OK I admit - I read this out of pure curiosity. I am not Christian by any stretch of the imagination, but this sounded so different from what I usually see in Christian non-fiction/spirituality books that I had to try. This. Was. Brilliant! A call for Christians to rise up against hatred is exactly what many Christians need to hear today. Even if you aren't Christian, you can't help but be impressed by Arnold and what he was writing, and urging others to do. A must-read,

This was a really good book! I enjoyed the insight from the author. As one who teaches history, this was an interesting read - given the timeframe in which it was written, and the lengths that the author went to keep it protected against those who would have destroyed it.

This is a must read!

I was really looking forward to reading this book and was excited at the opportunity. However, I found the book was harder to read than I expected. At times, I would look and wonder if I was reading the actual Bible or a devotional book. The content is substantial and requires intense thought to comprehend. As such, it is a book to be read slowly and meditated on. While a small book, do not expect to read it slowly. I suspect I will return to this title again and will re-read it many times in order to gain the fullness of its pages.

3.5 stars. Eberhard Arnold's "The inner life" is a Christian classic, but it is best read slowly and savored. There is much to appreciate here, teachings on the "divisive callousness of pride," and the importance of spending time in prayer so we may cultivate an inner life that prepares us to live an outer life of love and non-violence. Written following the First World War yet while anticipating the Second (Arnold sent a copy to Hitler), the book is eerily relevant to current world affairs. The style of writing is dense and abstract, however, with few analogies, metaphors, or stories to illustrate Arnold's ideas. Still, this is a book that rewards patient readers with fresh insights.

I did receive a free ARC from NETGALLEY my digital SOURCE for all things reading.

When I think of people like Eberhard Arnold and Dietrich Bonhoeffer in the same sentence you are reaching the stratosphere of Christianity. We all wonder if we would have been brave enough to speak out against the Nazis but in this time of #everything we sadly already know the answer don't we?

Arnold seems to be the WW1 equivalent to the man we know as Bonhoeffer in WW2. He too watched the German church give in, rather than resist, the pressure from the Nazis and the similarities of what we see today are amazing. No, there are no Nazi's but the pressure to conform is still as strong.

Inner Life is a helpful book for anyone who seeks to make their "lips match their life". This is not the pop and fable words of today so at first you may struggle but the scripture referencing and the beliefs you will find in here are both rewarding and self evident.

The author's painstaking research and attention to detail is obvious in the writing of this book. There were many facts that I only discovered after reading this!

When I think of people like Eberhard Arnold and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I wonder if I would have been brave enough to speak out against the Nazis or if I simply would have run away to somewhere less hostile and turbulent?

Eberhard Arnold was a German Christian who lived through World War I and saw the gradual influence for evil that Nazism brought on society. He also saw the German church give in, rather than resist, the pressure from the Nazis to conform and be led by them rather than to resist and be led by Christ.

Inner Life is a helpful book for a seeker or believer: someone who wants to understand what it is that Christians believe and how to live as one. It is about living from a place of sincerity in one's heart before acting outwardly in a Christian way. By making the book about the inner life, a place of reflection, prayer, and quiet devotion, Arnold dealt with hypocrisy that is often found among religious people who want to look good to others, but have no sense of faith. "Whitewashed tombs" is one of the names Jesus gave to this sort of religious person.

This book isn't about retreating into a place of philosophy and merely thinking spiritual thoughts, however. It emphasizes having inner spiritual strength and substance in order to be a believer who lives and serves with integrity and character. Arnold wrote about standing against the Third Reich or other ungodly world orders that were in direct opposition to Christian teaching and beliefs. Filled with Scriptures to support his writing, Inner Life shares the principles of brave Christian living in a simple way that is accessible to everyone.

I think this book is important as a historical record of brave Christian writing during times of turbulence and hostility to people of faith. It would also be a good gift for a new believer because it covers many foundational beliefs and teachings and includes many Scriptural references.

Helps the reader to examine the inner life as it leads to an action. Very detailed and serious, causing the reader to thoroughly consider his own life.

At first, I was excited to read this book, and even consider it for my bimonthly book group, where we study various theological texts. However, once I began reading, I found that the language Arnold chose to convey his idea was tedious. I only got through about 25% before abandoning the book. I agree wholeheartedly with his idea that the "inner life" is where we as Christians draw our strength. However, the manner in which he portrays this concept seemed somehow "outdated", and dry. I was not motivated to finish.

Thanks for letting me give it a try, and best wishes when the book is out for publication.