New Monasticism

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New Monasticism, or Neomonasticism, is a modern day iteration of a long tradition of Christian monasticism that has recently developed within certain Christian communities.

Contents

[edit] Origins

The origin of the new monastic movement is difficult to determine. Some new monastic communities may have formed as early as the mid-1980s. Well known communities, such as the Simple Way in Philadelphia formed in the mid 90s.

The name for the movement came from a gathering in the summer of 2004. A number of existing communities and academics met in North Carolina, where they drew together the "rule," or way of life, that would mark new monasticism [1].

The term "new monasticism" was borrowed at this 2004 gathering from a book by Jonathan R. Wilson, called Living Faithfully in a Fragmented World [2].

[edit] Common Themes

[edit] Values

Most new monastic communities emphasize the following:

  1. Thoughtful, prayerful, and contemplative lives
  2. Communal life (expressed in a variety of ways depending on the community)
  3. A focus on hospitality
  4. Practical engagement with the poor

[edit] The "Twelve Marks" of a New Monasticism

The Twelve Marks of new monasticism express the common thread of many new monastic communities [3]. These "marks" are:

  1. Relocation to the "abandoned places of Empire" [at the margins of society]
  2. Sharing economic resources with fellow community members and the needy among us
  3. Hospitality to the stranger
  4. Lament for racial divisions within the church and our communities combined with the active pursuit of a just reconciliation
  5. Humble submission to Christ’s body, the Church
  6. Intentional formation in the way of Christ and the rule of the community along the lines of the old novitiate
  7. Nurturing common life among members of intentional community
  8. Support for celibate singles alongside monogamous married couples and their children
  9. Geographical proximity to community members who share a common rule of life
  10. Care for the plot of God’s earth given to us along with support of our local economies
  11. Peacemaking in the midst of violence and conflict resolution within communities along the lines of Matthew 18
  12. Commitment to a disciplined contemplative life

[edit] Differences from "Traditional" Christian Monasticism

The movement differs from other Christian Monastic movements in many ways.

  1. A rule of life is associated with the New Monastic movement though traditional monastic vows of celibacy, poverty and obedience are not normally taken as the Benedictines, Cistercians, Carthusians, Basilians and others do.
  2. The movement does not always live in a single place but geographic proximity is emphasized by the movement. (This preference by the New Monastic Movement needs a cite.)
  3. The movement allows married couples. (The Un-Named Community, also known as Old Growth[1], in Portland, Oregon has membership that includes both married couples and celibate singles).
  4. The movement does not have a religious habit.

[edit] Communities

[edit] See also

[edit] Sources

Rutba House. School(s) for Conversion: 12 Marks of a New Monasticism. Cascade Books, January 2005. ISBN 1-59752-055-1

http://www.newmonasticism.org

http://www.communityofcommunities.us

[edit] References

  1. ^ Moll, Rob. Christianity Today. "The New Monasticism". 24 Apr 08.
  2. ^ Byassee, Jason. The Christian Century. "The New Monastics: Alternative Christian Communities." 24 Apr 08.
  3. ^ School(s) for Conversion: 12 Marks of a New Monasticism