Why we live in Christian Community: a photo essay

 
"Life in community is no less than a necessity for us - it is an inescapable "must" that determines everything we do and think. Yet it is not our good intentions or efforts that have been decisive in our choosing this way of life. Rather, we have been overwhelmed by a certainty - a certainty that has its origin and power in the Source of everything that exists. We acknowledge God as this Source." 

"We must live in community because all life created by God exists in a communal order and works toward community."

(from  "Why We Live in Community" by Eberhard Arnold, 1925)

 
"...Our theme is the Word which gives life.  This life was made visible; we have seen it and bear our testimony; we declare to you the eternal life which was with the Father as was made visible to us.  It is this which we have seen and heard that we declare to you also, in order that you may share with us in a common life, that life which we share with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ" 

(from the First Letter of John, Chapter 1)