Customer Reviews (3)

Engaging contrasts
I read R. Rhodes' Nightwatch and Rhoda Janzen's Mennonite in a Little Black Dress in the same week. What a contrast! Both books engaged me, but for very different reasons, of course. Rhodes' search for God and a countercultural community invited me to reinvigorate my own search, which lately has been retarded by complacency. Janzen's humorous and genuine responses to a series of personal tragedies also made me rethink my 70 years as a birthright Mennonite, especially because her sypmathetic, yet fun-making generalizations of my generation of Mennonites fit me almost as well as her parents.

nightwatch
well written, thoughtful, and studied; a book like i would like to write someday.despite the grace and grit of living mr. rhodes' life, it is a casual and fascinating intellectual romp through most everything i find worthwhile in life.it reads like a fine southern episcopal sermon; filled with respect, insight, and understated highbrow commentary.he communicates well the opening merton quotation, "mercy within mercy within mercy."

Evocative and emotive!
This book is written by an acquaintance who lived in a colony close to the colony where we lived (Elmendorf).This book is so evocative and can make me so homesick for the prairies of Minnesota.His description of Hutterite life is lively, kind, and empathetic.And his constant descriptiveness of Minnesota winters can give me a certain kind of longing.In short, I resonate with this book very strongly and have experienced much the same.Robert Rhodes does a good job of describing the emotional bond ...even down to his describing walking around the colony before moving to memorize every detail.He puts into words what is on my heart at times as well.In short, I enjoyed it very much and it will probably be one book I will pick up time and again to enjoy!
... Read more

Product Description
This book is both an attempt to understand the role which ritual has played for five centuries in the evolution of the Hutterian culture, and a refinement of our understanding of ritual itself. The first section of the book describes the history of the Hutterites as a wandering and persecuted people. The symbols which emerge from the historical era link the first half and the second half of the work together. The second half of the book is an examination of the Hutterite expansion process of today (colony-fission) and the role which ritual plays in it. In the Epilogue the author analyzes the evolution of Hutterian culture as an example of the evolution of a self-simplifying system. Contents: The Birth and Rebirth of the Taufer; Communal Life and the Hutterites; Towards a Structural Analysis of Hutterite History and Symbols of Rebirth; Hutterite Life in North America; Growth and Colony Fission; Hutterian Ethos and Eidos; The Proximity of Belief: Space and the Symbolism of Antimaterialism. ... Read more

Product Description
Offers parents practical wisdom on the key to effective education: finding the heart of each child. The book includes chapters on the unborn child, the first five years, the older child, the transition into adulthood, parenting, when children suffer, and the role of grandparents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The best book about Children's Education Ever Written
A Little Child Shall Lead Them; Hopeful Parenting in a Confused World is really the best book that is out there about children, about parenting, about every and any aspect on children.We live in a very confused world.There is so little good and helpful stuff out there.Dr. Spock and Dr. James Dobson, Focus of the Family are getting a little out of date and stale.That is why: "A Little Child Shall Lead Them" is such a refreshing change.Boy your mouth will drewl when you get a copy and see how modern day educators are raving about this book.Get your copy now.It is available at l-800-521-8011 David Wipf

A small treasure, unpretentious and transcendent.
"I Tell you a Mystery" is a beautiful book of surpassing dignity and tenderness...I hope it will be widely read, not only by those who call themselves religious, and I hope it will be shared with children also.Although written with great simplicity of style, it is nonetheless a work of moral mystery." Jonathan Kozol, author of Amazing Grace

I want a copy by my bedside when my time comes
I have read many books about dying, but this is the one I would give to a person approaching death or facing bereavement.From start to finish it shines with hope. I want a copy beside my bed when my time comes." Paul Brand,M.D. author, Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants

A child led me
Oh great, I thought as my wife showed me the book she had just finished.Another 'how to' book I thought.But, something she said caught my attention and I figured I would at least start reading it."If we did this, we would enjoy our children twice as much" she said. I love my kids but, to be honest, there were times when I could think of more exciting things to do than reading 'The Biggest Bear" to them for the 56th time.Also, I often wondered just what I was doing, bringing up children in a world that was getting worse by the month it seemed.I began reading and found myself gripped.Here was... "advice" is a crude word.Perhaps "life" is better.I now have a new asset- my children show ME how to deal with the world.The childlike approach shows the way and I'm intent on protecting that in them-with new joy! Tim Lamport, England

