Dr. Leonard Greenway, pastor of the Riverside Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is in charge of Our Question Box. This department is for everyone. No signatures are required and no names are published.

From a reader in Illinois–

Question: In one of our discussion groups we have been having a lively debate about the religious “communes” that have been springing up in America. Some of our own church youth appear to be interested in them. What is your opinion of these communes?

Answer: Frankly, I am not favorably impressed by them. In articles written by those who defend Christian communal living—I have noticed such expressions as “liberation from domination by material things,” “creating new social expressions of our faith,” “pursuing a more authentic life style,” etc.

It strikes me that such goals, worthy as they may be, should be sought within the context of normal family and church relationships. Communalists say that they draw strength and love from each other in this simple, unconventional style of living. Millions of Christians through the years have received these same benefits without segregating themselves into forms of Christian Kibbutzim.