It would be possible to exist in a community without any independent source of income, because some of the members could go to work as usual. But some sort of business would be fitting, just as monasteries maintain themselves through their own labor, whether by harvesting agricultural products like honey or eggs, brewing beer, or any of a number of other businesses.
It seems to me that a good way for us to make a living would be to run a school. Many of the people who I can think of who would be interested in our project are learned in one academic discipline or another, and I think we could very easily provide a high level of instruction for motivated high school students. The school could be attractive for many parents because it would be religiously orthodox and the teachers would come from very strong academic backgrounds. We could easily provide a firm classical education, including classical language and literature, art, music, and mathematics, as well as subjects such as history and theology. We might be a little weak in the sciences, but I think we could work on that.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Old Believer communities
There are groups of Old Believers (a sect that broke from Russian Orthodoxy centuries ago) living an unchanged communal way of life in Siberia. Some of their beliefs, you will see, are far from ours, but there is definitely something admirable about their tenacity and indifference to earthly cares:
Orthodox communities shun modern life
The tone of the video is lamentably patronizing - not that there isn't anything to criticize, but it leaves out the richness of their liturgical and spiritual tradition that I know of from other sources.
Orthodox communities shun modern life
The tone of the video is lamentably patronizing - not that there isn't anything to criticize, but it leaves out the richness of their liturgical and spiritual tradition that I know of from other sources.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
my vision: a brief summary
One of the of the many attractions of a Christian community is the sharing of work. For many years my work life has operated in a regular cycle of intense activity and idleness. When idle, I have time and energy to spare for good causes, but am unable to commit to anything long term because these idle periods are never lasting; and when I am busy, I become fatigued because of overwork. In a community, I would happily help others when my own work was slack, and would naturally welcome their help when I am busy. This would be similar to the way that a husband and wife help each other--or indeed how all friends and family members should help each other.
I open with such a description because now I have so many obligations that I could use help (and Monica has been very helpful these past few weeks), even though In a few months I may find I have very little work.
Part of me is attracted to an extreme kind of community, the sort that builds compounds in the wilderness and cuts itself off entirely from the outside world. But I think that this idea, besides being impractical, would not be healthy for its members. What I think would be best is a kind of village attached to an already existing town or city. Members of the community would have freedom to do their work and shopping in town, the main difference being that these things could be done in common. Workers would share transportation and shoppers would travel together and go to the same stores. A significant advantage of this is that working together is FUN. It is fun to travel, work, and shop with one's friends--our modern loneliness at all of these activities is unnatural.
In my vision, education of the children would be in common. I see no reason to name any one person as headmaster or even teacher. Each member of the community would have something valuable to pass on, and classes would be so divided.
I think that common meals would also be important. Not only would the work of preparing and cleaning be shared, but every meal would be a cause for fellowship and communion.
I don't have much more time, but what should be emerging from this is how important I think it is for people to work and live together rather than by themselves. C. S. Lewis's Great Divorce envisions hell as people living at vaster and vaster distances from one another--even as they build grander homes. We cannot build a paradise on earth, but neither do I think that we should always be trying to imitate hell.
I open with such a description because now I have so many obligations that I could use help (and Monica has been very helpful these past few weeks), even though In a few months I may find I have very little work.
Part of me is attracted to an extreme kind of community, the sort that builds compounds in the wilderness and cuts itself off entirely from the outside world. But I think that this idea, besides being impractical, would not be healthy for its members. What I think would be best is a kind of village attached to an already existing town or city. Members of the community would have freedom to do their work and shopping in town, the main difference being that these things could be done in common. Workers would share transportation and shoppers would travel together and go to the same stores. A significant advantage of this is that working together is FUN. It is fun to travel, work, and shop with one's friends--our modern loneliness at all of these activities is unnatural.
In my vision, education of the children would be in common. I see no reason to name any one person as headmaster or even teacher. Each member of the community would have something valuable to pass on, and classes would be so divided.
I think that common meals would also be important. Not only would the work of preparing and cleaning be shared, but every meal would be a cause for fellowship and communion.
I don't have much more time, but what should be emerging from this is how important I think it is for people to work and live together rather than by themselves. C. S. Lewis's Great Divorce envisions hell as people living at vaster and vaster distances from one another--even as they build grander homes. We cannot build a paradise on earth, but neither do I think that we should always be trying to imitate hell.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Common Children
"All things are common among us, except our wives."