Theonly book on parenting that I ever read cover to cover!
As a busy professional and father of two lovable but occasionally exhausting boys, I look for books on effective parenting in almost every bookstore I step into --- and believe me, I've looked at a lot of books.Not surprisingly, these books seem to fall into two categories:either they are written by born-again Christians who gush sweetly about taking your child to Sunday school before he can even walk, or else they are so liberal that I feel as though maybe I shouldn't bother to try to be a good parent at all - apparently it won't help! FINALLY - here is a book that makes sense.It is readable, to the point, honest and practical.It covers everything from diapers and pacifiers to sex and alcohol. Even my wife reads it from time to time-and this, from a woman who swore she would never pick up a parenting book again.If you really care about your kids,BUY THIS BOOK! Reuben Zimmerman, PA Clinician and Counsellor New York, NY ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must read for all serious students of Hutterianism.
This outstanding book presents the "other side", another viewpoint regarding the Bruderhof Movement (Arnoldleut Hutterians).It is a must read for all serious students of Hutterianism.It is certainly notthe "party line", but it does present a point of view that needsto be looked at and considered by all students of Hutterianism and anypotential recruits to Arnoldianism.Zumpe cannot be dismissed out-of-hand,that's for sure.There are hundreds of others who think just like shedoes.Their "side" needs to be heard.In the end, the Truthwill win out.

Torches Extinguished The title says everything to the reader
Elizabeth must be a very angry women.This is the sad impression I got on reading this book.I hope she experiences Peace before she dies.To the reader I would recommend "Why Forgive" by Johann Christoph Arnold

history of the Bruderhof from another angle
This book relates the history of the Bruderhof from the view of a child growing up. The author was raised as a member of this religious group, took her membership vows then left as a young adult. Bohlken-Zumpe is thegranddaughter of founder Eberhard Arnold.My understanding of theBruderhof, where I also grew up, was enhanced by reading this book. Inrelating her story, Bohlken-Zumpe does not flinch in revealing personaldifficulties. This book along with other ex-bruderhof members books, shouldbe permitted reading among the current membership to help them understandthemselves,and their history. I recommend this book for anyone who hasexperienced belonging to a "cult-like" closed society or wants tounderstand similar situations. Thankyou for writing your story ElizabethBohlken-Zumpe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A must-read for those considering a communal life
In this day and age it is difficult to believe that there are still controlling organizations such as the Bruderhof who use religion and faith to mislead people into joining their ranks.I would highly recommend reading this book if you are fed up with today's society and thinking of joining the Bruderhof or another similar group.The people leading these groups are the opposite of everything they claim to be, to put it simply they are hypocrites.You will never get the true story of what it is like living in a commune until you read this book.I highly recommend it, it is a very moving and emotional story.

Could this really be true?
The life experiences of Nadine is an absolutely must-read for every student of Christian communalism, especially prospective converts to any high-demand sect.Nadine lived the life and deserves to be heard.Nodoubt the Bruderhof/Arnoldleut will not be jumping up and down for joy, butthe whole story needs to come out.Only when a thorough, totally unbiasedexamination of the Bruderhof organization is allowed will we ever know whoand what they really are.That will happen eventually. In the meantime,books churned out by the Bruderhof itself and ex-Bruderhofers like Nadinewill have to suffice.We need to hear both sides.It may be painful, butultimately the real Truth will be known near and far, whatever that may be.

