Customer Reviews for HarperOne Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
HarperOne Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
After his martyrdom at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued his witness in the hearts of Christians around the world. In his book Life Together we learn of Pastor Bonhoeffer's experience within Christian community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul's letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together serves as bread to all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.
Average Customer Rating:
(6 Reviews) 6
Rating Snapshot (6 reviews)
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2 out of 2100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
Review 1 for Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
Overall Rating:
A Great Theologian Explores Christian Community
Date:February 14, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
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5
Bonhoeffer is essentially a modern saint and his martyrdom showcased how he was a man who deeply practiced what he preached. Pick up and read anything he’s written. He is both deep and simple, as well as philosophical and yet very practical.
Life Together is a series of 5 essays about various components to Christian unity. His first essay is on community, starting his essay by quoting Psalm 133, but ultimately basing it on Christ. His second essay is a treatise on the Christian family and his third is on the value of solitude and silence. The fourth essay is on how to prevent discord in community and then his final chapter is on the importance and how to practice confession.
This is a wonderful book, it’s a short read but it takes awhile to digest what he’s saying. It would make for a good small group resource (which would keep in the theme of Christian unity) and also falls under the general realm of spiritual practices/disciplines. If you’ve never read Bonhoeffer this would be a good start and if you have read some of his other works, this will not disappoint.
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Review 2 for Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
Overall Rating:
Date:June 11, 2012
Lewis Smith
Location:Summerfield, FL
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Recommend this book to Christians who want a closer relationship to God.
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Review 3 for Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
Overall Rating:
Date:April 22, 2008
Anthony Myrick
A very helpful description of Christian community is provided in this book. It presents a challenge to all who are serious about growing in Christ in the context of Christian relationships.
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2of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
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Date:March 17, 2008
Tranetta Mccomb
Life Together: is a textbook in one of my classes. Very interesting book. I purchased a second copy to share with friends.
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-3points
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Review 5 for Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
Overall Rating:
Date:November 30, 2007
Peter
Boring as hell. It's not at all a story. It's just a man citing Bible versus one after the other. It makes a great sleep aid. If your looking for a one-on-one spiritual experience with an author this is not the way to go.
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-35points
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Review 6 for Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community
Overall Rating:
Date:January 24, 2007
Bonhoeffer's "Life Together" is a classic expression of life in the community of believers! I attend a house church and I found my second read of this book to be more helpful in understanding the kind of life that should be celebrated within the sanctorum communio. I believe Bonhoeffer's book holds more meaning and influence in the context of a first-century styled house church than any other religious setting. I remember reading this book several years ago when all I knew of church life was from within the institutional confines of religious rigorism. I believe Bonhoeffer's words have more depth and meaning when they are applied and understood within the setting of a house church. Frankly, I have come to believe it is the only way this kind of community can be achieved. In Bonhoeffer's words, "In the spiritual realm the Spirit governs; in human community, psychological techniques and methods." I benefited greatly from Bonhoeffer's plea for believers to be thankful for the Christian fellowship in which we have been placed. When we focus on what our community isn't... we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow as it ought. We are bound to one another. We have no choice but to get along and learn to manifest Christ in our midst! Bonhoeffer makes plain that our actions, good or evil, in sight or in secret... effects the body life. This is not theory... it is reality. The only way this kind of fellowship works is by embracing Christ's love instead of human love. "Human love has little regard for truth... human love cannot love an enemy." I believe this exposes the kind of love that many in the church have settled for. Bonhoeffer's own actions prove we are all capable of settling for human love and justifying our actions to get our way. Overall, the reader will find Bonhoeffer's book (as his many others) to be Christocentric. The whole purpose of life in the community is to see our Lord manifested and glorified in our presence.
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+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.