The man who fashions a visionary ideal of community demands that it be realized by God, by others and by himself. He enters the community of Christians with his demands, sets up his own law, and judges the brethren and God himself accordingly. He stands adamant, a living reproach to all others in the circle of brethren. He acts as if he is the center of Christian community, as if his dream binds men together. When things do not go his way, he calls the effort a failure.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Share This