+Tertullian (c. 197, Western).
I find it meaningful that Tertullian makes only one exception to the communal rule. Wives and, by implication, husbands are not held in common, but all else is. All, including our children, are held in common.
This is well reflected today in the tradition of godparents. Our children belong to the Church, even if we die. The godparents represent the common parentage of the Church and ensure that a baptized child will be raised in the faith. They are also to assist in raising the child in the faith even while the parents live.
In the community that I envision, all adult members actively share in this godparentage.
+Tertullian (c. 197, Western).
I find it meaningful that Tertullian makes only one exception to the communal rule. Wives and, by implication, husbands are not held in common, but all else is. All, including our children, are held in common.
This is well reflected today in the tradition of godparents. Our children belong to the Church, even if we die. The godparents represent the common parentage of the Church and ensure that a baptized child will be raised in the faith. They are also to assist in raising the child in the faith even while the parents live.
In the community that I envision, all adult members actively share in this godparentage.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
What is YOUR vision?
I keep getting ahead of myself. I keep wanting to talk about the building of which we should be looking; however, as John stated to me, we need to see what our collective Vision is...
1. (If we agree we should have an in community priest/church) What type of Catholic Church should we be?
2. How much in "common" do we want? Eating areas, shower areas? Transportation?
3. How secluded do we want to be. (IE of course those who work outside will have direct contact; however, do we want children to join outside activities?)
4. What is your general vision of how this is to be accomplished?
We can all post our ideas here... Then we can combine them, and re post the ideas in their own posts so we can talk about each of these distilled ideas.
1. (If we agree we should have an in community priest/church) What type of Catholic Church should we be?
2. How much in "common" do we want? Eating areas, shower areas? Transportation?
3. How secluded do we want to be. (IE of course those who work outside will have direct contact; however, do we want children to join outside activities?)
4. What is your general vision of how this is to be accomplished?
We can all post our ideas here... Then we can combine them, and re post the ideas in their own posts so we can talk about each of these distilled ideas.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Community of Goods
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
+Acts 2:44, 45.
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
+Acts 4:32.
You will share all things with your neighbor. You will not call things your own. For if you are partakers in common of things that are incorruptible, how much more [should you be] of those things which are corruptible.
+St. Barnabas (c. 70-130, Eastern).
We who used to value above everything the acquisition of wealth and possessions, now bring what we have into a common stock, and share with everyone in need.
+St. Justin Martyr (c. 160, Eastern).
All things therefore are common, and not for the rich to appropriate an undue share. Therefore, the expression, "I possess and possess in abundance; why then should I not enjoy?" is suitable neither to the man, nor to society. But more worthy of love is this: "I have; why should I not give to those in need?" ...I know very well that God has given to us the liberty of use. But only so far as is necessary. And He has determined that the use should be common. For it is monstrous for one to live in luxury, while many are in need.
+St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 195, Eastern).
[Addressed to Pagans:] Family possessions, which usually destroy brotherhood among you, create fraternal bonds among us. Being one in mind and soul, we do not hesitate to share our earthly goods with one another. All things are common among us, except our wives.
+Tertullian (c. 197, Western).
The above quotations were compiled by David W. Bercot in the book, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs.
+Acts 2:44, 45.
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
+Acts 4:32.
You will share all things with your neighbor. You will not call things your own. For if you are partakers in common of things that are incorruptible, how much more [should you be] of those things which are corruptible.
+St. Barnabas (c. 70-130, Eastern).
We who used to value above everything the acquisition of wealth and possessions, now bring what we have into a common stock, and share with everyone in need.
+St. Justin Martyr (c. 160, Eastern).
All things therefore are common, and not for the rich to appropriate an undue share. Therefore, the expression, "I possess and possess in abundance; why then should I not enjoy?" is suitable neither to the man, nor to society. But more worthy of love is this: "I have; why should I not give to those in need?" ...I know very well that God has given to us the liberty of use. But only so far as is necessary. And He has determined that the use should be common. For it is monstrous for one to live in luxury, while many are in need.
+St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 195, Eastern).
[Addressed to Pagans:] Family possessions, which usually destroy brotherhood among you, create fraternal bonds among us. Being one in mind and soul, we do not hesitate to share our earthly goods with one another. All things are common among us, except our wives.
+Tertullian (c. 197, Western).
The above quotations were compiled by David W. Bercot in the book, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs.
