Customer Reviews (7)

A must-read for those considering a communal life
In this day and age it is difficult to believe that there are still controlling organizations such as the Bruderhof who use religion and faith to mislead people into joining their ranks.I would highly recommend reading this book if you are fed up with today's society and thinking of joining the Bruderhof or another similar group.The people leading these groups are the opposite of everything they claim to be, to put it simply they are hypocrites.You will never get the true story of what it is like living in a commune until you read this book.I highly recommend it, it is a very moving and emotional story.

Could this really be true?
The life experiences of Nadine is an absolutely must-read for every student of Christian communalism, especially prospective converts to any high-demand sect.Nadine lived the life and deserves to be heard.Nodoubt the Bruderhof/Arnoldleut will not be jumping up and down for joy, butthe whole story needs to come out.Only when a thorough, totally unbiasedexamination of the Bruderhof organization is allowed will we ever know whoand what they really are.That will happen eventually. In the meantime,books churned out by the Bruderhof itself and ex-Bruderhofers like Nadinewill have to suffice.We need to hear both sides.It may be painful, butultimately the real Truth will be known near and far, whatever that may be.

A boring acount based on Memories only and not facts
One can see from the Sales Rank that this book is not worth the paper it is printed on. Speaking to others who have experienced the same time as Nadine writes about once gets a completely different story. I feel sorryfor every reader who purchased this book.There are better books availableon the Bruderhof

Pleil contributes unique perspective of former insider
Evidently forbidden reading for Bruderhof associates, this book gives yet another angle on life in a "christian commune".For readers already intrigued with this peculiar social experiment Pleil's book is amust-read particularly because it seems to have touched a nerve withbruderhof leadership as will no doubt be reflected in other reviewsappearing here.

from the heart
Nadine Pleil writes of her experience growing up in the Bruderhof. She relates her experiences as a child, youth and parent in this group. I also grew up there and know of what she writes. I believe she has shown greatinsight into her experience. I recommend this book to anyone who iscontemplating joining a group similar to that of the bruderhof. ... Read more

Product Description
Gerald had an affair. And an illegitimate child. Hecarried these secrets for decades, doing his best to blot them frommemory. He failed - but he achieved something far greater.

Ann finally had everything she ever wanted: a loving spouse, a home tocall her own, financial security, beautiful kids. Everything, that is,except happiness. She couldn't figure out what was wrong. Until shestopped trying to outrun the ghosts of her abused childhood.

Mick and Bridie's only son was gunned down in Drumcree, NorthernIreland, and they wanted blood. So they tried suicide. But somethingstopped them.

Ashley worked the runways of Paris and Milan, modeling for the likesof Giorgio Armani. Drugged up and sexed out, he flirted withdespair. Then a friend offered him a book that changed the course ofhis life forever.

In Drained, Arnold tells their stories and those of many others whoovercame their greatest obstacles. He builds his book on the premisethat the longing for peace lies deep within every person. Drainedmakes no attempt to present a cure-all for life's problems, but forthose ready to go beyond quick-fix "remedies," it offers steppingstones to a fulfilled life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Inspiring and Memorable
`Drained' is an eloquent and heartfelt compilation stories, quotes, and memories about those who have at one time or another felt drained.Though the stories are of individuals from very different walks of life, they are connected by a struggle to let go of difficult pasts and a continuing search for peace.When I first began to read `Drained,' I presumed it would be just another self-help book about tips for a better you.I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not the usual therapist advice on how to forgive, but real memoirs of courage, strength, grace, and love.It is the kind of book I would recommend to anyone who has ever felt like they were searching for something they couldn't find, something more, something like peace.

Seeking True Peace
This is a revised edition of another book by Arnold called Seeking Peace. This version removes some of the religious language that would be a problem for many who are still in desperate need of finding inner peace. Theremarkable thing I find in this book is how Arnold finds and uses thethreads of truth in so many backgrounds, traditions and religions... in aworld where adherents of these traditions and religions seem to be at eachother's throat. It is a challenge for the reader to find the "hiddenChrist" in places you do not expect.

Do not give up!
From the outset, Arnold puts forth a memorable and cutting composition of the human state, through his observatioins and the stories entrusted to himby others. The real life stories are hope filled and an enjoyable read.Buy this book, read it many times and never give up hope!

