Religious Life on the Bruderhof

[@Maranatha-hf5bd]

I learned about Bruderhof after reading the book, The Early Christians In Their Own Words, compiled by Eberhard Arnold (who founded Bruderhof). That book was transformational for me in my faith! I pray the community keeps the fire and devotion to the Lord that the the early church had!

[@thomdantzer1753]

With each video I watch I'm compelled more and more to visit. I look forward to the covid restrictions being lifted so that I can start planning my visit. As always, God's blessings and protection to you and yours.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks! So glad you're going to visit.

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

Me, too! Every video opens my heart.

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

Me, too! Every video opens my heart.

[@peterdesmier6165]

Have you visited any of the communities? I am considering requesting a visit in October.

[@dreamweaver3406]

I am reading early Christian history and came am reading The Early Christians in their own words by Berhard Arnold. Fascinating reading. As a Roman Catholic who sees too much corruption in the organizational Church it is refreshing to see real Christianity played out. I will enjoy watching your videos! Thank you and God bless.

[@dreamweaver3406]

@@user-wq4xy5tf8x I did over a year ago- Praise be to God

[@dreamweaver3406]

@@user-wq4xy5tf8x I am 66 =sister-hope you are being blessed in your "latter years" God is so good!

[@dreamweaver3406]

@@user-wq4xy5tf8x Fallon Nevada, a small farming community - it’s about 60 miles south of Reno-

[@Ralfrobot]

Dear Laura i found thé vidéo very helpful Im religious i do read a lot of liturgy alone I think I’m alone, no I’m with God , and I know the worship is based on his body too on earth !! I’m with God when I read it , but I must live this too with others , if possible ans it’s not looking possible without grace in a community , and I’m noticing it a lot . I know that through community we share this and it’s revelation of Jesus living together - , so it’s helping me to search and think more about giving Bruderhof - i found it interesting what you said at the end of the video -

[@JazzyGinger1]

So true!

[@michellesunshinestar]

I'd like to visit too.

[@patfros5902]

Again Laura, thanks for sharing! The insides you give are very helpful to me. Forgiveness is so important in life!

[@maria5510]

Wow. We ought to all think more about forgiveness. We should apply forgiveness to history as well.

[@kellylorang6845]

I have a question about the Lord's supper: is there a particular reason why you only celebrate it a few times a year? Thank you.

[@Sidian]

I love your content Laura. Only problem is how short it is! Any chance of doing longer form videos in the future showing life in your community?

[@Sidian]

Yeah I can understand the privacy concerns. I think it'd be really cool to do 'day in the life' videos, you know? From waking up until bed time. I think it'd be a great way for outsiders like me to get an understanding of what life is really like in the Bruderhof, the closest we can get without actually visiting. There's this guy on youtube who does videos of a day in the life of Japanese workers which I really like, to give you an idea of the sort of video I mean, like this video on the day in the life of an average Tokyo office worker: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5XMiIePoL5kq7s Well, either way, I'll look forward to more videos from you. Thanks.

[@garyedwards3269]

Excellent insights as usual. Forgiveness is hard sometimes but it's easier if it's with someone you know or if you're on the same page with them religiously, philosophically, historically...or if they're just someone with similar goals. Also... The music get-togethers is interesting. Has the Bruderhof ever put out a CD of inspirational songs? I'm always interested in music...especially original songs... Which leads to this question... Are there denominational songs composed strictly for Bruderhof Communities?

[@kellylorang6845]

Hello! I have found your videos interesting & very informative. Having a background in a traditional church, I do have a question for you about your (the Bruderhof's) practise of reading the Bible: Is doing so actively encouraged in your community? If you don't have a pastor, per se, who amongst you have the (knowledge? Wisdom?) to interpret the meaning of a passage/book in the Bible? This by no means a criticism but genuine curiosity. Thank you in advance.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes reading the Bible is actively encouraged both individually and in our worship meetings. Whoever has the meeting will bring Bible passages and we talk about them together, what they mean and how they apply to our every day lives.

[@glorianelson6663]

How and who makes the basic decisions. For instance, who decides how things are done.

[@louisecooper2580]

Has the Bruderhof thought of making CDs of day to day life

[@zebbart]

Are private prayer and devotions a common or accepted part of Bruderhof spirituality?

[@holy_warc.s.t.369]

Just in case you are unaware. Tolstoy had many beautiful things to say about the teachings of Jesus but he was a wolf in my estimation. In, “What I Believe”, he did all he could to dismantle the doctrine of Jesus’ divinity and also in the infallibility of scripture. John 8:24 tells us why what we believe about Christ is of dire importance.

[@AllThingsArePossible]

I was just curious if the Bruderhof believe in supernatural healing such as that in the book of Acts. Do you believe in the baptism in the Holy Ghost and Fire?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes we believe that God can heal people and yes we rely in the leading of the Holy Spirit.

