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Christian Nonfictio Religion & Spiritualit Nonfictio HTML:Fifty-two readings on living in intentional Christian community to spark group discussion. Gold Medal Winner, 2017 Illumination Book Awards, Christian Living Silver Medal Winner, 2017 Benjamin Franklin Award in Religion, Independent Book Publishers Association Why, in an age of connectivity, are our lives more isolated and fragmented than ever? And what can be done about it? The answer lies in the hands of God's people. Increasingly, today's Christians want to be the church, to follow Christ together in daily life. From every corner of society, they are daring to step away from the status quo and respond to Christ's call to share their lives more fully with one another and with others. As they take the plunge, they are discovering the rich, meaningful life that Jesus has in mind for all people, and pointing the church back to its original calling: to be a gathered, united community that demonstrates the transforming love of God. Of course, such a life together with others isn't easy. The selections in this volume are, by and large, written by practitioners�??people who have pioneered life in intentional community and have discovered in the nitty-gritty of daily life what it takes to establish, nurture, and sustain a Christian community over the long haul. Whether you have just begun thinking about communal living, are already embarking on sharing life with others, or have been part of a community for many years, the pieces in this collection will encourage, challenge, and strengthen you. The book's fifty-two chapters can be read one a week to ignite meaningful group discussion. Contributors include from John F. Alexander, Eberhard Arnold, J. Heinrich Arnold, Johann Christoph Arnold, Alden Bass, Benedict of Nursia, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, Leonardo Boff, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Joan Chittister, Stephen B. Clark, Andy Crouch, Dorothy Day, Anthony de Mello, Elizabeth Dede, Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Jenny Duckworth, Friedrich Foerster, Richard J. Foster, Jodi Garbison, Arthur G. Gish, Helmut Gollwitzer, Adele J Gonzalez, Stanley Hauerwas, Joseph H. Hellerman, Roy Hession, David Janzen, Rufus Jones, Emmanuel Katongole, Arthur Katz, Søren Kierkegaard, C. Norman Kraus, C.S. Lewis, Gerhard Lohfink, Ed Loring, Chiara Lubich, George MacDonald, Thomas Merton, Hal Miller, José P. Miranda, Jürgen Moltmann, Charles E. Moore, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Elizabeth O'Connor, John M. Perkins, Eugene H.Peterson, Christine D. Pohl, Chris Rice, Basilea Schlink, Howard A. Snyder, Mother Teresa, Thomas à Kempis, Elton Trueblood, Jean Vanier, and Jonathan Wils… (more)
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Book is presented in short chapters by different authors. It seems to be more of a discussion guide to be used
In some respects the thoughts shared are too idealistic, in my opinion, and surpass the realm of the practical in consideration of the way the world really is and how we really are as Christians and fallen creatures; nevertheless, to dismiss what is stated in these pages is to dismiss and, perhaps, even refuse God's high-calling to fellowship with one another as Christians in unity with Christ.
A few short essays are included in each titled section discussing Community, Forming a Community, Life in Community, and Beyond the Community. If you're looking for a book that will deal seriously with the deep issues of the heart, especially our self-centeredness, this is the one for you.
Fast-forward many years and I am now hoping and praying to be able to set up a community specifically for abused people with
Speaking of L'Arche, one disclaimer is that this book was written before the sustained sexual and spiritual abuse allegations by Jean Vanier became public knowledge and this book is riddled with quotes from him. I have a hard time trusting such an abusive person's wisdom on everything else.
Here's a great quote from the book:
"You cannot live in community and hide your problems. In fact, community will bring into light problems which, though they are yours, are often hidden even from you."
This triggered me to think of the book Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch, which I highly recommend. His idea of the crucible seems like it would also apply to living in shared spaces with others.
Another quote:
"Irritation and annoyance come from our evil hearts and ultimately do not have anything to do with fatigue or weak nerves. Having weak nerves or being overworked just brings out what is really deep down in our hearts. When we get into such situations, we have no reason to excuse ourselves or even to pity ourselves."
"In community our task is simple and clear. We're to serve....Which is why Jesus washed his disciples' feet. Contentedly. Or do you think he was annoyed to have to do that just before he was murdered? It was almost the last thing he did with them. He wanted them to learn that much....The main gift the Spirit has given each person is the ability to clean the toilet (a contemporary equivalent of washing feet). We are clear on that for others but often not for ourselves."
Another thing mentioned in the book is practicing silence after someone has spoken difficult things to give time to reflect and truly have listened. It is also suggested to begin meetings with prayer and times of silence. Yet another thing that I appreciate is the suggestion to catalog all miracles big and small of God's provision and milestones in the life of the community and to frequently celebrate and remember.
I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting to live in an intentional community with the caveat that you should know that Jean Vanier was an unrepentant serial sexual abuser and his writings are used heavily in this book.