A boring acount based on Memories only and not facts
One can see from the Sales Rank that this book is not worth the paper it is printed on. Speaking to others who have experienced the same time as Nadine writes about once gets a completely different story. I feel sorryfor every reader who purchased this book.There are better books availableon the Bruderhof

Pleil contributes unique perspective of former insider
Evidently forbidden reading for Bruderhof associates, this book gives yet another angle on life in a "christian commune".For readers already intrigued with this peculiar social experiment Pleil's book is amust-read particularly because it seems to have touched a nerve withbruderhof leadership as will no doubt be reflected in other reviewsappearing here.

from the heart
Nadine Pleil writes of her experience growing up in the Bruderhof. She relates her experiences as a child, youth and parent in this group. I also grew up there and know of what she writes. I believe she has shown greatinsight into her experience. I recommend this book to anyone who iscontemplating joining a group similar to that of the bruderhof. ... 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

Product Description

When he found out that the Little Bow Hutterite Colony in southern Alberta was to be flooded upon completion of a nearby dam, award-winning documentary photographer George Webber visited the inhabitants. He hoped they would allow him to photograph them at work and at play, before their homes disappeared forever. Over the next four years Webber witnessed and photographed, gently and unobtrusively, the daily life in the colony and finally its abandonment. They welcomed him into their barns, gardens, kitchen, dining room, school, and - ultimately - their church. This mutual respect and affection is reflected in the remarkable photographs collected in A World Within.

The necessities of documentary photography are a good match for Webber's photographic methods and sensibilities. He eschews the use of flash and prefers to work only with available light. Webber's spare, unstaged compositions reflect the simple lifestyle of the colony. The speed of film he uses gives his images strong blacks and crisp whites, the grainy greys adding warmth to each image. The result is A World Within - an exquisite collection of black-and-white photographs, taken with an understanding, sensitivity, and spiritual connection that makes them exceptional.

A foreword on the history of Hutterites in Canada written by University of Alberta religion scholar David Goa, and a series of excerpts from Webber's journals, provide cultural context for the images.

Product Description
Offers an honest look into the lives of men and women whose adversities were overcome through turning and listening to God. Their stories may challenge you, but they’ll comfort you as well by reminding you that you’re never truly alone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Hope for those who struggle
Cries from the Heart was my first introduction to the writings of Johann Christoph Arnold. Arnold has a deep faith, which probably comes somewhat naturally to him. His father was in ministry and his grandfather began a Christian community that stood up to the Nazi regime and had to flee Germany. By training, Arnold is a pastoral counselor, but in truth he is a more than simply a therapist, he is also a believer. He shares both his ministry and faith in this wonderful book. Arnold talks about the reality of pain in our world and offers stories of people who have had to cope in the midst of great tragedy and loss. His book also offers examples of people who suffer with everyday losses and tragedy. Arnold offers hope to people whose lives have been touched by pain, suffering, and hardship, but the hope he offers is not a feel good sort of hope but the assurance that in even life's most tragic and difficult times, people can live with hope.Arnold's suggestions are both practical and helpful and can easily lead a person to prayer and reflection.

I began to read this book early in 2002, when the priest sex abuse scandal was first rearing its ugly head in Boston. This was a time when many people of faith had more questions than answers. Even those who are not survivors of child sexual abuse felt hurt and betrayed by all that has happened. While this book did not give answers to the crisis, it did highlight the role of faith and belief when facing life's challenges which I found to be very helpful.

Who hasn't cried from their heart?
This book is one of my favorites by J. Christoph Arnold.The stories are all about real people that suffered extreme pain and heartache.It helped me reflect on the heartaches in my own life that I never thought I would overcome.Christoph Arnold has an uncanny way of reaching people through his books in such a simple and profound way, that he reaches our souls with his words.I have recommended this book to everyone I know!

Not only for Christians
This is not just for Christian Sunday school students. Arnold compiles stories from all over the place, showing the universal need in all of humankind to cry out to the creator in times of need.

Challenging and Moving
This book stimulated and challenged me to look at my prayer life more closely. A wonderful book full of a great deal of wisdon.

This book is his best so far lets see what comes next.
I have read a lot of Arnold's books and they are all very powerful but this is the best one yet. It causes you to think of where prayer is in ones own life. And encourages you to go deeper in your persuit of prayer. Arnolduses the wisdom of many people to illustrate a point. Everyone should readthis book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Wonderful photography
Kristin Capp is a wonderful photographer. We had a show which included some of her work, including photographs taken at the Hutterite community; whether as social commentary or simply as art, Capp captures essentials. A beautiful book.

