Bonhoeffer's "Life Together" is a classic expression of life in the community of believers! I attend a house church and I found my second read of this book to be more helpful in understanding the kind of life that should be celebrated within the sanctorum communio. I believe Bonhoeffer's book holds more meaning and influence in the context of a first-century styled house church than any other religious setting. I remember reading this book several years ago when all I knew of church life was from within the institutional confines of religious rigorism. I believe Bonhoeffer's words have more depth and meaning when they are applied and understood within the setting of a house church. Frankly, I have come to believe it is the only way this kind of community can be achieved. In Bonhoeffer's words, "In the spiritual realm the Spirit governs; in human community, psychological techniques and methods." I benefited greatly from Bonhoeffer's plea for believers to be thankful for the Christian fellowship in which we have been placed. When we focus on what our community isn't... we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow as it ought. We are bound to one another. We have no choice but to get along and learn to manifest Christ in our midst! Bonhoeffer makes plain that our actions, good or evil, in sight or in secret... effects the body life. This is not theory... it is reality. The only way this kind of fellowship works is by embracing Christ's love instead of human love. "Human love has little regard for truth... human love cannot love an enemy." I believe this exposes the kind of love that many in the church have settled for. Bonhoeffer's own actions prove we are all capable of settling for human love and justifying our actions to get our way. Overall, the reader will find Bonhoeffer's book (as his many others) to be Christocentric. The whole purpose of life in the community is to see our Lord manifested and glorified in our presence.

Having read this book for the first time ten years ago and nearly every year since, it's safe to say that I hold Bonhoeffer's work in high regard. His understanding of the importance of the Body of Christ for the lives of all believers is forged in the midst of Nazi Germany, at a time when that community and its longevity were uncertain. Bonhoeffer is writing to German Christians, but it might as well be American Christians today that are his target audience. The opening pages give us this great quote and, I believe, thesis statement from Bonhoeffer: "It is by the grace of God that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly in this world to share God's Word and sacrament" Translation: Don't take the Body of Christ, the Church for granted. With all of its flaws and warts, it is still the Body of Christ, established by his blood. There is so much more in this book to commend to Christians everywhere, but this is not a formal review, so I encourage you to buy a copy and read for yourself. You may wonder, as I did, where this book has been all your life!

For anybody who needs a kick in the rear to get involved in genuine christian community. This is the book for you. Bonhoeffer clearly shows the functions, duties, and incomparable benefits of being involved in deep relationships within the family of God.

Very thought-provoking, especially for somebody who is used to a modern evangelical church model.

The book gives you a new perspective of the "church". It gives you a a lot more insight to our responsibilities as a member of the church body. It is a very good book. I highly recommend it.

Having read this book for the first time ten years ago and nearly every year since, it's safe to say that I hold Bonhoeffer's work in high regard. His understanding of the importance of the Body of Christ for the lives of all believers is forged in the midst of Nazi Germany, at a time when that community and its longevity were uncertain. Bonhoeffer is writing to German Christians, but it might as well be American Christians today that are his target audience. The opening pages give us this great quote and, I believe, thesis statement from Bonhoeffer: "It is by the grace of God that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly in this world to share God's Word and sacrament" Translation: Don't take the Body of Christ, the Church for granted. With all of its flaws and warts, it is still the Body of Christ, established by his blood. There is so much more in this book to commend to Christians everywhere, but this is not a formal review, so I encourage you to buy a copy and read for yourself. You may wonder, as I did, where this book has been all your life!