This book is composed of several authors from the past and present about the community of faith. Some are better than others. Overall, it is a good to read to gain perspective from different Christians authors. I enjoyed the first few chapters. The rest was not as appealing to me. ( )

Many years later, I am finally reviewing this book. Shortly after I received it, I was kicked out of my community. It would have been too painful to read this at the time.

Fast-forward many years and I am now hoping and praying to be able to set up a community specifically for abused people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Basically, it would be to the disabled community fleeing domestic violence what L'Arche is to developmentally disabled adults, though all ministry would be done by the disabled/health-challenged community for their own community.

Speaking of L'Arche, one disclaimer is that this book was written before the sustained sexual and spiritual abuse allegations by Jean Vanier became public knowledge and this book is riddled with quotes from him. I have a hard time trusting such an abusive person's wisdom on everything else.

Here's a great quote from the book:
"You cannot live in community and hide your problems. In fact, community will bring into light problems which, though they are yours, are often hidden even from you."
This triggered me to think of the book Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch, which I highly recommend. His idea of the crucible seems like it would also apply to living in shared spaces with others.

Another quote:
"Irritation and annoyance come from our evil hearts and ultimately do not have anything to do with fatigue or weak nerves. Having weak nerves or being overworked just brings out what is really deep down in our hearts. When we get into such situations, we have no reason to excuse ourselves or even to pity ourselves."

"In community our task is simple and clear. We're to serve....Which is why Jesus washed his disciples' feet. Contentedly. Or do you think he was annoyed to have to do that just before he was murdered? It was almost the last thing he did with them. He wanted them to learn that much....The main gift the Spirit has given each person is the ability to clean the toilet (a contemporary equivalent of washing feet). We are clear on that for others but often not for ourselves."

Another thing mentioned in the book is practicing silence after someone has spoken difficult things to give time to reflect and truly have listened. It is also suggested to begin meetings with prayer and times of silence. Yet another thing that I appreciate is the suggestion to catalog all miracles big and small of God's provision and milestones in the life of the community and to frequently celebrate and remember.

I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting to live in an intentional community with the caveat that you should know that Jean Vanier was an unrepentant serial sexual abuser and his writings are used heavily in this book. ( )

The different selections in this book reflect on what it means to live out the Christin life in community with believers, predominantly in the context of a commune. The readings are insightful, provoking serious thought on the issue of Christian fellowship, challenging one to shift a bit or change entirely what we think it means to be a Christian, both in relation to other believers and, although not really the purpose of the book, unbelievers.

In some respects the thoughts shared are too idealistic, in my opinion, and surpass the realm of the practical in consideration of the way the world really is and how we really are as Christians and fallen creatures; nevertheless, to dismiss what is stated in these pages is to dismiss and, perhaps, even refuse God's high-calling to fellowship with one another as Christians in unity with Christ.

A few short essays are included in each titled section discussing Community, Forming a Community, Life in Community, and Beyond the Community. If you're looking for a book that will deal seriously with the deep issues of the heart, especially our self-centeredness, this is the one for you. ( )

This anthology is helpful to those who wish to discuss Christian understandings of community. The selections are grouped into chapters that are similar. There are a variety of types of writings including those by specifically Christian authors to Christian audiences, to more secular authors. Each selection has discussion questions and scriptural references. While this book can be done as a personal reflection, it is better suited to a group setting. ( )

Living in community. Christian communal living. Not for everyone. If you have considered this as a serious lifestyle change, then this is the book for you. Others maybe not such a good fit.

Book is presented in short chapters by different authors. It seems to be more of a discussion guide to be used in small group discussions.