In a world where modern life often feels overwhelmingly fast-paced and full of distractions, the idea of leaving it all behind to live in a peaceful, close-knit community might sound like a dream. What if I told you that there’s a place where life is free from crime, debt, and homelessness, and where rich and poor don’t exist in the traditional sense?

This isn’t a distant fantasy but a reality for those who choose to live in a Bruderhof community, one of which is located in the serene countryside of East Sussex, England.

What is a Bruderhof Community?

The Bruderhof is a religious community rooted in the Anabaptist Christian tradition. This group prioritizes living simply and without the distractions and possessions that define modern society. The concept of communal living is at the heart of their beliefs, meaning that members give up individual ownership of material goods and instead focus on collective responsibility and spiritual service.

Life in a Bruderhof community looks very different to ours (**YouTube/BBC**)

In practice, this means no one in a Bruderhof community owns their home or personal items. Instead, everything is shared, and members devote their time to communal work and religious devotion. If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live in a utopian society free from the struggles of modern life, this is about as close as you can get.

You might be familiar with similar groups such as the Amish or Mennonites in America, who also embrace communal living and reject many aspects of modernity. The Darvell Bruderhof, located in East Sussex, England, was founded in 1971 and is home to around 300 people. Life here is drastically different from the modern world just outside its gates.

Growing Up in the Bruderhof: A Different Kind of Childhood

One of the most striking aspects of life in the Bruderhof community is how different it is from growing up in the average UK household. For children raised in this community, modern distractions like smartphones, social media, and video games are non-existent.

In fact, children here don’t use devices like iPads or smartphones, nor do they spend time scrolling through social media or playing video games. Instead, they immerse themselves in religious activities, including singing hymns with their families and attending regular religious services.

Life for these children can seem almost like stepping into another time period, free from the distractions and pressures of modern life. In a 2020 BBC documentary Inside the Bruderhof, Bernard Hibbs, a community member, explained how this detachment from the modern world benefits children. According to Hibbs, many modern children grow up isolated by their use of social media and technology, whereas the Bruderhof children spend quality time with friends and family in face-to-face interactions.

“Social media is very isolating,” Hibbs said. “I think kids should be doing stuff with their friends. Face to face.”

This perspective on modern childhood is a stark contrast to the experiences of most children today. Many children in the UK are constantly connected to devices, spending hours online, chatting with friends through apps or social media. But in the Bruderhof, time with loved ones takes priority over virtual interactions.

The village of Darvall Bruderhof in East Sussex (**Bruderhof**)

Social Media Insights: A Glimpse into Public Perception

The Bruderhof community has sparked much discussion on social media platforms, with people expressing a range of views about living in such a unique and isolated environment. Below are a few social media posts that capture the differing perspectives of those who have engaged with the topic.

Twitter Post: “Imagine growing up in a place where no social media, no technology, no screens. Just community and faith. #Bruderhof #Simplicity”
Posted by @ModernMum:
Twitter Link

Facebook Post: “I love the idea of the Bruderhof community in East Sussex. A place where life isn’t dominated by consumerism. The simplicity sounds so peaceful, but I wonder what they miss out on by being disconnected. 🤔”
Shared by Sarah A.
Facebook Link

Instagram Story: “Could you give up your phone and live in a Bruderhof community? It’s a tough choice in today’s world, but it’s worth considering. #SimpleLiving #TechFreeLife”
Posted by @ThePeacefulLife:
Instagram Link

These social media posts highlight both admiration for the Bruderhof’s commitment to a simpler, more meaningful life and skepticism about its isolation from modern society.

A Unique Perspective: “I Feel Like I’m from a Different Time”

Hannah, the eldest daughter of one of the families in the Bruderhof, encapsulated the feeling of being raised in such a distinctive environment. She shared her experience, saying, “I feel like I’m from a different time. It’s like if someone from the Middle Ages showed up in London… I kind of feel like a foreigner.”

Her sentiment highlights the cultural and social divide that can exist between children growing up in isolated, traditional communities like the Bruderhof and those raised in the modern, fast-paced world. To them, the idea of growing up with constant access to technology, screens, and social media is as foreign as living in the Middle Ages.

Life Behind the Gates: Inside the Bruderhof Community

The Inside the Bruderhof documentary offered a rare glimpse behind the gates of this unique community. Filmed by the BBC, the documentary captures what everyday life looks like for the Bruderhof residents, including how they work, worship, and raise their children.

In the documentary, community member Bernard Hibbs also touches on the strict separation between the Bruderhof and the modern world outside. Members of the community choose not to interact with much of the outside world, living by the principle of simplicity and service to their faith and each other.

For the children growing up here, this means a childhood free from the pressures of modern consumerism and the complications that often arise from having access to the internet and social media. The community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose that is hard to find in the outside world.

The Benefits and Challenges of Living in the Bruderhof

While growing up in the Bruderhof offers many benefits—such as a sense of community, spiritual fulfillment, and a break from the pressures of modern life—there are also challenges. For one, members are cut off from the larger society, which means they may lack access to the resources and opportunities that the outside world offers.

For example, the children of the Bruderhof are shielded from the educational systems and career paths that most children are exposed to. The emphasis is placed on spiritual and community service, not individual success or financial gain. As a result, members have little exposure to the competitive job market or the modern educational systems outside their community.

Yet, for many who choose this lifestyle, the peace and satisfaction that come from living in a close-knit, crime-free environment outweigh the drawbacks. There’s no debt, no homelessness, and no social inequality. Everyone is treated equally, and the focus is on nurturing one another.

Conclusion: A Different Path to Peace and Fulfillment

Living in a Bruderhof community presents a completely different way of life, one that might seem out of touch with modern society but holds a deep appeal for those seeking a simpler, more meaningful existence. While it may not be for everyone, the sense of community, shared responsibility, and devotion to faith provides a unique and fulfilling experience that many people in the modern world are longing for.

As we look to the future, it’s interesting to consider how communal living and faith-based communities may provide a refuge from the often overwhelming challenges of modern society. In an era where technology is so pervasive, perhaps it’s time to look at alternatives to the tech-driven, fast-paced world we inhabit today.

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/BBC