Die Neuwerkbewegung, 1919–1935

By Antje Vollmer

Book Description

In the aftermath of World War I's devastation, a remarkable group of Christian seekers grappled with a profound question: How could authentic faith be lived out in a world shattered by catastrophe? The Neuwerk movement emerged during Germany's Weimar Republic as young believers sought to embody the radical social justice teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in their daily lives.

This compelling historical exploration reveals how a forgotten chapter of spiritual activism unfolded between 1919 and 1935. The movement attracted notable theological minds including Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, and Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy, yet their story has remained largely untold until now. These Christian pioneers established intentional communities, beginning with the first Bruderhof settlement in Sannerz, where they experimented with living out their faith through shared resources and collective worship.

When Nazi persecution forced their exile to England, Paraguay, and the United States, their vision seemed lost to history. However, in 2002, descendants returned to their original homeland, bringing their story full circle. Through meticulous research of historical documents, personal correspondence, and eyewitness accounts, this work reconstructs their journey of faith-based social transformation.

For contemporary spiritual seekers wrestling with questions of authentic discipleship and social responsibility, this account offers both inspiration and practical wisdom from those who dared to live their convictions despite overwhelming challenges.