Description
Book SynopsisThe combination of Fresh Expressions and the explosion of interest in monastic spirituality is resulting in the emergence of new monastic communities inspired by historic patterns of religious life, but reframed for the contemporary world. This worldwide movement is seen as a radical expression of ecclesial community and was named in Mission Shaped Church as one of the leading new forms of church that would help people reconnect with Christianity. A new monastic community may be a dispersed group of families and individuals meeting to share meals and worship, it might be a group connected virtually; it might be a youth group exploring monastic spirituality. In this book, leaders of traditional religious communities and emerging 'new monastic' communities tell their stories and reflect on how an ancient expression of being church is inspiring and shaping a very new one. Included are many well-known contributors: Graham Cray, Tom Sine, Shane Claiborne, Ray Simpson, Abbot Stuart Burns and others exploring intentional living in the UK and the US.
Trade Review'As an introduction to what the contemporary church can learn from our ancestors in the faith, this book is a helpful starter ... Bishop Graham Cray observes that our culture is making disciples more effectively than the Church, and shows how some monastic practices may help us catch up. Shane Claiborne's 12 marks of the New Monasticism are a very useful summary, and Tom Sine provides an insightful plea for us to help our young people reflect that they are the first generation since the war whose lifestyles will not exceed that of their parents.'
'This book is full of hope. Wonderful things are occurring. A different church is possible - one responsive to the signs of our times, compassionate, inclusive and passionate about God's Reign of Peace, Justice, Reconciliation and Wholiness. We need a book like this in a moment in which the forces of retrenchment are prevailing.' -- Frank Regan
