Eberhard Arnold (1883–1935) studied theology, philosophy, and education and was widely sought as a speaker at student conferences and other gatherings. In 1920, leaving a promising career as a writer and the privileges of upper-middle- class life in Berlin, he moved with his wife and children to Sannerz, a small village in central Germany, where they founded a Christian community on the basis of the Sermon on the Mount.

One of the most challenging statements on community that I have ever read. Its radical God-centeredness makes it not only very demanding, but also very inviting, comforting, and reassuring.

• Why community?Faith is our basisCommunity answers the social-political questionCommunity is the answer of faithCommunity through the history of the churchLife in community means life in the SpiritThe symbolism of communityCommunity is a sign of the coming kingdomCommunity is a call to love and unityCommunity means sacrificeCommunity – an adventure of faithT h o m a s MertonTwo interpretive talksBuilding community on God’s loveCommunity, politics, and contemplationNotes to Merton’s talks