Shaker communities required you “to give your all to God to and to strive to work out your salvation each and every day,” says Brother Arnold Hadd, one of the last three living Shakers.
5 Responses to “Brother Arnold Hadd Extended Interview”
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This is a wonderful clear-eyed look into Brother Arnold’s view of the history of the Shakers. Would love to hear more.
I just heard this portion. Will look for more information on the community of Sabbathday Lake.
Thank you, Brother Arnold.
Patty Aguilar
Northern California
You can’t “Work out you Salvation.” It just does not work that way. You can’t work your way to Heaven, if that is what he is saying.
I don’t think that’s what Brother Arnold was saying at all. I don’t agree with all of Shaker theology, but I am sure he knows that “for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:9, NIV) I think what he is suggesting is a *very* literal take on James 2:17, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (NIV) In other words, God has granted you forgiveness and eternal life, so work as hard as you can not to gain favor in His eyes (which is impossible), but rather as a sign of obedience. Just a thought.
Br Arnold, I wanted to say how much I enjoyed my visit to you yesterday. James also enjoyed it very much. I had a vision of what it looked like, but it was wonderful, everything. To finally meet you after all these years was thehighlight. I can’t wait to see you again. I love hearing the stories about the Shakers. Take care and M ay God watch over you and protect you. Thank Michael as well.
Br Arnold, how does one get in contact with you?