If only there were an option of NO stars?
. . . This is a direct quote from Arnold's book "Drained" page 4, paragragh 2:

"In the following pages I have tried to resist formulating neat theses or presenting loophole- proof arguments. I havealso tried to avoid dwelling on the roots of our feeling of being drained.Though one could write a whole book on that subject, it would be toodepressing to wade through. What's more, it might not evenhelp."

Arnold was right; it was depressing. And it didn't help.

The best book yet
"Drained" is a concept that every human being can relate too.The author and the Publisher had a brainwave to name the book as such.The stories are awsome and real.I am sure it will become an all time bestseller. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No longer accurate.
Although the author tried to present the story of the Bruderhof/Arnoldleut (Arnold People) Hutterites, the information provided is no longer accurate.The whole Arnoldleut world has since been turned upside down and themovement is no longer part of the Hutterian Brethren Church.The book isgood for research purposes only.Although well written, the author has notpresented the "other side" or should I say say "othersides" of this very complex story. That will have to be foundelsewhere.A good read, but severely dated. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume takes a radical look at today's views of love, sex and human relationships, and calls readers to the freedom of purity and the joy of a Christ-centred life. It contains insights gleaned from generations of pastoral care and from the shared life of a Church community committed to the struggle for openness and honesty. This book attempts to get to the root of the issues: people's relationship with God, and the defining power of that relationship over all other relationships. It should be of interest to young, single adults looking for lasting and genuine relationships, couples seeking to find or regain a greater sense of unity and intimacy, and parents who wish they knew how to guide their childen through the confusion of adolescence.Amazon.com Review
This is a slender but exceedingly thoughtful treatise on the role of love, marriage and sex in a committed Christian life.Couples seeking compassionate wisdom on intimate relationships will find it rich and comforting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Puritanical
The message of this book flows from the most odurate interpretations of the Bible and all the worst aspects of the dogma of intollerance preached by the radical Christian right wing.I never even finished the book because I was so repulsed by it.

Still available!
The original edition of this book has gone out of print, but only to make way for an expanded version. Find the latest edition of A Plea for Purity under ISBN 0874869609. My wife and I have turned to the author severaltimes for advice in our own marriage, so I recommend him highly. This bookis very thought provoking, and confronts the western myth of romance anddating as the route to "living happily ever after". The Forewordby Mother Teresa were some of the last words ever published from her.

bias
Having lived with the Bruderhoffers (including author Arnold) for twenty years I find the contrast between the values advocated in this book and the methods employed by the Bruderhof in dealing with ex-members and criticsintriguing.My sensitivity to the unique language and syntax ofBruderhoffers informs me that with almost complete certainty the preceedingreviews were submitted by Bruderhof insiders.

Salty words to save a marriage
Marriage starts with a fire, at least ours did eight years ago.Wherever there's a good thing though, the bad want's to take over.In subtle ways, the fire cools.It was at this point that a friend (unknowing of our inner situation) suggested A Plea for Purity.He was angry at its anti-gay stance.I took it, in the hopes of finding fuel for arguments with him (I enjoy heated arguments, especially on such topics).What happened though was that the book hit home.The more I read, the more I saw my own sitation.It was depressing and firmly and steadfastly uplifting at the same time.I saw where I was in my relationship, but also the door to where I could and should be.I'm not really a religious person (haven't gone to church for years) but here was solid rock.It changed my life. As for the gay-sympathetic friend of mine, he was wrong.The book is not anti-gay, its anti-gay lifestyle.What I mean is, again, it shows them the way out.It condemns the lifestyle but at the same time points out WHY its not a good way to live and what to do about the problem. Tim Major, United Kingdon

Fast becoming an underground best-seller
Spread largely by word-of-mouth, the tremendous sales on this excellent book from a relatively unknown author and publisher are drawing the attention of all the big-time publishers. How many books do you know of that contain such deep, yet salty advice and insight on such a difficult subject matter that appeals to people across the religious spectrum? Here we have Chritoph Arnold, writing from an Anabaptist perspective, producing a book that is hightly acclaimed by Catholics, Methodists, Mennonites and Evangelicals. Truly a book with a message for our time ... Read more

Product Description
Emmy Arnold was born in 1883 in Riva, Latvia, to a prominent family of academics. As an adult she turned her back on the middle-class milieu of her upbringing and married Eberhard Arnold, a revolutionary public speaker. In 1920 the couple left their Berlin home and founded a rural commune that still exists in the Bruderhof, and as a Christian communal movement in the USA, UK and Australia. This is a biography and history of Emmy Arnold's life and work. ... Read more

Product Description
After decades of counseling, Johann Christoph Arnold still marvels at our capacity to make life miserable for ourselves and one another. This book, his tenth, points to a sure way out of life's hells.

