-
"Concerning 'humane', I remember some distinction between 'human' and
'humane'. One was the opposite for 'spiritual', the other was positive.
But it wasn't used much."
R.A. Exactly that I wanted to say: HUMANE was seen negatively, too. It was NOT seen positively, as you say. Behind that was our despise for the society built up to humanistic ideas from Enlightenment (Aufklärung) period. We saw it as a basis of individualistic and tolerant society, which is quite exact counterpart to our community's ideas.
- "We saw it as a basis of individualistic and tolerant society, which is quite exact counterpart to our community's ideas."
I correct myself. I meant, our community is exactly the opposite to the ideas of humanistic society.
Quotation from Josef's apology, which may imply, that 'humane' is not seen as good in our community. Capitalized letters from me. And remind, that we are talking about 'humane' and 'humanistic', and not about 'inhumane':
"Theology without the pursuit of holiness is blasphemy. Pure concentration on leading an ethical life without corresponding theological foundation, leads to a HUMANISTIC concept and away from God."
'Humanistic' is seen clearly as negative notion. Every concept outside concepts from Bible is seen negative, because we presupposed, that these concepts are always connected with other concepts, which are not good.
Again, I think it might be reason to think so. Nevertheless I doubt, that most people in our World are conscious of its theoretical base. 'Humanistic' and 'humane' have rather become equivalents to the general meanings of being kind, greathearted etc. If community wants to ignore the development of this notion into this direction, then it is sad. If truth might be monopolized to our community, then language is common property of society, which they cannot monopolize. -
R.A. said...
- "Well, we all were 'missionaries' who had to evangelize."
R.A. Well, if there was any 'missionary' in the sense that would fit to the meaning in other Christian congregation, then it was HIM. He didn't come to my country at random to look, what will happen (as we usually did). He had been set to quite specific task, because he was intelligent, he had gift to languages and he was according to my opinion quite unusual in the point, that he had a certain charisma, certain ability to be emphatic. In short - he had just these features, which makes somebody a missionary in its most understood sense.
My intention here is not to say, that to be a missionary is destined only for certain Christians. I wanted to say, that THIS missionary wasn't just a simple guy among us. Far of that. -
R.A. said...
- I know, I may explain as much I want, community would understand it in its own way.
Let's make it more clear: yes, every Christian is called and sent out for missionary work. But in the same way we sent out somebody to buy food for weekend (and not for mission), in the same way was sent out this missionary we talked about. He was sent out to foregn country for specific task to evangelize and to keep an eye on our brothers, and not with task to buy food or be just a companion for us, because we were fed up of brothers, who were only fellow countrymans. -
R.A. said...
- The aim of my apocalyptic description about our community is not out of
hate and despise. I just say out my opinion, that community is on th
threshold of crisis. I don't want to claim, that my opinion is a final
truth about this matter. I've said reasons, why I am thinking so as I
think.
As well you may see, that in every posting it does not succeed by my side to love enough my opponents, who have another opinion. Oh, I really like to experience, how great is God's grace towards me. I have so much to grow in love.
Actually, for me it seems to be impossible to love enemy, to love community in that way, so that also community and everybody would experience it in the same way as described in Mt 5:38-47. And this is truth, that for man it is impossible. But this is possible for God. Thereffrom differs God's love from world, too.
For this impossible love is God calling us.
Really, incredible. Wonderful. It is difficult to love enemy. And not because enemy doesn't let to love himself. Vica versa, this is the best opportunity to practice the love described in Mt 5. It is difficult to love enemy, because our own attitude, our own lack of mercy.
It is hard to acquire this attitude, which has the effect described in Mt 5, according to which the consequenced of love are experienced in the way described Mt 5. This good attitude has the results described in Mt 5, which does not forget first to pray for those, who persecute us (Mt 5:44), which is perceived to EVERYBODY as we can read out from Mt 5. And thereafter we may try also to 'say the truth' and 'assess' them, if we need it necessary. If it is necessary at all, because to assess your enemy is nothing special we can identify with love. It is quite easy to 'assess' your enemy and to 'say the truth' them. It gets easy. This is the first reaction, that comes from human behaviour.
We know, how much unjustice there is in the world and in ourselves. It is no news. Th good news is, that god has shown us the love, which reached us before any of us was worthy to.
Let's do something special: keep trying to excercise together the impossible love? I think it is good to start with them, whom it seems impossible to love, with whom we don't have any 'common background'. Because:
"And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" (Mt 5:47) -
R.A. said...
