Book Description
The first-ever biography of an uncompromising revolutionary for Christ whose witness still reverberates around the world. Markus Baum, a prominent German journalist, presents Eberhard Arnold (1883-1935) as a role model for today's disaffected young generation.

Baum's highly readable account examines the forces that shaped Arnold's life. He recreates a colorful era when thousands of young men and women in Weimar Germany rejected conventional mores and struck out on a different path. Arnold, a young and aspiring writer and speaker, played a prominent role in this "Youth Movement," but later left the limelight to live the answers he had found, starting a small community based on Christ's teachings and example.

Against the Wind shows Arnold's wide-ranging influence on other spiritual leaders of his day, his lonely stand against the rise of Nazism, and his continuing legacy - the Bruderhof community movement - which makes his life as relevant today as ever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fresh perspective
This book will be significant for those who want to learn more about the life of Arnold and the spirit that moved him. To my knowledge this is the first biography of Arnold written by a non-Bruderhof author. I like Baum's fresh perspective.Orbis Press has also just come out with another fine bookentitled Eberhard Arnold that readers of this book should look at. It ispart of their Spiritual Masters series. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Utopian Studies, published by Society for Utopian Studies on January 1, 2000. The length of the article is 894 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Against the Wind: Eberhard Arnold and the Bruderhof.(Review) (book review)
Author: John Sill
Publication: Utopian Studies (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2000
Publisher: Society for Utopian Studies
Volume: 11Issue: 1Page: 144

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This is a case study of one pietist religious group, the Bruderhof. A Christian brotherhood founded on Anabaptist and evangelical pietist doctrine, they practice community of goods, seeking to emulate the vision of the Apostolic church and fulfill the ethic of brotherhood taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Rubin offers compelling accounts of the lives of Bruderhof apostates who foundered over issues of faith, and relates these crises to the central tenets of Bruderhof theology, their spirituality, and community life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

flawed analysis
Rubin suggests that a fear of being ostracized causes many Bruderhof members to develop major psychological problems, what he calls the "Bruderhof syndrome." But what Rubin is describing is really no different (as Rubin would admit, since he looks at things from a secular perspective) than that which Luther and the Hutterites call "anfechtung." It is the same phenomenon that 17th century Pietists and many Mennonites historically have described as "spiritual struggle"-something to be expected by every Christian, in his or her relationship with God-at many points in their experience. Rubin thinks of this struggle as totally negative in its impact. Most of us who have engaged in these struggles, conversely, believe that it is part of the Christian experience, which we believe is much more fulfilling-because it is tied to a supernatural source-than the purposeless, foundation-less life of personal and social alienation found outside of the Christian faith. Rubin's despised "religious melancholy" is actually a very important part of the Christian experience.

I would suggest reading this
Though I have not read the book, only excerpts, I would recommend it to others. Having had Dr. Rubin as a professor and gone to high school with some Bruderhof members, I am curious to see what the book holds. Dr. Rubin's wealth of knowledge and what appears to be fascinating lifestyles of the Bruderhof people compel me to recommend this book, even though I have yet to read it.

Useful History...What About Now?
The Bruderhof, literally: "place of brothers", was formed under the charismatic leadership of Eberhard Arnold as an experimental Christian community at the time of the Weimar Republic. The intent of the experiment was to demonstrate that the Sermon on the Mount can be normative for all aspects of individual and communal life. It continues to this day.

The Bruderhof have existed for seventy years. In that short span they have migrated across three continents; suffered the vicissitudes of the Nazi's, xenophobia of their host countries, exile in the Paraguayan jungle; and have attempted to maintain a clarity of vision throughout.The group has been wracked by internal power struggles, as well as schisms with the other like-minded organizations.There has been tragic human fallout from these episodes.

Rubin extrapolates from this history, using as his primary sourcesthe testimonies of those who were expelled from, or who left the community during its most tumultuous times, in order to present a psycho-socio portrait of the Bruderhof.It's a compelling picture.

Rubin makes serious charges against the Bruderhof:The Bruderhof are a closed, authoritarian group who are enthralled by a cult of personality.The Bruderhof are relentless in their persecution of those who dissent from their vision. The Bruderhof are hypocritical. The Bruderhof are abusive. The Bruderhof are sexually repressed, and thus warp their children.The Bruderhof are intolerant of modern psychology, and prefer exorcism to therapy. Rubin provides historical evidence for each of these charges.

