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by Monk Preston (Neo-Monasticism, Neomonasticism) |
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What are the similarities and
differences between New Monasticism (itself primarily, but certainly
not exclusively, an Evangelical
Protestant phenomenon) and traditional Protestant Monasticism of the
past 150 years? What are
its origins and history?
The modern phenomena of New
Monasticism, or Neo-Monasticism, which blossomed into
general public awareness both during and following 2004 with a spate
of books, articles and Christian print media coverage did not simply
appear full-blown out of nowhere. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
first used the term in a letter
written by to his brother Karl-Friedrick on the 14th
of January, 1935.
'...the restoration of the church will surely come only from a new type of monasticism which has nothing in common with the old but a complete lack of compromise in a life lived in accordance with the Sermon on the Mount in the discipleship of Christ. I think it is time to gather people together to do this...' -Dietrich Bonhoeffer (January14, 1935) The actual practice of New Monasticism had its beginnings in the teachings and interest in monasticism of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and first came to fruition on Apr. 26, 1935 with the founding of his Finkenwalde Seminary to educate Pastors for the "Confessing Church"; Evangelical Christians forced to go "underground" to escape Nazi persecution. Here he taught his views on and put into practical application his vision of a new monasticism. In 1937 the seminary would be declared illegal. Twenty-seven of its former students would be arrested by the following November.
...a slightly different
"take" on monastic practice...
Although it too, is primarily Protestant, it
has a slightly different "take" on monastic practice than
the more formal and traditionally practiced Protestant
Monasticism including Anglican/Episcopal, Lutheran,
and Brother Roger's independent monastic community of Taize
in France (Note: Taizé actually "overlaps" into both
categories. In most ways a traditional monastic Community, it was the
first Community to introduce three aspects of New Monasticism.
It was the first independent monastic Community---not affiliated with
any particular Denomination. It was the first
Interdenominational Monastic Order---in the beginning Protestant; now
including Roman Catholic and Orthodox monks. It was the first to
reach and have a great impact on on lay youth).
New Monasticism
is primarily (but certainly
not exclusively) a movement of Evangelicals, and, like the early Celtic
monks and the early Franciscans, stresses evangelism and missionary
activity in one's own locality, and in many cases a deep concern for
the poor. The emphasis is on going beyond the necessary beginning step
of receiving Christ to actually living the Gospel out in one's daily
life. Again, like the early Celtic monks and early Franciscans,
the New Monasticism communities often combine singles with married
couples, and some of these are families with children; St.
Francis in the same way instituted his Third Order for lay persons,
whether single or married.
___________________________________________________ Related Pages:
__________________________________________________ Copyright © 2005 S.G.P. All rights reserved. Next PRAYER FOUNDATION Category FEATURES
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What
Is
New
Monasticism?
New Monasticism:
"The
Boston Globe" Articles (Feb. 3, 2008):
