New Monasticism – Life on the Margins of Society
Intentional Christian Communities Focusing on Reconciliation
Christian Monasticism is based on biblical principles and ideals from the Old and New Testaments.
There are many religious rules that regulate the monastic lifestyle, and those living this life are typically referred to as monks and nuns. They can also be classified by their living situation – if they live alone they are referred to as hermits, whereas if they live in a community they are called cenobites.
What is Émigré?
Émigré is a metaphor used by New Monastics to describe “a way for living,” which embraces availability, vulnerability, and authenticity. Through integration, identification, and participation communities engage in spiritual, social, and economic renewal.
The lifestyle embodied by émigré does not reject fundamental monasticism, but recognizes it as a wiser, older tradition. According to NewMonasticism.org, “How do we live humanely in the midst of the fall?” is the main question addressed by New Monastic communities.
The Values of New Monasticism
New Monastics hold interesting values. They emphasize contemplation and reflection in the midst of a life focused around prayer. Focus on communal life is another of the morals, but each community lives slightly differently depending on the situations of the members of the group.
Hospitality is also highly valued in these communities – they try to be as welcoming and helpful to their neighbors as possible. The ultimate focus is a meaningful engagement with the poor, intending to live collaboratively with them rather than serving them with an elitist mentality, according to ChristianityToday.com.
The Twelve Indicators of New Monasticism
The first of the twelve indicators of New Monasticism is relocation to the margins of society. They live in areas where they can serve those that have few advocates, whose voices are not being heard. The second sign is that they share resources with other community members and those who are in need. They are hospitable to strangers, which is the third indicator or New Monasticism.
The fourth mark is a desire for reconciliation among the radical divisions in the church and communities. They are also known to be humble and to submit to the universal church, Christ’s body. The sixth principle is a focus on the Christ and the old novitiate while forming rules for their communities.
A seventh indicator of New Monasticism is intentional community that is nurtured by each member. Monogamous married couples with children and celibate singles are mutually supported, as the eighth sign. The ninth mark is that a geographical proximity of each community member, often in areas on the margins of society.
Environmentalism and a concern for local economies is the tenth value of Monastic communities. The eleventh indicator is focused on Matthew 18, which promotes peace in the midst of conflict and violence. The final symptom of a New Monastic community is a commitment to a contemplative lifestyle, according to MissionalChurchNetwork.com.
Sources:
Jesus For President by Chris Haw and Shane Claiborne.
The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne.
The New Fri: The Emerging Movement Serving the World’s Poor by Scott Bessenecker.
ChristianityToday.com
MissionalChurchNetwork.com
NewMonasticism.org
Spiritual Reconciliation in New Monasticism
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Revival of Christian Community
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Spiritual, Social, and Economic Reconciliation
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