A radical experiment in total communal living and shared property
In short: Imagine a life where you own nothing, earn no salary, and vow to put your entire life at the disposal of a community. This is the Bruderhof, an intentional Christian movement that has survived Nazi persecution and internal schisms to maintain a radical vision of common ownership and pacifism.
Founded in Germany in 1920 by philosophy student Eberhard Arnold, the Bruderhof is an intentional community rooted in Anabaptist principles. The movement was heavily influenced by the German Youth Movement, German Pietism, and the historical Hutterite Brethren. Members live by a strict vow of non-private property, where all income from communal businesses is pooled to care for the members and fund outreach. This lifestyle is governed by the 'law of love,' which forbids holding grudges or speaking ill of others, emphasizing spiritual bonds based on trust and forgiveness.
The community's history is marked by significant geographical shifts and ideological friction. During the rise of Nazism in the 1930s, the group fled Germany for Liechtenstein and later England to escape forced military service. In 1941, they moved to Paraguay, where they established a hospital serving tens of thousands of locals. However, internal conflicts arose regarding the community's trajectory; some members argued for a focus on pietistic faith over communitarian ideals. This led to a leadership crisis and the eventual dissolution of the Paraguay settlements in the 1960s, with many members relocating to the United States.
Today, the Bruderhof operates 24 communities across the United States, Austria, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and Paraguay. While they maintain traditional views on marriage and dress—including plain clothing and headcoverings for women—they are recognized for their commitment to non-violence and peacemaking. The movement remains a distinct example of 'believer's baptism' and lifelong faithfulness, seeking to emulate early Christian practices through a modern, radicalized system of shared resources and collective responsibility.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Bruderhof Communities
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