Exciting New Book - School(s) for Conversion: 12 Marks of a New Monasticism

A number of us have talked, occassionally made some written comment, and generally nurtured an interest in this subject - New Monasticism.

So, I highlight the publication of an exciting new book – from Cascade Books – School(s) for Conversion: 12 Marks of a New Monasticism edited by The Rutba House. Published by Wipf Publishers.

Throughout the history of the church, monastic movements have emerged to explore new ways of life in the abandoned places of society. School(s) for Conversion is a communal attempt to discern the marks of a new monasticism in the inner-cities and forgotten landscapes of the Empire that is called America.

Chapter 1 – Mark 1: Relocation to Abandoned Places of Empire by Sr. Margaret M. McKenna can be found here.

About Rutba House

The Rutba House is an experiment in the new monasticism—one of many that are being conducted in towns and cities across the country. Some of these we knew about before coming to Durham. Many we didn’t. But we are excited to learn more all the time of ways in which the Spirit is moving to address the social crisis we feel when we talk to our neighbors or read the morning paper. We are encouraged by the Catholic Worker Movement, the Bruderhof communities, Shalom Mission Network, Word and World Alternative Seminary, the Ekklesia Project, and the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), among so many others. Despite his absence in mainstream media, God has not removed himself from the world stage. He is alive and active, moving among his people to produce creative new forms of resistance against the powers of evil. At the same time, he is himself creating new communities that, though imperfect, give us a glimpse of the kingdom that is to come “on earth as it is in heaven.” It is an exciting thing to see.

Endorsements (Stanley Hauerwas & Brian McLaren)

"Whatever future God has for the church, I am convinced the essays in this remarkable book will help us discern that future. Monasticism has always been one of the main means God has used to renew the church. Through some strange miracle God now seems to be calling Protestants to consider what it might mean for them to live in communities that might look very much like monastic communities. Such a call might tempt many toward some kind of romanticism, but one of the remarkable things about these essays is their stark realism. Such a realism is unavoidable not only because of the challenges facing those who are about the formation of communities faithful to God but also because they have lived with one another enough to know this is not going to be easy. So these essays are full of good sense and they help us see the potential of this extraordinary movement. Moreover, each essayist never forgets to remind us that when it’s all said and done, it’s about God who makes is possible for us to live patiently and nonviolently in a world of impatience and violence."

Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School

"I believe the new monasticism represents a source of vital renewal from the margins and forgotten places of empire. It is my sincere hope that the new monasticism will grow so strong and healthy and widespread that every follower of Jesus in every church has the opportunity - if not to actually live in a new monastic community - to at least have enough proximity and relationship to be influenced by it. This book can help that dream and prayer come true."

Brian McLaren, pastor (crcc.org)
author (anewkindofchristian.com)

Comments

[the other darren]

very cool... i was reading up on that book a while back after it was mentioned on the emerging/alternative elist.

it's on my wishlost and 3rd to the top of my next purchases...

[Sivin]

this looks very exciting ... I wonder how was the relationship between the more institutional church and the early monastics. Hope to explore further with some reading in church history. any suggestions?

[gavin]

darn, another book i need to add to the book list.

[Gary Manders]

Awesome title to recommend. The pdf of the first chapter was excellent.

[Caroline]

Sivin

One way of exploring monasticism new and old is to explore some of the books on Celtic Christianity. There's a need for care since some of them are very romanitic views of the Celtic saints of Ireland, Scotland and Northumbria. But root around, and there's stuff there.

I'm becoming more and more influeced by the Northumbria Community but there's also some interesting stuff coming out of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.