- I would take as an object to love my former community, and then Gerald
Kluge. And I think Gerald Kluge would choose my former community (and
then maybe me?) ;-)
I wish that we would find the common ground in Jesus' love. This would be really a powerful sign for those who don't believe, that God does still miracles. -
R.A. said...
- For me is the biggest challenge to love them, whose love to Jesus is mostly experienced with their overthrowing the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sell doves.
January 12, 2011
R.A's comments on 'Decrease'
January 1, 2011
There was so much love for the truth
There was so much love for the truth in the community. Can we imagine that also something bad happened there?
As creatures of the perfect God we long for perfection. We are called to be perfect and holy as God is. But unfortunately we are all still imperfect.. It is sad. It can make me angry sometimes: why we are so weak? But anyway we are only on the way to perfection and sometimes we mistake or sin. We sin as individuals, but as interdependant beings we may mistake also as a community of Christians. It may be hard to believe or accept, but if we look honestly at our community and the fruits of it's practice both inside and outside, I think we have to admit that not all has been holy, loving and merciful.
Concerning an individual I think it was clear, but concerning the community it was taught that we are the church and the church is the pillar of the truth - infallible. Because the Lord is with His church. But why have all forms of the church in the history proved to be imperfect? I suppose because all men except Jesus have been imperfect. Is GH or Josef or anybody else from the community perfect? Of cause not. Everyone can make a mistake and being that much connected to each other the whole community can make a mistake.
Looking for the truth was good, but the truth is not measured by our community's understanding.
As creatures of the perfect God we long for perfection. We are called to be perfect and holy as God is. But unfortunately we are all still imperfect.. It is sad. It can make me angry sometimes: why we are so weak? But anyway we are only on the way to perfection and sometimes we mistake or sin. We sin as individuals, but as interdependant beings we may mistake also as a community of Christians. It may be hard to believe or accept, but if we look honestly at our community and the fruits of it's practice both inside and outside, I think we have to admit that not all has been holy, loving and merciful.
Concerning an individual I think it was clear, but concerning the community it was taught that we are the church and the church is the pillar of the truth - infallible. Because the Lord is with His church. But why have all forms of the church in the history proved to be imperfect? I suppose because all men except Jesus have been imperfect. Is GH or Josef or anybody else from the community perfect? Of cause not. Everyone can make a mistake and being that much connected to each other the whole community can make a mistake.
Looking for the truth was good, but the truth is not measured by our community's understanding.
"It is better to marry than to be aflame"
Somebody explained the community's reasons for celibacy (see the comment from 01.01.2011).
I agree there are benefits of staying unmarried as Paul writes.
But Paul also writes:
1Cor7: "1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is well for a man not to touch a woman." 2 But because of cases of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. .. 5 Do not deprive one another except perhaps by agreement for a set time, to devote yourselves to prayer, and then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.... 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has a particular gift from God, one having one kind and another a different kind... 9 But if they are not practicing self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion"
Unfortunately there are many sexual tempations also nowadays, so many in the community - especially brothers - were fighting them and many failed to overcome and had to leave the community. Paul wishes and recommends all to remain free from marriage duties, but he also gives permission to marry, if somebody doesn't control his desires. He says, it is better to marry than to be aflame. It is better to marry than to go to hell. Is is better to control one's desires, but if it takes too much energy, it's better to use the sexuality in the way God designed it to be used: in the marriage.
So the responsible ones in community make the way narrower than Paul, when they don't allow brothers-sisters to marry..
I agree there are benefits of staying unmarried as Paul writes.
But Paul also writes:
1Cor7: "1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is well for a man not to touch a woman." 2 But because of cases of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. .. 5 Do not deprive one another except perhaps by agreement for a set time, to devote yourselves to prayer, and then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.... 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has a particular gift from God, one having one kind and another a different kind... 9 But if they are not practicing self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion"
Unfortunately there are many sexual tempations also nowadays, so many in the community - especially brothers - were fighting them and many failed to overcome and had to leave the community. Paul wishes and recommends all to remain free from marriage duties, but he also gives permission to marry, if somebody doesn't control his desires. He says, it is better to marry than to be aflame. It is better to marry than to go to hell. Is is better to control one's desires, but if it takes too much energy, it's better to use the sexuality in the way God designed it to be used: in the marriage.