The photographs calm your spirit like a meditation.
This is a book to return to over and over again. I've opened it in the midst of a hectic, demanding day and the clean black and white images made me feel refreshed and hopeful. The photographs embody a kind of peace I think we all yearn for.

An eye-opening adventure of a grossly-misunderstood people!
My name is Simone.I live in Oklahoma.My family and I have evangelized and sang all over the U.S. and Canada.We met a colony of Hutterian Brethren through a church pastor whom lives in PincherCreek, Alberta,Canada, whom invited us to preach at his church.We became really goodfriends with the Hutterites.I have been communicating by phone and letterover 11 years with them.I found out from my Hutterite friend Janet Walterfrom Lamona, Wash. that this book was coming out.I have actual picturesfrom this book that I've had for years from past letters.The Hutteritepeople usually don't associate with outsiders, but, by extraordinaryhappenstance, if invited into their way of life, they will be yourfriends-for-life; always possessing a place in their hearts.TheHutterites live in colonies and are a hard-working, God-fearing, andfamily-focused people.I love the Hutterites . . . so will you!

An eye-opening adventure of a grossly-misunderstood people!
My name is Simone.I live in Oklahoma.My family and I have evangelized and sang all over the U.S. and Canada.We met a colony of Hutterian Brethren through a church pastor whom lives in PincherCreek, Alberta,Canada, whom invited us to preached at his church.We became really goodfriends with the Hutterites.I have been communicating by phone and letterover 11 years with them.I found out from my Hutterite friend Janet Walterfrom Lamona, Wash. that this book was coming out.I have actual picturesfrom this book that I've had for years from past letters.The Hutteritepeople usually don't associate with outsiders, but, by extraordinaryhappenstance, if invited into their way of life, they will be yourfriends-for-life; always possessing a place in their hearts.TheHutterites live in colonies and are a hard-working, God-fearing, andfamily-focused people.I love the Hutterites . . . so will you! ... 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

Product Description
After decades of counseling, Johann Christoph Arnold still marvels at our capacity to make life miserable for ourselves and one another. This book, his tenth, points to a sure way out of life's hells.

Using real-life stories, Arnold exposes the common seeds of loneliness, frustration, alienation, and despair, and gives you the tools to uproot them from your life. In contrast to the makeovers and quick fixes hawked by popular culture, Escape Routes offers a tougher prescription. The choices he presents are clear: "to be selfish or selfless; to forgive or to hate; to burn with lust or with love; to defend your personal power, or dismantle it."

Why stake your hopes on some eternal hereafter, when you can taste heaven right here and now? No matter your problems, or who you are, this book will help you on your way, provided you're ready to take its medicine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Reality check
When reading the stories of people who stayed (most of the time, anyway) calm, cool, and collected in the face of huge obstacles, I felt humbled and couldn't help but thinking how much better I was off--for the most part.

Some of the stories came very close to my own story, uncomfortably so.

I realize that Arnold writes drawing on his faith-base, as a Christian. However, I do not share his beliefs and was at times put off by him repeatedly offering Christian faith as the only "out" of hellish situations.

Only if you are Christian
This books reads like an advertisment that following Christianity will be a cure all for everyone. I took it back to the library after flipping through it and realizing this

Another inspriational book for everyone!
This is yet another one of Christoph Arnold's great books.I am sure at some time or another everyone has felt like they are living in hell, just as I have.Christoph has a way of showing us how to cope with life's difficulties in a simplistic manner that everyone can understand.I would recommend this book to everyone, especially those who are full of despair and lacking hope for their future.There is always hope and this book will show you where to find it within yourself.

Are you trapped in Hell? Read this book
This Book, "Escape Routes" is so profound that you will not be able to put it down. These are stories about people like you and me that are trapped in today's Hell. But do not give up there is hope for all who read this book. Just think that there are many people out there that have the same struggles. Arnold makes it clear that not all have found there way out of Hell but we need to keep looking for our own Escape Route. ... Read more

Product Description
I pray that those who read this book won't be afraid to be confronted, and I trust that the word of God that comes to them through it will bring true comfort, true consolation, true hope, and true courage. -Henri J.M.Amazon.com Review
Arnold is a wise guide with a map to a difficult but rewarding spiritualjourney.This book addresses the issues facing committed Christians with understanding, generosity, and vision. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

an absolute necessity
This is one of those books that you get and wonder how you ever lived without it. I struggle in my walk with Christ, but this book is something that I am continually coming back to for wisdom and insight. My copy is about 5 years old and has notes scrawled all over the margins, yet I'm constantly gaining new ideas each time I reread a section. With every read, whether it's the first or the 40th, you experience something fresh. One of the best things about this book is the spectrum of topics covered--no matter your age or experience as a Christ follower, this is a book you really need to read.

