The concept of Common life in Christianity
Common life, according to Christianity, encompasses the ordinary aspects of existence—tasks, relationships, and experiences that can be sanctified by faith. It highlights that divine encounters can occur in daily life, as evidenced by figures like Jacob and the early Christian community's shared existence. This concept emphasizes the connection among believers as 'children of one Father,' and suggests that the mundane can become avenues for spiritual nourishment, reflecting the unity and interconnectedness within the body of Christ.
Synonyms: Ordinary life, Everyday life, Daily life, Mundane life, Regular life, Normalcy.
In Dutch: Gemeenschappelijk leven; In Finnish: Yhteinen elämä; In Malay: Kehidupan biasa; In Swedish: Gemensamt liv; In Spanish: Vida en común; In German: Gemeinsames Leben; In French: La vie commune
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Common life'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The text refers to the little duties of common life, which are the ordinary, everyday activities and responsibilities that make up a person's existence.[1] (2) This phrase describes the shared spiritual experience and identity of all Christians, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of believers within the body of Christ.[2] (3) The 'common life' is used to illustrate how much of one's efforts and pleasures can be seen as digging for water, even when it is available at your side.[3] (4) This is the ordinary aspects of existence, including trade and travel, which can be sanctified through faith, as demonstrated by Priscilla and Aquila, according to the text.[4] (5) The common life refers to the shared existence of those who call upon Jesus Christ, and the example of Tertius's affection should encourage a wider perception of brotherhood.[5]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) Common life is the soil from which people are cleansed, so they are fitted for special acts of religious service, according to the provided text.[6] (2) Everyday circumstances in which dancing became a popular activity beyond its sacred origins.[7]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This refers to the everyday experiences of people in which the wise are presented as successful and upright examples.[8]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Common life is the principle comprised by kindness, which is a virtue that is peculiar to the just and to the worshippers of God.[9] (2) Those who share this experience have common graces and a common salvation, including love and training.[10] (3) Common life refers to the shared experiences and perspectives of humanity, which Celsus no longer has, according to the author.[11] (4) Everyday experiences or analogies that help illustrate broader theological points.[12] (5) The shared existence and interactions of individuals within society, emphasizing the importance of values such as justice and religion in maintaining harmony.[13]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The shared existence and responsibilities that characterize the life of a married couple.[14]
The concept of Common life in local and regional sources
Common life pertains to the early Christian community's practice of sharing possessions and supporting each other, embodying a collective spirit that emphasizes unity, mutual aid, and the belief in communal living as a foundational principle.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The everyday experiences and situations that Wordsworth believes should be reflected in poetry.[15] (2) Everyday experiences and the ordinary realities of the community, which became a focal point of literary expression during the renaissance in Kannada literature.[16] (3) The everyday experiences and social realities of people, suggesting that journalism should address and enhance these aspects through informed critique.[17] (4) A shared and cohesive social structure within university settings, essential for effective learning experiences.[18]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The early Christian community is described as having all things common, reflecting the ideal of sharing possessions and supporting one another.[19]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the life where words are a great force, and we manipulate this force without thought and without inquiry, and knowing the nature of this force and using it well is also a part of Karma-Yoga.[20]