Why We Live in Community [Paperback]

Eberhard Arnold (Author), Thomas Merton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1995

Everyone these days seems to be searching for community in one way or another - whether in the form of committed, nourishing relationships at home and at work, support networks, small groups, house churches - even cyberspace. But mention "community" and many people literally go blank. They claim that they're not ready for the commitment such a term implies, or lack sufficient energy, gifts, or time. It's just not 'where they're at.' Or is it? This new translation of a time-honored manifesto adds a fresh, engaging voice to the vital discussion of what real community is all about: love, joy, unity, and the great "adventure of faith" shared with others along the way. Neither Arnold nor Merton describe (or prescribe) community here, but for the individual seeker, they do provide a vision to guide and inspire the search, and for those who may have already answered the call to community, they offer the disarming challenge of greater commitment and a continually deepened faith.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Henri J. M. Nouwen: One of the most challenging statements on community that I have ever read. Its radical God-centeredness makes it not only very demanding, but also very inviting, comforting, and reassuring. --Endorsement

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

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Product Details

• Paperback: 86 pages
• Publisher: Plough Publishing House; 3rd edition (July 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874860687
• ISBN-13: 978-0874860689
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #822,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic - Needs to be remarketed/reread today!, August 7, 2009

By 

M. Sequeira "wizened reader" (AZ, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Why We Live in Community (Paperback)

There are some amazing insights in this book that can only be learned or expressed by someone who has started and lived in community for a period of time. No theory here but real and practical advice that I really appreciated reading. I told my wife that there are two or three profound thoughts here that may be the most important I have read in the last ten or twenty years.

If you are into developing church community, new testament churches, body-life church, the priesthood of all believers, organic church or the emerging church, here are PRICELESS insights you should absorb into your lifeblood!

I wouldn't worry about those that question the current movement, as this was written quite a number of years ago when the movement was new and still the first-generation alive to the call of Christ. I cannot say that this is not still absolutely true, it may well be. Only I know some are put off by the communal aspects of the movement and they shouldn't be. Critical reading for believers whether one chooses to live in a communal way or not.

I hope it gets re-marketed (Are you listening Rob Bell, Frank Viola, Neil Cole, Brian McLaren,...I need you to get out the word!) and reread my millions of believers looking for what it means to be members one of another.