Theologeek

Jan 11

What is Jazz? -

Absolutely mind-blowing. What a breakdown.

Dec 11

[video]

Nov 11

christypolek: yes. sometimes you read something you really needed to read.

christypolek:

yes.

sometimes you read something you really needed to read.

[video]

Oct 20

[video]

Sep 26

Kenneth Cole Has Hustle

I really dig this story about Kenneth Cole who, in order to sell shoes, had to pretend he was filming a movie. Love it.

Here’s the full article:

http://dlewis.net/nik-archives/the-birth-of-a-shoe-company/

Sep 23

“I am seeing that the gospel of Jesus Christ has had its greatest growth when men have been dedicated enough to Him and His principles to quietly live them in the midst of dying and distressed humanity. Right now I am inclined to revert to the simple but vital expression which Christianity had in its period of beginning.” — Clarence Jordan

Sep 21

Contemplating New Monasticism


I recently started reading up on the New Monasticism movement, and I’m starting to wonder if this might be along the same road I’ve been traveling.

Here is an excerpt from the Wikipedia article that defines a basic framework for New Monastics:

The “Twelve Marks” of New Monasticism

The Twelve Marks of New Monasticism express the common thread of many new monastic communities. 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 an 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

Seems pretty difficult to disagree with.

Some of the thinkers behind the wording of these marks are Shane Claiborne of the Simple Way (who are getting ready to do some cool things with aquaponics in their community) and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove who has written (among other titles) a book called New Monasticism: What It Has to Say to Today’s Church which I started this morning.

With my transition to more organic (meaning, naturally occurring around me instead of manufactured) communities over the past few years, I find myself seeking a bit of a framework with which I can say “these are my driving principles, which drive my individual formation, and the communal formation of those who walk with me - we’re all on the same page”.

I’m not 100% sold on this particular framework yet, but I am beginning to be convinced that some “marks” would be a step in the right direction. I know my destination, I’d just like some signposts to guide me there.

Sep 20

“Attack me, I do this myself, but attack me rather than the path I follow and which I point out to anyone who asks me where I think it lies. If I know the way home and am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way because I am staggering from side to side!” — Leo Tolstoy

Sep 16

[video]