Community for life /

A German Christian journalist provides a personalized history and contemporary report of the quietist Christian bruderhof founded in Germany in 1922 by Eberhard Arnold (1883-1935) and since the 1950s resident in the U.S. Affiliated with the Hutterites, Arnold's followers at Woodcrest, up the Hudson from New York City and one of four Arnoldian colonies, are as tightly organized but not nearly as anachronistic or self-isolating as the most famous of their ilk, the Amish. They allow higher education, support themselves by manufacture rather than farming, embrace appropriate technology-in short, interact much more with the larger world while living communally, wearing traditional Hutterite dress, and practicing Christian simplicity, charity, and appetitive restraint. Eggers examines the group enthusiastically but critically, interweaving vignettes of his sojourn among them with their stressful 60-year history and his assessments of their strengths and weaknesses. An attractive, in-depth look at a variety of Christian communalism more appealing than that of the Amish, the Shakers, or even other Hutterites. RO. 289.7'74734 Hutterian Brethren (Rifton, New York) / Rifton (New York)-Description / Rifton (New York)-Church history [CIP] 87-17817

The bruderhof movement, with its radical, literal approach to Jesus's teachings, originated in Germany under Eberhard Arnold's leadership in 1920. Following abortive sojourns in England and Paraguay, the community (now joined with the Hutterites) reestablished itself in five American locations, one of which is described herein. Eggers's account of community life represents something of a breakthrough, given traditional bruderhof resistance to outside scrutiny, and his honest narrativemainly sympathetic, while acknowledging strugglesoffers a balanced look at this unusual group. EC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

YA Communal lifestyles have long held an appeal for many, but most such communities falter quickly. This description of the Bruderhof in New York, one of five related communities worldwide, provides insight into these Christian communities which offer great peace to those who join but also demand total commitment. Eggers' book can be read as an analysis of Christian community as an ideal and as a reality, or as a consideration of what it takes to keep a self-community strong and productive. Eggers also delves into lesser-known sects of Protestant Christianity. The book reads easily, teasing readers with its size and style to keep investigating Eggers' enthusiastic descriptions of daily life. Eggers also considers the philosophical questions which arise as he considers joining Woodcrest himself. Readers are left satisfied to know that such communities exist for those who seek a life removed from the mainstream but not a traditional monastery. Students interested in Utopian efforts throughout history will appreciate this glimpse into Woodcrest. Curious general readers will enjoy the descriptions of a different lifestyle, and some students will appreciate a new title in the religion section. Dorcas Hand, Episcopal High School, Bellaire (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.