Life Together

Sometimes a short book is lightweight, but nothing could be further from the truth with this classic exploration of Christian community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Every chapter is full of gold mined of the honest challenges of living in community. You will not be able to walk away from this book without an awareness of your shortcomings, and the grace of God which overcomes our sin and grants us the blessing of life together with brothers and sisters in Christ.

This is a classic, and a must read on christian community. Despite only being 120 or so pages, it surely is a book that should be read slowly and then be reread. Bonhoeffer covers a wide range of topics related to christian community - ranging from the day the christians spend time together in worship, to the days that christians are alone; or how and why christians need to confess to another, as well as rebuke. Bonhoeffer writes in a very impactful and profound way - with wisdom and biblical faithfulness. \\nThis is a book that any christian community will greatly benefit from - to be rebuked, challenged and encouraged to live together as Christians.

I read this for a college intensive on community. It's not always an easy read but is full of great stuff and created a lot of good discussion. A lot of Bonhoeffers thoughts on community are still influential and thought provoking today. And his words still need to be heard and applied. It is a book well worth reading (and rereading) and digesting slowly.

In this classic book, Bonhoeffer provides practical advice on how believers should live out their common life in Christ. Our common life, according to Bonhoeffer, has been made possible in and through Jesus Christ and as such it is a divine and spiritual reality. In this life together, there will be times when believers spend the day with others. Such communal times ought to include praying the Psalms, singing hymns, praying together, and having fellowship around the table. There will also be times when believers need to spend the day alone. Such times are necessary for solitude and silence, meditation, prayer and intercession. Our common life together involves ministry to one another and Bonhoeffer advices that our ministry should be characterized by holding one's tongue, meekness, listening, helpfulness, bearing with one another's burdens, proclaiming the Word, and exercising pastoral authority. Last but not least, in our life together, Bonhoeffer also highlights the need for believers to confess their sins to one another and to minister forgiveness and healing. Whether it is a local church, a seminary, or a small group, this book is required reading as it will certainly help believers to live out their common life together in Christ.