Christian community living
models have existed throughout history, with various groups and movements
seeking to live out their faith together in intentional communities. One such
example is the Moravian Church.
Nikolaus von Zinzendorf, a
German theologian, and leader in the Moravian Church, famously said,
"There is no Christianity without community." This statement captures
the essence of the Christian faith as a communal experience.
One of the most well-known
examples of the Moravian Church's emphasis on community living is the Moravian
settlements, also known as Herrnhut communities, which were established in
Germany and other parts of Europe in the 18th century. These settlements were
intentional communities of believers who lived and worked together in pursuit
of their faith.
The Herrnhut communities were
structured around a shared set of values and practices. Each settlement was led
by a group of elders who were responsible for overseeing the community's
spiritual life, as well as its economic and social activities. The settlements
were also governed by a set of rules and regulations designed to promote order
and discipline within the community.
One of the defining features of
the Herrnhut communities was their commitment to shared work and property. Each
member of the community contributed their skills and labor to the community's
economic activities, which included agriculture, crafts, and other trades. The
community's resources were shared among all members, ensuring that everyone's
needs were met.
Today the Moravian Church
continues to place a strong emphasis on community living. While the Herrnhut
communities no longer exist in their original form, the church maintains a
network of intentional communities around the world, known as
"Bruderhof" communities, which are modelled on the Herrnhut
settlements. These communities are characterized by their commitment to shared
work and property, as well as their emphasis on spiritual growth and community
life.
The Moravian settlements and
Bruderhof communities serve as powerful examples of the importance of community
living in the Christian faith. By living and working together in pursuit of
their faith, believers are able to grow in their relationship with God and with
one another, and to share the love of Christ with the world.
Rev. Rhenius was a
German missionary who worked in South India during the early 19th century. He
is known for his pioneering work in establishing "settlement
villages" in the area around Tirunelveli, in what is now Tamil Nadu
Rhenius was inspired by the
Moravian settlements in Germany and believed that establishing intentional
communities of believers in India could help to strengthen the church and
promote social and economic development in the region. His settlement villages
were established as communities of Christian believers who lived and worked
together in pursuit of their faith.
Today, the legacy of Rhenius'
settlement villages can still be seen in the thriving Christian communities of
Tamil Nadu. While the settlements themselves no longer exist in their original
form, the values of community living and social justice that they embodied
continue to inspire and guide believers around the world.
Amy Carmichael was a
Christian missionary who served in India from 1895 to 1951. She is known for
her work with young girls who had been forced into temple prostitution in
India. In order to rescue these girls and provide them with a safe and
nurturing environment, Carmichael established settlements. The well-known of
Carmichael's settlements was the Dohnavur Fellowship, which was located in the
town of Dohnavur in Tamil Nadu. The fellowship was established in 1901 and grew
rapidly over the years..
Today, the legacy of Amy
Carmichael's settlements lives on in the continued work of the Dohnavur
Fellowship, as well as in the many other organizations that have been inspired
by her example. Her commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment
for vulnerable young girls has inspired generations of Christians around the
world, and her legacy continues to inspire and guide.
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