahkavich4233]

When you say you don't own private property, how does this work for say the books or toys in your living area? Do they belong to the community and eventually go to another person? Also, what happens if someone wants to join and they have debt? Specifically I'm thinking about student loans since most other debt could *technically* be discharged by bankruptcy if a person wanted to get rid of it before joining. Could someone join if they were making student loan payments?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Good questions! I'll try and answer them in an upcoming video.

[@louisecooper2580]

Hi Laura what's the headwear your wearing is it a giant handkerchief was it brought or did you make it your self

[@simplyraisingarrows7369]

Can you choose to homeschool your kids or do they have to go to your school?

[@wendynamisnik11]

You're an incredibly articulate woman; it's obvious you're intelligent. And I definitely see some of the benefits of your society. But nothing can justify the lack of women in equal leadership positions or that women have to wear skirts or head coverings to be modest while men don't. Pants are equally modest, but forbidden. That's a separation and subjugation tactic. It eliminates choice for one while giving control to another, and that is unholy. If you're happy, great. Peace to you. I just don't understand how a smart woman could accept that.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Wendy I think if you would visit you would see it's not at all oppressive and we're all pretty happy (course we have ups and downs like anyone - no where's perfect).

[@erikalind972]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof much of the time the oppressed do not feel the hand of oppression because they have been brought up in that environment and made to feel it is normal and right. But whenever you have forced segregation of power and leadership, dress, and opportunity, it is not free will. True choice can only exist without an expectation or predisposition.

[@wendynamisnik11]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof I'd love to visit. Maybe someday when I'm back in the US.

[@catherinelevison3310]

@Wendy Namisnik....hello to you. Do you believe the Bible yourself? Intelligent women from all over the world have read, believed, and applied teachings found in the New Testament that instruct women specifically. There aren’t many of those verses but they are vital. I Tim 2:9-15 dressing modestly/don’t teach/be in silence 1 Pet 3:1-6 submit/apparel/gentle and quiet spirit 1 Cor 11:2-16 women’s headship order/head covering/long hair Col 3:18 marriage submission Eph 5:22-23 marriage submission 1 Cor 14:34-35 women do not speak in church Titus 2:3-5 behavior/teaching younger women to love their husband & children 1 Tim 5:9-10 the widow’s list includes proper behavior And... Prov 31:10-30 the virtuous wife. The Bible rarely singles out women to give them direct teaching aimed right to them so I have found that many intelligent women have regarded these verses and decided to follow them as best as they can. Thank you! God bless you!

[@wendynamisnik11]

@@catherinelevison3310 no, I don't believe what the bible teaches. I find much of it absurd, as I do most religions/religious text. Just because something is written, or old, or touted as holy/true, etc. doesn't make it so. And I think those verses specifically make it clear it's full of evil, often political and/or misogynistic intent that intelligent women should do everything in their power to quash. That mentality continues to divide humanity and especially suppress women in favor of men, often leading to horrific abuse of women, girls, etc. I find that utterly horrifying, as I do that women willingly go along with it and somehow try to justify it as "God's will." I can't even begin to imagine that my opinion or ability or existence should count less than a man's and that I shouldn't absolutely make the important decisions. Ever. And I feel so incredibly sad for any woman that does, despite whether she feels content or happy because, ultimately, she's bought into a system designed to keep women down. To me, it's like Jews for Hitler, or another form of stockholm syndrome - essentially loving your abuser/captor due to extensive brainwashing. And that often includes all the tools "religious" leaders use and as they have for thousands of years. Politics and religion are essentially the same that way... manipulate and control from as early as is possible using fear and "God."

[@rahelhorvat1471]

nice, but where is the money that goes into community bank account coming from? like who works to make?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We have businesses that we work in www.bruderhof.com/en/life-in-community/working-together

[@thankyoulord169]

I love your videos

[@maayanburroughs5424]