And while you're at it, check out Seeking Peace: Thoughts and Conversations Along the Way. It was written by J. Heinrich Arnold's grandson, Johann Christoph Arnold. Mind blowing writing seems to run in the family...

It changed the life of Cassie Bernall
Friends of mine from Littleton Colorado told me that this book helped change the life of Columbine martyr Cassie Bernall.It is specifically mentioned in her life story "She Said Yes". This would havebrought great joy to the author, Heinrich Arnold, who died in the same yearthat Cassie was born. A book like this is an amazing thing. The spirit thatis captured in its pages waits quietly until discovered by a futuregeneration who is then frees it for a blessing on their life.

Challenging and Inspiring - A great resource
I bought this book based solely on the publisher's reviews.I was looking for a book on Discipleship that would challenge my Christian walk, and also give solid answers to theological questions.In a personal, sharp way, Arnold does this.This book is a compilation of letters and notes that were put together by his community after his death.This makes the book great because there is no filler - it's packed with to-the-point insights.I recommend it to anyone.The only reason I give it a 9 instead of 10 is because only the Bible gets a 10! : ... Read more

Product Description
Why Forgive? brings together incredible, true stories ofordinary people scarred by violence, who refused to let hatred controltheir lives. Together they create an irrefutable testimony to thepower of forgiveness, one that will challenge, inspire, and encourageothers wherever they are on the road to healing. Unlike other books onthe subject, Why Forgive? doesnt preach or theorize. Instead, Arnoldoffers easily understood real-life accounts in which people who haveearned the right to talk about forgiveness speak for themselves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Why Forgive?
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.This book has awsome stories of people who have forgiven the unforgivable (by human standards).If they can, we all can!

Required reading for the health of your spirit
A powerful, emotionally driving book, "Why Forgive" provides a framework of forgiveness that not only defines why it is important to forgive, but also how not forgiving eats at us like a cancer until it kills our happiness and our very essence.

With true life stories of amazing acts of forgiveness, the book shows how forgiveness is required before truly moving on to complete healing when you have been wronged.The extremely powerful stories show how forgiveness has allowed individuals to regain their lives after severe tragedy has entered their lives.Instead of taking the easy path and allowing anger and hate to destroy them, they make a choice that results in a deep peace.Pick up the book, learn to forgive, learn how it is necessary for true peace, choose the road less travelled and choose forgiveness.If there is a book that should be required reading for everyone, this is a contender for that book.

A moving book
Why Forgive? Hard as it may be this book shows in a simple and powerful way that the only way to true freedom is through forgiveness.While bitterness seems the roads to take and hatred towards those who have hurts us the excepted emotion, Arnold dares to tells us the true stories of people who choose the road less travel and in the end found the freedom to let go and change their world by forgiving.He also gives us a look into the lives of those who choose to be angry, only to destroy themselves.This book is moving and powerful, it is a striking lesson of something most people and talkshows refuse to speak about.I only pray that people out their struggling with bitterness and revenge read this book and know there is another way.

the continuing journey of forgiveness
Forgiveness is the key to real freedom.The path to forgiveness is notalways easy.The renewal of the act of forgiving makes the path easier totravel.The road to forgiveness becomes smoothly paved as we forgive andkeep on forgiving.Our journey gets easier with each trip down theoriginal path, leading to the paved road of freedom and happiness.See chapter 14, Not a step but a Journey.

Simply beautiful
This book will banish any lingering doubt that forgiveness andreconciliation is the linchpin of good in this world. Filled withcompelling personal accounts of those who truly have the right to ask usall to forgive, the book has the power to change the direction of your lifefor the better. Don't miss it! ... Read more