Theologeek

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.