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Not Reliable Guides: An Analysis of Some Covenant Community Structures
174 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 28, 2026
An excellent and honest recounting of a group that strayed from its founding principles. Reimers presents a solid and illuminating philosophical argument that grounds his critique of People of Praise and similar groups.
August 25, 2026
In "Not Reliable Guides", Reimers offers a thoughtful critique of covenant community structures. I would recommend the reader pay particular attention to Reimers' discussion of Stephen Clark's book, "Building Christian Communities". This book, and other writings by Clark, had a strong influence on the early Catholic charismatic renewal and subsequent development of covenant communities.
June 19, 2026
Summary: The history of the Word of God/Sword in the Spirit and People of Praise communities as well as an analysis of their difficulties.
Why I Read This: I have some stake in this.
Review: Do I think that any of these groups are positive factors for change? No. I think the opposite. That being said I do not think that this author proves his argument. His argument is that the communities do not honor the sacraments, parish life, pastoral leadership, or the episcopacy. And all of that is true. The problem is, that I am pretty sure that all of these groups consider themselves ecumenical. Those things are largely (though not exclusively) Catholic things. "But, KB, he has a chapter on how they're not ecumenical." And I think he fails in that chapter. And everything kind of hinges on that being a successful chapter.
Why I Read This: I have some stake in this.
Review: Do I think that any of these groups are positive factors for change? No. I think the opposite. That being said I do not think that this author proves his argument. His argument is that the communities do not honor the sacraments, parish life, pastoral leadership, or the episcopacy. And all of that is true. The problem is, that I am pretty sure that all of these groups consider themselves ecumenical. Those things are largely (though not exclusively) Catholic things. "But, KB, he has a chapter on how they're not ecumenical." And I think he fails in that chapter. And everything kind of hinges on that being a successful chapter.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews