"Surely it's a sign that the end times are here. In fact, I've sometimes had the fleeting thought that computers are the mark of the beast Revelation warns us of-the mark without which no one will be able to buy or sell.
Somewhere deep down, every person longs to be allowed into this kingdom. But if, in embracing technology and forcing it on our children, we prevent even one from finding Jesus, his serious words about a millstone may become a reality. Is that what we want?"
Dear Christoph
While I agree that our children need a balanced education that encourages creativity among other things, I take issue with your tying computers to "the mark of the beast". Come on, Bruder!! From several things you have written as well at things I have heard, it appears you are anti-education. A move to the land and a calculator free school system may be the vision you have in mind for Bhof children, but it will NOT prepare them for the "outside world" should they choose to leave.
Our children need to be educated and equipped so that they are able to enter the demands of the work force. Even your business, Community Playthings, relies heavily on computer. Our children need to be immersed in the arts, physical activity, "good works" (faith-based issues), nature conservation and more. We should strive for balance!
I don't find your End-Time Anschau helpful. You hinder rather than uplift young people..the youth in your community. We need to guide our children to use technology in appropriate ways. Both of my children use computers extensively. Neither is addicted to them...to cell phones, Tv ect. Both have found what I consider to be a healthy use of technology. Both are active in a wide range of activities, including volunteer work.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go over and give my children a hug...every day!! I will lift them up, encourage them, nurture them, stand by them when they fail. Nothing will ever keep me from loving my children.
That was the stupidest damn "essay" I"ve ever read. Is there anything outside the bhof that he won"t criticize? Well, here"s an idea. Instead of incessantly bitching about the USA, yet living in comfort and reaping all the benefits a tax exempt "religious"organization can wring from hardworking taxpayers, why don"t ya"ll move to a third world country with no computers. Why not buy another couple Gulfstreams with the 7 million from selling the Stewart terminal, fly everybody to that country and then donate the planes to a worthy charitable institution.
go check out www.bruderhof.com and see what has happened. It seems as though this wife hating computer experience has been taken to an entirely new level.
Apple Cobbler wrote: > go check out www.bruderhof.com and see what has happened. It seems as > though this wife hating computer experience has been taken to an > entirely new level.
Yes, indeed... There is nothing new under the sun. That old, reliable Bruderhof pendulum keeps swinging back and forth, back and forth. And the mind of each Brotherhood member swings right along with it.
What's sad is that the few lone brothers who sometimes initially oppose a new direction and catch heck for it, never receive an apology, or a commendation for having exhibited wise discernment, once that new direction is deemed to have been a bad idea by the leadership.
And if you get on the ship in an era when the pendulum has swung far to the right, and then in the ensuing years it finds itself far to the left, and you decide that that's not what you signed up for and you disembark, you're considered a vow breaker.
The Bruderhof vow is not really to a set of principles, or ethics or doctrines. It's a vow to The Pendulum itself.
Honor The Pendulum at all times and in all positions. That is first and only Law.
i've put together a little site where people who miss bruderhof-related content (articles, daily dig, e-books) can voice their frustration/sadness/regret/etc. check it out at http://www.bringbackbruderhof.com
emailharvest...@yahoo.com wrote: > Apple Cobbler wrote: > > go check out www.bruderhof.com and see what has happened. It seems as > > though this wife hating computer experience has been taken to an > > entirely new level.
> Yes, indeed... There is nothing new under the sun. That old, reliable > Bruderhof pendulum keeps swinging back and forth, back and forth. And > the mind of each Brotherhood member swings right along with it.
> What's sad is that the few lone brothers who sometimes initially oppose > a new direction and catch heck for it, never receive an apology, or a > commendation for having exhibited wise discernment, once that new > direction is deemed to have been a bad idea by the leadership.
> And if you get on the ship in an era when the pendulum has swung far to > the right, and then in the ensuing years it finds itself far to the > left, and you decide that that's not what you signed up for and you > disembark, you're considered a vow breaker.
> The Bruderhof vow is not really to a set of principles, or ethics or > doctrines. It's a vow to The Pendulum itself.
> Honor The Pendulum at all times and in all positions. That is first and > only Law.
The Bruderhof sent out the following to their Daily Dig subscribers:
Dear Reader:
We will no longer be publishing online, so this will be your last Daily Dig. This is only the beginning, not the end. We want to thank you for your friendship over the years, and look forward to meeting you face to face. Now the real contact can begin. We welcome you to drop by any of our communities any time to join us in our daily life and work.
I remember saying something to that effect years ago growing there. I was roundly chastised. John, it"s no wonder you are no longer there, you make way too much sense and have an un muddled way of speaking the truth. Peace out..
"...we welcome you to drop by any of our communities anytime...." yeah, yeah, that is a bunch of crap. You better call a head if you dont want to get into any hot water. They'd never let me come back and visit anyhow, now that I am bisexual. But then again, they may have changed their views on sexual origin, because they are so liberal, and they keep changing... They send their young people, and young couples out to "witness" expecting american citizens to just drop what they are doing and invite them into their homes, or feed and clothe them or drive them to the bus station...but when an exmember or 'child of the bruderhof' wants to go visit their family, they are told to call first. Or after making plans to visit,they get a call from the hof, and are told not to come and given some bogus reason, 'we are too busy' or 'we need to focus more on what the church is experiencing.' And you know, you are right about the pendulum swinging. One minute, internet is not allowed the next minute it is okay. If computers are the mark of the beast, how are their buisnesses going to survive. anyhow, who gives a shit if they survivie or not.
Thank you all of you! It is good, you write what you want to write! The sad thing is, that our families are cought up in a life, they really believe is to God's glory. It is not, as it causes traumatised and fearful people! I feel sorry, for all those, that have to live without heating this christmas -time, because the leadership wants them to feel, like the Pakistanies ,after the earthquake! All this is such utter nensense, it is really hard to know if and how we can bring about a change to the "good people" on the Bruderhof anf there are many! Bette