The Common Vocation
This weekend I presented the idea of living in community to my family. My sister seemed ambivalent. She gave the example of a holy family (the Zaks) living in the world amongst those that need them as an ideal.
I do not believe that everyone is called to communal life. Missionaries are necessary. Though the apostles founded communities, they often did not live in them themselves, being wanderers.
It strikes me, however, that communal life may be the more common vocation (note the pun), as opposed to the missionary or the hermitic.
I do not believe that everyone is called to communal life. Missionaries are necessary. Though the apostles founded communities, they often did not live in them themselves, being wanderers.
It strikes me, however, that communal life may be the more common vocation (note the pun), as opposed to the missionary or the hermitic.
Let Us Put Aside All Earthly Cares
In is work On Spiritual Knowledge, St. Diadochos of Photiki wrote,
"A person who is not detached from worldly cares can neither love God truly nor hate the devil as he should, for such cares are both a burden and a veil. His intellect cannot observe the tribunal which will judge him, neither can it foresee the verdict which will be given at his trial. For all these reasons, then, withdrawal from the world is invaluable."
"A person who is not detached from worldly cares can neither love God truly nor hate the devil as he should, for such cares are both a burden and a veil. His intellect cannot observe the tribunal which will judge him, neither can it foresee the verdict which will be given at his trial. For all these reasons, then, withdrawal from the world is invaluable."
Community
I have created this blog as a forum for continuing the informal discussion began elsewhere:
Dave said...
I like the utopia idea and think I've probably talked with John about it before. I would prefer a milder form, however, where some possessions are still held privately--in particular each family would have its own house--total communal living would lend itself to the kind of hierarchy that might detract from the individual families. I am not, for example, interested in living under a patriarch who makes all the decisions for every family, nor would I want to be one. In my utopia, the land would be held communally, as would a number of shared buildings such as a schoolhouse, chapel, dining hall, and recreation/fellowship hall. In my vision there is also a lake, but that's not necessary. Everyone would have to work together, but each family would retain some autonomy. I doubt that adultery would be a huge problem in a community that was built around shared values and faith--although in the more extreme communism (with several families sharing the same house, where a male leader might emerge to make decisions for everyone), there is a greater chance. This sort of a community begins to resemble a cult. Thanks for the kind words about the Long Walk. Indeed, one day we will be victorious!
1:02 PM
Dusty M Brahlek said...
I agree with the cult comment, it would be hard to keep that from happening. After I posted these John reminded me that we could have a community of homes, we do not have to be in one home :) I would also think purchasing or having a set of condos built would be OK as well.
3:23 PM
John R.P. Russell said...
I look to the early Christian communities as a model of what I am talking about. And to the monasteries, which I believe have best preserved the original idea of a Christian community. A Christian community is necessarily a patriarchy - that patriarch being called "bishop" (monasteries are headed by an abbot, which is simply a monastic bishop). I do agree, David, as Dusty points out in her last comment, that separate dwellings are a good idea.
7:54 PM
Dave said...
A Christian community is a patriarchy but not in the sense I'm talking about. The monastic example is accurate, however. All the monks vow obedience to the abbott, just as I could see a situation where one family (or its head) becomes the ruler of the other families in an absolute sense. This is the situation I would want to avoid, since I do not think it would be appropriate for a community of families to vow obedience to one of the other families (or its head, although the distinction would not always be clear). The system is much better suited for unmarried men and women who choose it.
8:56 PM
John R.P. Russell said...
I agree that the situation you describe is not desirable.I believe the ideal Christian community would obey it's rightful patriarch - that being their celibate bishop, not one of the other families or its head. This community should have celibate and married members, just like the early Christian communities. To one such early Christian community, the Smyrnaeans, St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote: "See that you all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God.... Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm
10:01 PM
Dusty M Brahlek said...
Where do we get this "bishop"? Then the next question would be would he be Eastern or Western? I HAVE IT!!!! We can take Fr. Mitch Pacwa! I think he would be good for both... :) We have LOTS of work before we start our community. But then again we have what, 4-5 years, right?
9:28 AM
Dave said...
Sounds reasonable. If you can get the bishop, I'll scout out some land.
1:26 PM
John R.P. Russell said...
My love for the Eastern Church is in part due to the fact that I find the way of life it promotes to be more in accord with that of the Early Christians. Eastern Christianity simply has greater reverence for the Early Fathers of the Church and their Tradition. This closeness with the Early Christian communities I seek to emulate is, I think, a good argument that our community should be Eastern. (What did you think I'd say? )
9:18 PM
John R.P. Russell said...