[@petagayekrug5204]

Hi Laura I listen to you ,every day I would like to know where I can buy your clothes.thanks you.you are an angel.

[@u.g.l.l.y.2555]

Hi Laura, do people committed to the Bruderhof believe in the Trinity? Can you live in one of the communities and also go to weekly Catholic Sunday Mass or another Christian tradition’s services? Is Burderhof community living incompatible with your own denomination etc.?

[@u.g.l.l.y.2555]

Laura from the Bruderhof, thank you for your comprehensive reply. I really appreciate it.

[@stephanzander1087]

Dear Laura, thanks for the above video explaining a little about Bruderhof worship. I would be interested in one little detail, though, which I could not find: Do you follow any sort of a liturgy? How and by whom are church services conducted? Or do service attenders decide spontaneously what to sing, pray etc.? From what I have read so far, Bruderhof Communities seem to be a little more liberal, outgoing and oecumenical than the average Hutterite Colony would be, don‘t they? This brings me to another question: Do women participate actively in worship service meetings and in decision-making, as they do not seem to be allowed to be appointed church leaders? Sorry for all these questions, but in comparison to the Amish and Hutterites, the Bruderhof Communities are a branch of Anabaptism which is quite unknown to me. Thanks a lot, anyway. Seasons greetings and blessings from Germany, Stephan

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Stephan! Great to hear from you. We don't follow a formal liturgy. The services are free-form but generally incorporate a Bible reading and a time of prayer. We sing a lot (!) and anyone can suggest or start a song they feel is appropriate. Women are free to speak in worship service meetings but don't take on pastoral leadership. You might be interested in this series of videos some friends of mine are posting about Anabaptism and the Bruderhof: kzbin.info/aero/PLok9NKiaKB470Q7s4Rr752Hvn4TteplcO. All the best and Merry Christmas! Laura

[@stephanzander1087]

Laura from the Bruderhof Hi back! Thanks a lot for the information and the link! I have just watched this (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJKqc5qsh8qNnbs) and noticed once again how many German words are used in the Anabaptist community, quite naturally considering Anabaptist origins. Do you use German regularly or just as a theological language? I am a language teacher, that’s why I’m asking. The area where I live in Germany is close to the birthplace of Menno Simmons, the founder of the Mennonites. Also, the proponent of the German Baptists, Johann Gerhard Oncken, was born here. The church my wife and I attend still owns the oldest Baptist chapel in mainland Europe. So, the Anabaptists have a long history up here. The Bruderhof seems to be a relatively young movement, though. Anyway, thanks again! Have a blessed Christmas, too. Stephan

[@hattyburrow716]

You are an inspiration and made even more beautiful in the Lord

[@rev.carlosparada4353]

Hi Laura. How often do you take holy communion?

[@rev.carlosparada4353]

Two times a year? :O

[@rev.carlosparada4353]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof The celebration of the Lord's Supper is very important. Sadly its meaning is impoverished when there is no connection between those who participate in it. [1 John 4:20] The brother is a sacrament. The community is sacrament. Ordinary life is sacrament.

[@klassikfreundfranz1850]

I don't know whether this question was answered already. The community loves singing. Who decides which songs will be sung. In many Christian communities, hymns are a source of contention. How do you deal with it?

[@louisecooper2580]

What are the best Bible verses for victims of bullying and people in a bad situation?💕

[@tinitvful]

Why is it called the Bruderhof? I get the meaning but why in german?

[@pajamasflannel]

Does the Bruderhof view the American revolution as a throwing off of worldly authority not in-line with Paul’s direction of submission to such?

[@rachelvandepol1046]

Hi Laura! I know it’s been a year since you made this video, and you may answer my questions in another video (so I’m sorry if this is repetitive!) but I was curious about what you all think of Christians that don’t live in a Bruderhoff. Do you believe that we are also saved but are less in touch spiritually? Or do you believe we are not saved at all? Also, I love how well you all focus on community. You all seem to love and forgive one another so beautifully. However, do you feel like you all are following Jesus’ command to go and make disciples? For some reason I am getting the vibe that most people in this community don’t make deep friendships with non Christians because of the high commitment to always be with other bruderhoff members. I ask these questions in complete respect and love! I am just genuinely curious. Have a wonderful day!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That's a great question I want to try and answer in a video. Thanks!

[@rachelvandepol1046]

Laura from the Bruderhof yay! Excited to learn more!

[@ekaterini2957]

I don't really have a way of sending this message just to you and it is not meant as an advertisement at all. If you get a chance take a look at the Mull Monastery channel. I think you and Fr. Seraphim there have a few perspectives in common and honestly I may be quite a few years older thank you and I suspect about his age but I look up to both of you. God bless.

[@WeberBaker]

I am struck with similarities to Friends (Quakers), Mennonites and other Anabaptist groups.

