New Monasticism

There has been some discussion of New Monasticism recently. The movement seeks to do what it says and to reinterpret classic monasticism in light of contemporary culture.

According to newmonasticism.org the twelve marks of the movement are:

1. Relocation to the abandoned places of Empire. (This is interpreted as the inner-city and places overlooked by the State)
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.

If you want to investigate further, then it is worth looking at the writings on the New Monasticism site.

The Anabaptist Network and Northumbria Community recently held a conference on New Monasticism and some of the papers are available:

• re-monking the church after Christendom
• Twelve Marks of New Monasticism – ‘Mind Map’ Questions & Feedback
• Conference Summary