Getting the bishop first is actually not, I think, the way to go about it. The formation of such a community begins with the gathering of like-minded faithful. St. Francis, for example, was a deacon. He was never ordained a priest, let alone a bishop. Yet it was he that gathered the community. The abbots came later from within the community.
9:22 PM
dave said...
In that case, I'll expect some help scouting out the land.
9:35 PM
Dusty M Brahlek said...
Good land... that will be in PA... right?
8:56 AM
Dave said...
It will depend: do we want good land or, like the Mormons, lots of cheap land that no one else wants?
Dave said...
I like the utopia idea and think I've probably talked with John about it before. I would prefer a milder form, however, where some possessions are still held privately--in particular each family would have its own house--total communal living would lend itself to the kind of hierarchy that might detract from the individual families. I am not, for example, interested in living under a patriarch who makes all the decisions for every family, nor would I want to be one. In my utopia, the land would be held communally, as would a number of shared buildings such as a schoolhouse, chapel, dining hall, and recreation/fellowship hall. In my vision there is also a lake, but that's not necessary. Everyone would have to work together, but each family would retain some autonomy. I doubt that adultery would be a huge problem in a community that was built around shared values and faith--although in the more extreme communism (with several families sharing the same house, where a male leader might emerge to make decisions for everyone), there is a greater chance. This sort of a community begins to resemble a cult. Thanks for the kind words about the Long Walk. Indeed, one day we will be victorious!
1:02 PM
Dusty M Brahlek said...
I agree with the cult comment, it would be hard to keep that from happening. After I posted these John reminded me that we could have a community of homes, we do not have to be in one home :) I would also think purchasing or having a set of condos built would be OK as well.
3:23 PM
John R.P. Russell said...
I look to the early Christian communities as a model of what I am talking about. And to the monasteries, which I believe have best preserved the original idea of a Christian community. A Christian community is necessarily a patriarchy - that patriarch being called "bishop" (monasteries are headed by an abbot, which is simply a monastic bishop). I do agree, David, as Dusty points out in her last comment, that separate dwellings are a good idea.
7:54 PM
Dave said...
A Christian community is a patriarchy but not in the sense I'm talking about. The monastic example is accurate, however. All the monks vow obedience to the abbott, just as I could see a situation where one family (or its head) becomes the ruler of the other families in an absolute sense. This is the situation I would want to avoid, since I do not think it would be appropriate for a community of families to vow obedience to one of the other families (or its head, although the distinction would not always be clear). The system is much better suited for unmarried men and women who choose it.
8:56 PM
John R.P. Russell said...
I agree that the situation you describe is not desirable.I believe the ideal Christian community would obey it's rightful patriarch - that being their celibate bishop, not one of the other families or its head. This community should have celibate and married members, just like the early Christian communities. To one such early Christian community, the Smyrnaeans, St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote: "See that you all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God.... Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm
10:01 PM
Dusty M Brahlek said...
Where do we get this "bishop"? Then the next question would be would he be Eastern or Western? I HAVE IT!!!! We can take Fr. Mitch Pacwa! I think he would be good for both... :) We have LOTS of work before we start our community. But then again we have what, 4-5 years, right?
9:28 AM
Dave said...
Sounds reasonable. If you can get the bishop, I'll scout out some land.
1:26 PM
John R.P. Russell said...
My love for the Eastern Church is in part due to the fact that I find the way of life it promotes to be more in accord with that of the Early Christians. Eastern Christianity simply has greater reverence for the Early Fathers of the Church and their Tradition. This closeness with the Early Christian communities I seek to emulate is, I think, a good argument that our community should be Eastern. (What did you think I'd say? )
9:18 PM
John R.P. Russell said...
Getting the bishop first is actually not, I think, the way to go about it. The formation of such a community begins with the gathering of like-minded faithful. St. Francis, for example, was a deacon. He was never ordained a priest, let alone a bishop. Yet it was he that gathered the community. The abbots came later from within the community.
9:22 PM
dave said...
In that case, I'll expect some help scouting out the land.
9:35 PM
Dusty M Brahlek said...
Good land... that will be in PA... right?
8:56 AM
Dave said...
It will depend: do we want good land or, like the Mormons, lots of cheap land that no one else wants?
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