[@WeberBaker]

Let me add that the Bruderhof group seems more involved with the world like Quakers in terms of seeking and learning about people’s relationship with the Divine.

[@OfftheShelf-n9x]

My mind is satisfied. This is a healthy community. No, Bonhoeffer? What about Rene Girard? Is there someone with the job of reading theology and philosophy or is the Bible considered sufficient? Do you have a library? Are there any writer’s among you?

[@saifsaifoo2945]

Where did you live right now?

[@saifsaifoo2945]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof thank you

[@dayakarrao2206]

What is to be spiritual?

[@nederhood9192]

A specific question: Romans 1:26. How many Christian women are guileless in this regard? Civilization or culture is rated high or low based on the sexual practice and behavior of it. God tells something about Christian women's sexual behavior. How many adhere to the standard of God? "For even their women exchanged the natural use of what is against nature." God gives importance to nature here. In 1 Corinthians 7:14, you see, 'Otherwise your children would be unclean.' These kind of teaching and their exposition never seen happening in popular mainstream Christianity.

[@davidoff811]

I don't think that this is "the" way to live as a christian!! For some people is easier to live in community, but for some it was too much, but yet they can be saved!!

[@nocturnalflare8457]

Are there any people of colour in your community?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes there are

[@realdeal7074]

Why just German ?

[@nederhood9192]

Community life in Christianity don't seem to have been encouraged by Jesus, rather it was Paul and the church movement that gave undue importance to the community life.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Interesting point. I'm going to make a video that kind of addresses it.

[@nederhood9192]

What is the difference between Christians worshipping God (Jesus) and the Hindu worshipping his/her God in the temple? There's a difference between working your own miracles with your own hands and asking God to perform miracles for you. In community life, you carry out your duties to be self sufficient. Bhakti movement always prods God to do something for you. Jesus did not clearly live or promoted an ascetic form of life except for some 40 days where as Hinduism mostly promotes and advocates ascetic form of living as the way to find God.

[@hopewins1629]

Hindus pick any God but a Christian believes in only one God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. Jesus came as a man and died on the cross for the sin of mankind. He rose again so he can bring those in him back to the Father. Therefore, only God is good and nothing good can come from ourselves. We need Jesus. No other god will do because they're not the true God.

[@macjuk]

I don't see why the mythical being you call god is necessary in order the good things you get from this community to happen.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Just is a fact though John.

[@macjuk]

I prefer to believe in things that are supported by evidence.

[@Foxkitten86]

John McDermott so you believe this beautiful universe of ours just 'happened'? You must feel very alone.

[@macjuk]

Why would I feel any more or less alone without your imaginary god?

[@bobtaylor170]

@@macjuk , considering that he's imaginary, you certainly have such deep hostility to him! I can't think of any imaginary character I have any hostility at all toward: not Huckleberry Finn, not Gatsby, not even Raskolnikov. You might ask yourself why you're so hostile to an imaginary figure. It seems like a waste of time. On the other hand, it jibes perfectly with what the Bible teaches about the universal, unremitting hostility toward God which marks unconverted people.

[@NoOne-ul8ni]

Thousands of years ago people lacked the knowledge regarding tsunamis,meteors, earthquakes, volcanoes, hallucinations, illnesses etc. They didn't know why those things happened or why they existed. They assumed a god was behind it all. Over time the assumption of god was added to stories, philosophies and laws. Today people believe in the assumption of god because it gives them comfort while they exist. It's all just a fantasy, it just depends which fantasy you like the most.

[@Kat-fw5jo]

Read about baptism in the Holy spirit and speaking in tongues. If my husband prays in tongues after water baptism and giving life to Jesus, I pray in tongues ( people in my church pray in tongues after asking the Holy Spirit for it) it is real. I don't need any more proofs. I decided to check it first myself to figure it out, than just accept an easy and comfortable way of thinking.

[@Kat-fw5jo]

You are saying it is a fantasy before you seeked God and asked Him to reveal Himself to you. Repent, be baptised in the name of Jesus and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a real experience.

[@mercybenitah9057]

Nkkkkkksm

[@LitoGeorge]

Blood... You are correct with many of your statements in my opinion! I used to reason precisely the same way. It makes probable logical sense. But, there is no escaping the reality of God. Your own doubt in displayed in your statements and I'm excited for you, one day, to find Him. You don't need church for that or anyone else.

[@margaretlarriva4573]

Hi No One, how are you? Do you want to put this fantasy God to the test?? He Himself has the ability to prove to you, if He is real or not, just ask Him with an open heart to prove to you if He is real and He will show you! 💓

[@gtrman9706]

Religion makes me cry.So sad that some people still believe in total bullshit.It's 2019 not the middle ages.😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@geoadventure996]

I will pray for you . . . I experience God's love and will never forget it. This is something not related to the year - God was, is, and will be here after we die.