So the responsible ones in community make the way narrower than Paul, when they don't allow brothers-sisters to marry..
October 15, 2010
Time for prayer and fellowship
Even busy with children, I can manage that life only, when I take regularly time for prayer and fellowship with other Christians.
April 26, 2010
Full of God or full of daily tasks?
Nine years ago, in the community, I wrote the following encouragement to a sister. What about these thoughts today? How should I practice this now, when I'm always busy with my little kids, instead of the Bible study?
"Isaiah 54:1-5, especially 5a, 'For your Maker is your husband.' First of all we should have relationship with God, he gives everything we need. No human being can give us everything we need. The love of God has been given into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5), it means we CAN love others by his power and love. Then we are happy."
Well, this I knew already before meeting the community. And it applies both in marriage or community and without: God should be our first source of strength, not any human being.
"Philippians 3:7-14. Pauls's aim of life was to know the Christ. Seeing God's acting gives us joy. ... Bad desires, thoughts, attitudes come, if we don't endeavor to read the Bible, to think about it and about how to help others spiritually. If we are not full of the Bible, of God, we are empty and try to fulfill ourselves by our wishes. But only God can fulfil us. Our aim shouldn't be just to get free from bad, but to grow in the good, in order to pass on the character of God better and better - first of all the attitude of the Christ and trust in God. He wants to help us to change and to give joy in Him."
"Isaiah 54:1-5, especially 5a, 'For your Maker is your husband.' First of all we should have relationship with God, he gives everything we need. No human being can give us everything we need. The love of God has been given into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5), it means we CAN love others by his power and love. Then we are happy."
Well, this I knew already before meeting the community. And it applies both in marriage or community and without: God should be our first source of strength, not any human being.
"Philippians 3:7-14. Pauls's aim of life was to know the Christ. Seeing God's acting gives us joy. ... Bad desires, thoughts, attitudes come, if we don't endeavor to read the Bible, to think about it and about how to help others spiritually. If we are not full of the Bible, of God, we are empty and try to fulfill ourselves by our wishes. But only God can fulfil us. Our aim shouldn't be just to get free from bad, but to grow in the good, in order to pass on the character of God better and better - first of all the attitude of the Christ and trust in God. He wants to help us to change and to give joy in Him."
March 18, 2010
Decrease
Many have been excluded from the community these years and in many towns there is no community any more.
I heard they say the reason of it is lack of love.
Yes, they are right that they are lacking love. Only the solution is not exclusion of even more brothers-sisters, but inclusion of those they have rejected as hopeless, extending their love to those.
I heard they say the reason of it is lack of love.
Yes, they are right that they are lacking love. Only the solution is not exclusion of even more brothers-sisters, but inclusion of those they have rejected as hopeless, extending their love to those.
August 9, 2009
Concerning present feelings
I don't have intensive grief any more (for some years have passed since then), but I still feel something missing in my life.
Do I feel something missing because there I experienced real love and now not?
Well, one thing I miss is talking more about the Bible and theological questions instead of earthly daily matters. But only talking shouldn't be the aim, we need also time to practice the love..
I also miss closer sharing of life. But there we all lived in a too uniform way, so it was easier to share - to take part, to understand. It also happened on the cost of all extra-community relationships. We lived in our own world, loving (having time for) those only who were interested in our lifestyle.
To be honest, I also miss nature walks and travelling around easily. That is just what I like, and connected to love only by wish to be together with friends (who like the same). Still, only travelling and walks without spiritual talk or prayer feel somewhat empty.
...
There I received more attention, encouragement-admonishment, I felt more needed. But I had too little time for reflecting individually in front of God.
Briefly, there were some aspects of real love, but the love wasn't perfect there either.
Do I feel something missing because there I experienced real love and now not?
Well, one thing I miss is talking more about the Bible and theological questions instead of earthly daily matters. But only talking shouldn't be the aim, we need also time to practice the love..
I also miss closer sharing of life. But there we all lived in a too uniform way, so it was easier to share - to take part, to understand. It also happened on the cost of all extra-community relationships. We lived in our own world, loving (having time for) those only who were interested in our lifestyle.
To be honest, I also miss nature walks and travelling around easily. That is just what I like, and connected to love only by wish to be together with friends (who like the same). Still, only travelling and walks without spiritual talk or prayer feel somewhat empty.
...
There I received more attention, encouragement-admonishment, I felt more needed. But I had too little time for reflecting individually in front of God.