Using real-life stories, Arnold exposes the common seeds of loneliness, frustration, alienation, and despair, and gives you the tools to uproot them from your life. In contrast to the makeovers and quick fixes hawked by popular culture, Escape Routes offers a tougher prescription. The choices he presents are clear: "to be selfish or selfless; to forgive or to hate; to burn with lust or with love; to defend your personal power, or dismantle it."

Why stake your hopes on some eternal hereafter, when you can taste heaven right here and now? No matter your problems, or who you are, this book will help you on your way, provided you're ready to take its medicine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Reality check
When reading the stories of people who stayed (most of the time, anyway) calm, cool, and collected in the face of huge obstacles, I felt humbled and couldn't help but thinking how much better I was off--for the most part.

Some of the stories came very close to my own story, uncomfortably so.

I realize that Arnold writes drawing on his faith-base, as a Christian. However, I do not share his beliefs and was at times put off by him repeatedly offering Christian faith as the only "out" of hellish situations.

Only if you are Christian
This books reads like an advertisment that following Christianity will be a cure all for everyone. I took it back to the library after flipping through it and realizing this

Another inspriational book for everyone!
This is yet another one of Christoph Arnold's great books.I am sure at some time or another everyone has felt like they are living in hell, just as I have.Christoph has a way of showing us how to cope with life's difficulties in a simplistic manner that everyone can understand.I would recommend this book to everyone, especially those who are full of despair and lacking hope for their future.There is always hope and this book will show you where to find it within yourself.

Are you trapped in Hell? Read this book
This Book, "Escape Routes" is so profound that you will not be able to put it down. These are stories about people like you and me that are trapped in today's Hell. But do not give up there is hope for all who read this book. Just think that there are many people out there that have the same struggles. Arnold makes it clear that not all have found there way out of Hell but we need to keep looking for our own Escape Route. ... Read more

Product Description
People who knew J. Heinrich Arnold (1913-1982) say they never met another person like him. Some speak of his humility, sensitivity, and compassion; others of his frankness and earthy humor. In his presence, complete strangers poured out their darkest secrets and left transformed. Others wanted him dead.

Few knew Arnold’s past, or could have imagined the crucibles he endured. Until now. Three years ago, Peter Mommsen, 28, set out to uncover his grandfather's past. The result? Homage to a Broken Man — a remarkable story of betrayal and forgiveness. Get your book today, and read it. You’ll never look at your own life the same way again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No Designer Jeans Here
The author is a grandson of J. Heinrich Arnold, founder of one of the world's largest Christian communal movements. The surface story shows Heinrich, born in 1913, into a family living out gospel tradition in various forms of community, beginning with the Worker's Party in Nazi Germany. The most striking thing to me is the complete disconnect with 21st century life, particularly in the U.S. We see young Heinrich subject to not only poverty and hard work, but also unflinching moral direction from his father. Despite or because of those factors, Heinrich carried on the family tradition until his death in 1982. In one sense, the book is hard to read, as Angela's Ashes was, only more so because the Arnolds had a wider variety of choices. And when the altruism of the Arnold family seems overwhelming, I remind myself that the Bruderhof community is alive and well today, even in the United States. Playing on these contrasts, a faith-sharing group might use Broken Man as the basis for serious examination of Christian commitment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Inspirational
Arnold's vision of Christians living as an "embassy" of the Kingdom of God in today's world is thrilling. The church is empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness to the coming day when peace and justice willrule the earth. Arnold's words are as relevant now as they were when hewrote them 80 years ago. He gives hope and purpose.