Dear Laura, I love your videos because there a re so positive in this tormented world. I'm not a Christian at all. I do not believe in Jesus. I'm Jewish and do believe in G-d. I believe in kindness and many other things you are sharing but not in Jesus. This is to make it clear. I do not agree with you that you need Jesus to build a community . My family in law are Christians (not my husband who converted to Judaism) . One of my sisters in law is really a wonderful person, her hsuband too and so are all their 9 children. They dedicate all their life to G-d. But they got trapped into a community that was very sectarian. It was a Christian community and they hurt many people. So believing in Jesus doesn't protect you from nasty, mean Christian people. I do not believe that you absolutely need Jesus to love or change your life. I love G-d with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my mind. I pray Him every day. And when I need help, I pray Him directly for help. I do not need anyone else between Him and me. He says in so many place in the Torah and the prophets that if we did something wrong, we just need to confess to Him with a real repented heart and he will forgive us. He chose imperfect people like Avraham, Moshe or king David to guide His people. King David had blood on his hands, but still G-d call him a man after His own heart. But I respect your faith and I really hope people are nice in your communities and not trying to control or manipulating their members as I have seen in so many relgious communities. Fortunately, my sister in law and her family left this sectarian Christian community. They still are Christians and have their own little community at their place which I enjoy so much to visit also because they respect my faith. I pray Hashem (this is one of G-d 's name, to bless you and guide you) Thanks a lot for your videos. (sorry for my English, it isn't my mother language.)

[@kimgrannygoodhag5102]

Question- does your community pay taxes? How?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes we pay taxes like everyone else.

[@nataliemcintire2588]

You mentioned atheists who have come to the Bruderhof and converted later. What are the requirements for people to be able to join the Bruderhof?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Natalie - if you go to Bruderhof.com it explains how membership works, and if you send in an email from there I promise someone will get back to you. All the best!

[@hondafreedom9329]

Is this how college is paid for there?

[@waterbug1135]

1:35 "Having" to turn to Jesus is a misunderstanding of atheists and really everyone who doesn't choose to believe in Jesus. It is a problem for some people to be drawn to people who profess an all inclusive ethos but doesn't practice it.

[@greyjay9202]

You say that following Jesus is the only answer to our sorrows and travails. What then, do you say to non-Christians whose spiritual lives do not center around Jesus? Remember the old saying, "All roads lead to Rome?" Evidently, in your belief system, only one road leads to Rome. No matter how sincere or well meant, it comes off as spiritual arrogance. As for the issue of women not being able to fill the role of pastor, that is really sad. It separates humans into two classes. The men in charge, and the women submissive to the authority of men. At this point, I can only paraphrase that line from an old song, "The things that you're liable, to read in the Bible, ain't necessarily so." There is much wisdom in the Christian faith, but as with any construct of the human mind, there is also much that is troubling.

[@ekaterini2957]

you have talked a bunch about obedience, spiritual dryness. Dear lady, so good to hear this, these sound like things i have read when looking at monastic perspectives on life. After all, the difference between a monastic and ourselves is just whether we live in the world and not of the world or if we live not in the world and not of the world. The former is probably harder. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, or I guess it's God's wisdom flowing through you. Thank you.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks Ekaterini!

[@thankyoulord169]

Please send me the song you sing on new year; I would love to listen to it. Thank you

[@kthompson5270]

Enjoy your videos. Do you get paid for videos? Bc I don’t see ads.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

No I don't monetize the channel and I don't plan to. I just enjoy doing it and meeting people this way.

[@kthompson5270]

Wow...that is so impressive that you don’t get paid for the videos. Love your generous heart for Christ! You are informing and educating many people around the world about how you live.

[@kthompson5270]

You are so intelligent and love your personality in the videos! 😁

[@MySardarji]

Yes, it was good that you didn't know.

[@thankyoulord169]

I wanna visit you! How can I do that?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That would be great! Info is here: www.bruderhof.com/en/visit-us

[@Itiswrittenkjv1611]

Where is Melinda?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

She's around. Just not making videos at the moment.

[@esterleroux5133]

Jesus is the living word of God.

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

Hmmmm ~~~ "Living In Communiry" vs Socialism ~~~~ My Brain continues to twist ~~~

[@mrs.garcia6978]

Y'all aren't teetotalers? wild

[@mrs.garcia6978]

FORESHADOWING DUN DUN DUUUUUUUNNNNNNN!

[@alleemaria97]

There is such a thing as an atheist version of this - I'd say it's communism :p Haha but then communism is forced on communities through out a country, whereas this is based on choice, obviously ;) Laura, is this something you guys ever thought about? Not seriously, but laughingly?