Kim Arnold

Johann Christoph Arnold (1940–2017) was a Christian author and pastor, notably serving as an elder for the Bruderhof Communities from 1983 to 2001. Born in England to parents who had fled Nazi Germany, he later moved to the United States and lived in Rifton, New York, until his death. Arnold authored twelve books published by Plough Publishing House, many of which became bestsellers and were widely distributed, sometimes as free e-books. His work often explored themes of forgiveness, purity, and the challenges of modern life. He was also involved in conflict resolution, co-founding a program in response to the Columbine High School massacre and speaking on forgiveness internationally. Arnold's life was commemorated in New York City after his passing with notable figures in attendance.

Arnold's writing career produced twelve books covering diverse subjects. His most recognized work, "Why Forgive?", has been translated into over ten languages and features stories of individuals who have extended forgiveness after experiencing hardship. The book received an endorsement from Nelson Mandela. Another significant work, "A Plea for Purity" (later retitled "Sex, God, and Marriage"), was endorsed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) and introduced by Mother Teresa. Despite his prolific writing and community leadership, Arnold also held and expressed views that were criticized by LGBT advocacy groups, particularly concerning heterosexual marriage and transgender-inclusive policies.

Johann Christoph Arnold was born in the Cotswolds, England, in 1940, to Annemarie (née Wachter) and Johann Heinrich Arnold. His paternal grandfather, Eberhard Arnold, was a co-founder of the Bruderhof Communities. The family had relocated to England to escape Nazi Germany. Arnold's early life involved travel, including time in Paraguay, before the family settled in New York in 1954. He resided in Rifton, New York, for the remainder of his life, passing away in 2017. He married Verena Meier in 1966, and they had eight children together. Arnold played a significant leadership role within the Bruderhof Communities, serving as an elder from 1983 to 2001. Beyond his community roles, he was involved in social initiatives, co-founding the "Breaking the Cycle of Violence" program aimed at conflict resolution following the Columbine High School tragedy. He shared his message of forgiveness with audiences in the United States, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Rwanda.

Arnold authored a total of twelve books, all published by Plough Publishing House. Many of his works achieved bestseller status, and a significant number were distributed freely or made available as complimentary e-books. His writing frequently addressed profound human experiences, with a notable focus on the power and practice of forgiveness. His most acclaimed book, "Why Forgive?", delves into personal narratives of individuals who chose forgiveness despite immense suffering and has been translated into numerous languages. The book garnered praise from figures such as Nelson Mandela. Another key publication, "Sex, God, and Marriage" (originally "A Plea for Purity"), received endorsements from prominent religious figures, including Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Mother Teresa, highlighting its message on purity and divine love. Arnold's books often explore themes of finding peace, purpose, and navigating the complexities of life, family, and spirituality.

In addition to his writing and pastoral work, Johann Christoph Arnold expressed public opinions on social issues that drew both support and criticism. He was a keynote speaker at a 2011 panel discussion titled “The Ring Makes the Difference,” where he defended the concept of heterosexual marriage as divinely ordained. This stance led to protests from local LGBT groups. In 2015, Arnold wrote a letter to the editor supporting Kim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk who faced legal consequences for refusing to issue marriage certificates to same-sex couples, citing her courage. Furthermore, in early 2016, Arnold publicly voiced concerns that policies supporting transgender individuals could be detrimental to children. These positions generated controversy and highlighted differing perspectives on social matters.

“A much-needed message not only for South Africa, but for the whole world.”

“Read this book. It deals with some hard issues, head-on. It might give you more than you wanted to think about. But I think it will also help you see, as it helped me to see, that there are more stories of love and forgiveness in the world than there are of hatred and revenge.”

“I am very happy for this book and for its moral conviction.”

“In this book we find a message needed today in every part of the world. To be pure, to remain pure, can only come at a price, the price of knowing God and of loving him enough to do his will. He will always give us the strength we need to keep purity as something beautiful for God. Purity is the fruit of prayer. If families pray together they will remain in unity and purity, and love each other as God loves each one of them.”