Our minister passed out copies
Our minister passed out copies of this book to every family in the congregation. The following week we were invited to read our favorite excerpts out loud. This sharing went on for so long and with such feelingthat it took over the whole service. We did the same for several meetingsand I feel the spirit that was kindled by this sharing had a major impacton our relationships to each other. ... Read more

Product Description
Offers an honest look into the lives of men and women whose adversities were overcome through turning and listening to God. Their stories may challenge you, but they’ll comfort you as well by reminding you that you’re never truly alone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Hope for those who struggle
Cries from the Heart was my first introduction to the writings of Johann Christoph Arnold. Arnold has a deep faith, which probably comes somewhat naturally to him. His father was in ministry and his grandfather began a Christian community that stood up to the Nazi regime and had to flee Germany. By training, Arnold is a pastoral counselor, but in truth he is a more than simply a therapist, he is also a believer. He shares both his ministry and faith in this wonderful book. Arnold talks about the reality of pain in our world and offers stories of people who have had to cope in the midst of great tragedy and loss. His book also offers examples of people who suffer with everyday losses and tragedy. Arnold offers hope to people whose lives have been touched by pain, suffering, and hardship, but the hope he offers is not a feel good sort of hope but the assurance that in even life's most tragic and difficult times, people can live with hope.Arnold's suggestions are both practical and helpful and can easily lead a person to prayer and reflection.

I began to read this book early in 2002, when the priest sex abuse scandal was first rearing its ugly head in Boston. This was a time when many people of faith had more questions than answers. Even those who are not survivors of child sexual abuse felt hurt and betrayed by all that has happened. While this book did not give answers to the crisis, it did highlight the role of faith and belief when facing life's challenges which I found to be very helpful.

Who hasn't cried from their heart?
This book is one of my favorites by J. Christoph Arnold.The stories are all about real people that suffered extreme pain and heartache.It helped me reflect on the heartaches in my own life that I never thought I would overcome.Christoph Arnold has an uncanny way of reaching people through his books in such a simple and profound way, that he reaches our souls with his words.I have recommended this book to everyone I know!

Not only for Christians
This is not just for Christian Sunday school students. Arnold compiles stories from all over the place, showing the universal need in all of humankind to cry out to the creator in times of need.

Challenging and Moving
This book stimulated and challenged me to look at my prayer life more closely. A wonderful book full of a great deal of wisdon.

This book is his best so far lets see what comes next.
I have read a lot of Arnold's books and they are all very powerful but this is the best one yet. It causes you to think of where prayer is in ones own life. And encourages you to go deeper in your persuit of prayer. Arnolduses the wisdom of many people to illustrate a point. Everyone should readthis book. ... Read more

Product Description
Unlike the vast majority of "marriage books", "Sex, God, and Marriage" digs deeper than the usual "issues" and goes to the root: our relationship with God, and the defining power of that relationship over all others in our lives. Arnold addresses the deep pain resulting from the cycle of broken relationships and the misuse of sexual intimacy. His words offer healing, a new beginning, and a sense of hope to those who have experienced discouragement or failure. Includes chapters on sex, alternatives to dating, parenthood, singleness, homosexuality, abortion, divorce and remarriage. The book also carries a foreword by Mother Teresa and was formerly titled "A Plea for Purity". ... Read more

Product Description
I pray that those who read this book won't be afraid to be confronted, and I trust that the word of God that comes to them through it will bring true comfort, true consolation, true hope, and true courage. -Henri J.M.Amazon.com Review
Arnold is a wise guide with a map to a difficult but rewarding spiritualjourney.This book addresses the issues facing committed Christians with understanding, generosity, and vision. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

an absolute necessity
This is one of those books that you get and wonder how you ever lived without it. I struggle in my walk with Christ, but this book is something that I am continually coming back to for wisdom and insight. My copy is about 5 years old and has notes scrawled all over the margins, yet I'm constantly gaining new ideas each time I reread a section. With every read, whether it's the first or the 40th, you experience something fresh. One of the best things about this book is the spectrum of topics covered--no matter your age or experience as a Christ follower, this is a book you really need to read.

And while you're at it, check out Seeking Peace: Thoughts and Conversations Along the Way. It was written by J. Heinrich Arnold's grandson, Johann Christoph Arnold. Mind blowing writing seems to run in the family...

It changed the life of Cassie Bernall
Friends of mine from Littleton Colorado told me that this book helped change the life of Columbine martyr Cassie Bernall.It is specifically mentioned in her life story "She Said Yes". This would havebrought great joy to the author, Heinrich Arnold, who died in the same yearthat Cassie was born. A book like this is an amazing thing. The spirit thatis captured in its pages waits quietly until discovered by a futuregeneration who is then frees it for a blessing on their life.