Briefly, there were some aspects of real love, but the love wasn't perfect there either.
October 8, 2008
Leaving was like death of a close person
Unfortunately at least some feelings we had were similar:
http://www.reveal.org/library/psych/ithurts.html
http://www.reveal.org/library/psych/ithurts.html
"There is a grieving process to pass through. Whereas most people understand that a person must grieve after a death etc, they find it difficult to understand the same applies in this situation. There is no instant cure for the grief, confusion and pain. Like all grieving periods, time is the healer.
Some feel guilty, or wrong about this grief. They shouldn't -- It IS normal. It is NOT wrong to feel confused, uncertain, disillusioned, guilty, angry, untrusting -- these are all part of the process. In time the negative feelings will be replaced with clear thinking, joy, peace, and trust."
August 30, 2008
Place for everybody in the car
Why do little things sometimes hurt so nastily?
I liked to belong to the community as into a big family. We were together our daily free time, we shared our lives with each other, belonged together. We met brothers from other towns at weekends. In winter we often rented some classrooms in a schoolhouse for this. Sunday evening we packed our things, made order after ourselves and drove home. There was a place for everyone in the vans.
Not all was in a good balance there, but I miss especially this belonging into a big family. Everybody was waited to the meetings, everybody was called to take responsibility for our common life and mission, an everyone did it more or less. There was time to talk personally.
Well, this year I have already the second time am frustrated after a period of daily meetings. There was a week-long conference and a two-week course where I was daily together with some people. And after this time, the world outside of our community seems especially individualistic and cold. Everyone returns to his den to his private life or other friends. And I'm again only in two in my immediate family.
Both times, it seems, I expected something according my community's standards. To be a bit longer together, to share still something before the departure.. I forgot I was not any more in the community where knowing each other and sharing is of much higher value than usually..
So there was a situation that reminded our community weekend cleanup. I expected to get a lift with a car as it had often happened.. But without any explanation somebody else was invited to the car and there were not enough places for all of us in the car...
Well, it's their car, not a common van as in the community. Perhaps we even don't win much in time comparing to taking bus. It's matter of relationships, of belonging together,... If they had at least given a reason for the choice in the very situation, it could have been easier. I cannot blame them really, it's a clash of different sub-cultures. In the community the vans united us, enabling us to meet brothers in other towns, but outside, cars tend to separate, because there is often not enought space for everyone who might join. :(
I liked to belong to the community as into a big family. We were together our daily free time, we shared our lives with each other, belonged together. We met brothers from other towns at weekends. In winter we often rented some classrooms in a schoolhouse for this. Sunday evening we packed our things, made order after ourselves and drove home. There was a place for everyone in the vans.
Not all was in a good balance there, but I miss especially this belonging into a big family. Everybody was waited to the meetings, everybody was called to take responsibility for our common life and mission, an everyone did it more or less. There was time to talk personally.
Well, this year I have already the second time am frustrated after a period of daily meetings. There was a week-long conference and a two-week course where I was daily together with some people. And after this time, the world outside of our community seems especially individualistic and cold. Everyone returns to his den to his private life or other friends. And I'm again only in two in my immediate family.
Both times, it seems, I expected something according my community's standards. To be a bit longer together, to share still something before the departure.. I forgot I was not any more in the community where knowing each other and sharing is of much higher value than usually..
So there was a situation that reminded our community weekend cleanup. I expected to get a lift with a car as it had often happened.. But without any explanation somebody else was invited to the car and there were not enough places for all of us in the car...
Well, it's their car, not a common van as in the community. Perhaps we even don't win much in time comparing to taking bus. It's matter of relationships, of belonging together,... If they had at least given a reason for the choice in the very situation, it could have been easier. I cannot blame them really, it's a clash of different sub-cultures. In the community the vans united us, enabling us to meet brothers in other towns, but outside, cars tend to separate, because there is often not enought space for everyone who might join. :(
February 22, 2008
Touch no unclean
Isaiah 52 : 11 Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. 12 But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
We liked to use the quotation of this verse in the New Testament to invite to come out from the world and avoid unclean, to avoid sinners. But here the next verse sais, "But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you". So we needn't be too much afraid of contacts with unbelievers. The Lord is with his own to guard.
We liked to use the quotation of this verse in the New Testament to invite to come out from the world and avoid unclean, to avoid sinners. But here the next verse sais, "But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you". So we needn't be too much afraid of contacts with unbelievers. The Lord is with his own to guard.
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