Light and fire and The Holy Spirit

by Eberhard Arnold

It is hard to exaggerate the significance of Inner Land. Arnold's magnum opus, it absorbed his energies off and on for years: from World War I, when he published the first chapter, to the final days of his life in 1935, when what turned out to be the final manuscript was packed in metal boxes and buried at night until it could be smuggled out of Nazi Germany.Arnold saw this book as a way into the "inner land of the invisible, where man's spirit must find the roots of its strength before he can press on to the mastery of life he is called to by God".

A treasure trove of remarkable depth, there is not a page that fails to prick the conscience -- or enkindle the spirit.

Thomas Merton

Arnold's writing has all the simple, luminous, direct vision into things that I have come to associate with his name. It has the authentic ring of a truly evangelical Christianity, and moves me deeply. It stirs to repentance and renewal. I am very grateful for it.

Christianity Today

Calls men and women to a life of such trust in God that their attitudes toward his kingdom, other people, material wealth, and earthly power are transformed.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1975

About the author

Eberhard was born in Königsberg, East Prussia into an academic family. He studied theology but, because of his views on infant baptism and his decision to leave the Lutheran church, he was refused his degree. He changed majors to philosophy. He married Emmy von Hollander and together they dedicated their lives in obedience to God’s will. This led to the beginning of community in 1920.

Eberhard was criticized for his uncompromising faith, which cost him many friends. Not wanting to form a separate sect, he always sought out others who felt as he did. This led to a year’s trip to North America (1930-31) to visit the Hutterites. He was accepted as a minister and the Bruderhof became part of the larger Hutterian movement.

When Hitler came to power in 1933 Eberhard spoke out clearly, recognizing early on the direction German politics were taking. He spent the last years of his life preparing the Brotherhood for possible persecution. Returning from a visit to government authorities in October 1933, he slipped and broke his leg—a complicated fracture which ultimately led to his death.