Challenging and Inspiring - A great resource
I bought this book based solely on the publisher's reviews.I was looking for a book on Discipleship that would challenge my Christian walk, and also give solid answers to theological questions.In a personal, sharp way, Arnold does this.This book is a compilation of letters and notes that were put together by his community after his death.This makes the book great because there is no filler - it's packed with to-the-point insights.I recommend it to anyone.The only reason I give it a 9 instead of 10 is because only the Bible gets a 10! : ... Read more

Product Description
In Be Not Afraid, Arnold addresses fears that every person faces - fear of illness, aging, death, and loss, fear of vulnerability, and fear of suffering. A pastoral councelor who has worked with the dying for three decades, Arnold knows that the biggest challenges in life are the ones that won't fit the script, and which each of us therefore has to deal with in our own unique way. All the same he is convinced that there are plenty of common truths worth holding to the light. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Disappointment
This book is not what I was looking for.I'm 0 for 2 on books about dying.This one is written with a heavy Christian base, and yet I am Jewish.This book was not for me.At least it did not tell me about what the title says it will.

Helpful
As someone who is terminally ill with cancer, I found the hope-filled stories contained in this book very helpful. And, hope is the key to dealing with such a situation - to live and die in hope.

Very Christian in viewpoint
If you, like myself, tear up at the end of "Touched by an Angel" episodes and are a professed Christian, this may just be the book for you.I was surprised by the reviews that the "surrender to Christ" aspect of this book was not emphasized; if you are not theistic in the sense of God intervening in your life, this book will be of little existential help. Let me tell you the plot: God and the belief in Jesus will sustain you in this life, and if you are imaginative enough, you can see God making people's lives better all the time, and hence, "why worry?" If you are reasonably convinced that consciousness as we now know it does not survive death and are looking for some insight to allay the fears that belief brings, you need not apply here.

Not helpful at all...
I am very fearful of death and had hoped to find some tools for coping with such in this book.I was not so lucky.This is not the book for you if you are looking for the same.

FEAR OF DEATH CURES KOOK
OH How i loved the "FEAR OF DEATH" Book.........i laughed,i cried.I am no longer afraid of being flattened by a city bus. ... Read more

Product Description
Why Forgive? brings together incredible, true stories of ordinary people scarred by violence, who refused to let hatred control their lives. Together they create an irrefutable testimony to the power of forgiveness, one that will challenge, inspire, and encourage others wherever they are on the road to healing. Unlike other books on the subject, Why Forgive? doesnt preach or theorize. Instead, Arnold offers easily understood real-life accounts in which people who have earned the right to talk about forgiveness speak for themselves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Why Forgive?
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.This book has awsome stories of people who have forgiven the unforgivable (by human standards).If they can, we all can!

Required reading for the health of your spirit
A powerful, emotionally driving book, "Why Forgive" provides a framework of forgiveness that not only defines why it is important to forgive, but also how not forgiving eats at us like a cancer until it kills our happiness and our very essence.

With true life stories of amazing acts of forgiveness, the book shows how forgiveness is required before truly moving on to complete healing when you have been wronged.The extremely powerful stories show how forgiveness has allowed individuals to regain their lives after severe tragedy has entered their lives.Instead of taking the easy path and allowing anger and hate to destroy them, they make a choice that results in a deep peace.Pick up the book, learn to forgive, learn how it is necessary for true peace, choose the road less travelled and choose forgiveness.If there is a book that should be required reading for everyone, this is a contender for that book.

A moving book
Why Forgive? Hard as it may be this book shows in a simple and powerful way that the only way to true freedom is through forgiveness.While bitterness seems the roads to take and hatred towards those who have hurts us the excepted emotion, Arnold dares to tells us the true stories of people who choose the road less travel and in the end found the freedom to let go and change their world by forgiving.He also gives us a look into the lives of those who choose to be angry, only to destroy themselves.This book is moving and powerful, it is a striking lesson of something most people and talkshows refuse to speak about.I only pray that people out their struggling with bitterness and revenge read this book and know there is another way.

the continuing journey of forgiveness
Forgiveness is the key to real freedom.The path to forgiveness is notalways easy.The renewal of the act of forgiving makes the path easier totravel.The road to forgiveness becomes smoothly paved as we forgive andkeep on forgiving.Our journey gets easier with each trip down theoriginal path, leading to the paved road of freedom and happiness.See chapter 14, Not a step but a Journey.

Simply beautiful
This book will banish any lingering doubt that forgiveness andreconciliation is the linchpin of good in this world. Filled withcompelling personal accounts of those who truly have the right to ask usall to forgive, the book has the power to change the direction of your lifefor the better. Don't miss it! ... Read more