Rubin suggests that the Bruderhof are liable for "Anfechtung" (feelings of sinful alienation from God) amongst its members.Rubin suggests that the very structure of the group:(sharing goods in common, constant introspection regarding one's relationship with God under the supervision of a "shepherd", along with a severe rigidity concerning human sexuality) is at the heart of a condition, the "Bruderhof Syndrome", which is marked by severe alienation, depression, and loss of self esteem.

But he does not adequately support this conclusion.First, the book is limited by its choice of historical context. Few of the examples presented have occurred since the late `70's.Rubin further undercuts his argument from history by admitting that the group has evolved away from pietism and toward an ecumenical approach to social activism.By Rubin's own admission, the Bruderhof today are not the same introversionist sect which provide the context of his study.Its fair to suggest that many of the factors contributing to the "Bruderhof Syndrome" may have been mitigated.

Second, he does not provide analysis of the incidence and type of neurosis in the Bruderhof. His brief chapter on the other Anabaptist groups contain more of this sort of information as regards the Hutterites, the Mennonites, and the Amish, then the book as a whole does when addressing the Bruderhof.

In fairness, the Bruderhof did not cooperate with Rubin in his study, unlike the studies regarding other high-context Anabaptist groups, which enjoyed the cooperation of their subjects.But then why raise the flag of pathological depression and anxiety concerning the Bruderhof if one is unable to adequately assess the issue?

The Bruderhof refusal to accommodate Rubin's research efforts is unfortunate. However the Bruderhof are forced by circumstance to maintain a relationship with the surrounding communities. They are in constant interaction with secondary schools, police, medical personnel, and community government.It would seem that if there were anything currently suspect about the Bruderhof;for example, if the emotional and physical abuse suffered by Bruderhof children atthe time of the "Great Crisis" were continuing, then someone, somewhere, should have noticed.

The Bruderhof ask young adults to leave the community for at least a year, in order that they may ascertain for themselves whether they wish to remain with the community.Apparently close to 20% of these choose to continue with their lives on the outside. Surely some of them could have been available for Rubin's research.Yetin spite of what seem to be relatively rich sources of information, there is remarkably little in the book that speaks to contemporary events or cases.

Can Rubin make the case that the contemporary Bruderhof threaten the mental or emotional health of the Bruderhof child? Can he demonstrate that the Bruderhof today are any more of a threat to the unbalanced than, say, your local, neighborhood, Evangelical Church?Where are the interviews with secondary school teachers who teach the Bruderhof adolescents; or with therapists who deal with Bruderhof patients?Where are the interviews with the young adults who are on leave from their community?

The Bruderhof offer a socio-economic example of Christian Communism that is unique in the United States. They have maintained this paradigm for close to four generations.The Bruderhof are in a position to offer profound contributions to the fields of anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Hence, the Bruderhof are to be faulted for not allowing research in their midst.They need to rethink their relationship with scholarship.

An assessment of the Bruderhof, as they exist today, still needs to be written. An assessment of those emotional pathologies with which the Bruderhof contend still needs to occur.Rubin'shistory of the Bruderhof is informative. But it is presented as if it were a diagnosis of mental health issues as they exist within the contemporary Bruderhof. It is in this sense that the book is misleading.

"Other Side of Joy" is a history of grievances; an exposition of the tragic and unintended consequences of a unique experiment, rather then a study of religious melancholy per se.If the reader is expecting case studies, methods of diagnosis, treatments within the community, utilization of resources outside the community and so forth, then look elsewhere. It is the controversies swirling around the Bruderhof that are addressed, with vehemence, in this book.

First one to express both the religious and social realities
Professor Rubin is the first writer to use spiritual language well enough to express the religious validity in the community's world view, yet still present a contrary, negative, psychological and social view felt by itscritics and apostates. This dual coverage of the subject is brilliant.Rubin should be recognized as the best friend of BOTH sides of the ongoingcontroversy between the Bruderhof and its critics. Although the book sentme to my dictionary more than once, it was well worth the trip.

