It is not the development of good men or of good settlements, not their evolution or unfolding that spreads the kingdom of God. In that case it would no longer be God’s kingdom, but the kingdom of men. Yet it is true that God is waiting for a faith that will accept him in such a way that he himself in his love can work through us and in the strength of his future can bring about justice and community among us.
- Eberhard Arnold
May 08,2025
- Eberhard Arnold Meeting transcript, October 1934It is always a matter of the clashing of two opposing goals. One goal seeks the person of high position, the great person, the spiritual person, the clever person, the fine person, who because of his natural abilities exhibits a special talent in the high places of mankind. And the other goal seeks the lowly people, the suffering people, who because of their low position live in a valley; who in the high places of mankind create the low place; the humble people, those who are wrongfully enslaved, the exploited and the weak and poor, the poorest of the poor.
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The church here in our community is not the future kingdom of God. But because God, the Creator, is in our midst, it is the framework of the future kingdom. This framework consists of the building up, the relationship to one another, the possibility of our living for each other. God is this possibility. Without God, the whole world is lost. It is not enough for people to try to have relationship with one another. A relationship is only possible where God gives it.
- Eberhard Arnold
Jesus repeatedly challenges us to work while it is still day. He compares his kingdom to labor in a vineyard, to the working investment of moneys entrusted to one, to the good use of all one’s talents. If God’s kingdom is to transform the “vale of tears” into a realm of joy, then it must be a kingdom of work. Work alone befits the destiny of man’s spirit.
- Eberhard Arnold