Communal living, or “commune-ism” was developed in monasteries of diverse brotherhoods and sects of the Catholic Church in France, beginning around 1100. The brothers, “friends” or freres (which became friars in England) shared the collective work of growing the food, making and mending clothes, taking care of their animals, cooking, cleaning and making wine.
The brothers shared the work and shared in the profits. These early “commune-ists” were also some of the most devout people on earth, and working for God was their life’s goal.
Likewise, the kibbutz is a collective community in Israel that is traditionally based on agriculture. During communal meetings, they discuss practical matters but maintain deep religious convictions. “Collectivism” that has been interwoven with “communism,” but it is also associated with a spiritual way of life.