"The Other Side of Joy" is not a book to laugh at
The Bruderhof, about who the book "The Other Side of Joy" by Dr. Julius Rubin is about, have gone to considerable lengths to prevent and delay its publication and release. Despite denying him access to theirarchives for his research, Rubin has been able to adequately researchreligious melancholy as it pertains to the Bruderhof without theircooperation.Some of the nameless reviewers herehave tried to dismissthis very well written and researched book with nonsense that has nothingto do with the scholarly study that it is, even calling the book "alaugh" by one reviewer.A nervous laugh perhaps, but I have failed tofind humour in "The Other Side of Joy", nor do I expect Dr. Rubinto get a call from the Jay Lenno show.No, the other side of joy is notlaughter; It is the maladies of Anfechtung (feelings of sinful alienationfrom God), psychomachia (war against self), Busskampf (an intense emotionalwrenching inner struggle that results in ravishing, joyous psychologicalunion with God), religious melancholy, and religious authoritarianism thatare the other side of joy, according to Dr. Rubin.Having grown up on theBruderhof as a grandson of the founder, Eberhard Arnold, I have foundRubin's work to be interesting, revealing and credible.It is notsurprising that the Bruderhof does not like Rubin's conclusions, paintingsuch a repressive picture of this "utopian" community that somany of us had to escape from, or were kicked out of.I recommend thisbook to anyone interested in the study of abusive churches, or who isconsidering a life of primitive pietism, Bruderhof style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Belinda Manley/Bruderhof story is a must-read.
Belinda Manley tells her story and shares her life in the high-demand Bruderhof sect, a must-read for anyone considering life in a communal settlement.Belinda is a brilliant lady, full of life and spirit.Herlife didn't stop when she left the Bruderhof (Arnoldleut Hutterians). Indeed, it seems the next chapter of her life was and is the best of all. The Bruderhof/Arnoldleut story is a complex one.Although the Bruderhofersare good at getting out their "side" of the story, defectors likeBelinda Manley should be heard/read.They have something to say that is ofvalue.What is the truth?I don't know, but I do know Truth will win out. I suspect we haven't yet heard the whole story by any means!The BelindaManley story is worthwhile reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Miriam Arnold is one fiesty woman.
Miriam Arnold, who grew up on the "inside", tells her story without fear.She is one fiesty woman.Miriam Arnold shares with us her life amongst the "Arnoldleut" ("Arnold People") orBruderhof, as they prefer to be called.The whole Bruderhof story is not apretty picture, even when they tell it in their books.Sooner or laterthey will likely reunite again with the mainstream Hutterite Movement.Atthat time it will be necessary to uncover everything.Miriam presentsissues that will likely be "looked at" very closely by theHutterite leadership of the day.Whether her story is totally accurate ornot, I can't really say, but I do know her viewpoint (and that of hundredslike her) will get a good "hearing" at that time.The GreatChange will come.The Truth will win out.Miriam Arnold is no"outsider".She lived the "life".TheBruderhof/Arnoldleut group (or leadership?) will have to give a fulleraccount at the NEXT reuniting with the Hutterites.I can guarantee that. This in no way reflects upon the many sincere people who are among them,but there are two sides to every story, it seems.Hmmmm!

How Unforgiveness can really ruin a Persons Life
I am saddened by this book.The author is consumed with hatred and Unforgiveness. She could have done so much better. Socrates once wrote: "Whoever practices forgiveness will see how high he can climb towardsthe peaks of life.We only learn to forgive,remembering but leaving behindsuffering, hate and rancour. We can forget that archeological memory thatpermanently lives in the past and we can live each day intensely, openinghence the doors to a joyful tomorrow full of plenitude." Miriam isdestroying her life by living in the past.I feel sorry for her.Readingthis book is a waste of time.I would not recommend it.

written from the heart with guts
Miriam Arnold Holmes tells in great honesty about her childhood as a member of the Bruderhof. She relates her adjustment to the world outside, the difficulties she had in facing her problems. I can identify with muchof what she writes as I too grew up in the bruderhof. I appreciate all sheexpressed in her book. It took guts to tell all she did. Very touching howshe tells of her family relationships and the struggle to remain faithfulto the vows she took. The bruderhof did not receive this book well as therewere too many skeletons brought out of the closet by Ms Holmes. If only thebruderhof made this and other books, by former members, available to theirmembership, they could learn so much that would be of help to them in theirdaily life. This book is a valuable tool in learning the affects of aclosed society on one individual.

This book actually doesn't deserve 1 star...
I have read this book and find it in total contradication to what theBruderhof Communities represents.Please be informed that information inthis book is not only inaccurate, but is also an outright lie. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One-sided pro-Bruderhuf praise after a nice start
Oved claims to offer a balanced view of the religious communities calledBruderhufs.He does so for most of the book but the last few chapters areall one-sided.Mr. Oved seems to have had many conversations with theBruderhuf leadership and thus winds up publishing their views.He has nottalked to the thousands of people kicked out by the Bruderhuf or who havehad bad experiences with them up to the present day, so his opinionobviously comes out tinged.If he knew how the Bruderhuf treated formermembers, seperating families, bugging phone lines and otherwise showing theopposite of Christian love, his viewpoint would probably be balanced allthe way to the end.As is, this is only a useful for the first chapters,until we reach the Christoph era. ... Read more