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Community of the Transfiguration: The Journey of a New Monastic Community
In the 1930s, German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer anticipated the restoration of the church after the coming second world war through a new kind of monasticism, a way of life of uncompromising adherence to the Sermon on the Mount in imitation of Christ. Since then, the renewal of Christian monasticism has become a great spiritual movement. Imbued with a love for God and neighbor, and with a healthy self-love, people are going to monasteries to deepen their relationship with God, to pray, and to find peace. While some monastic institutions are suffering a decline in traditional vocations, many Christians are exploring monastic lifestyles. This book introduces The Community of the Transfiguration in Australia, the story of a new monastic community and an inspiring source of hope for the world at another time of spiritual, social, and ecological crisis.
186 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 31, 2017
Dekar’s affection for the Community shines through, and prevents a more thoroughgoing critique of new monasticism. He gives a very useful Part 1, focussed on monasticism and new monasticism as a historical phenomenon.
But then Part 2 turns to the narrative of the Holy Transfiguration Community. To be sure, it is a remarkable story, but it would have been made more attractive with both personal, theological and historical criticisms. I think the Community’s story could have handled this without losing the strong sense of warmth that Dekar communicates.
For example, Dekar has interviewed hundreds of people, but rarely does he give us the voice of those were hurt or have criticisms. As a member of similar communities, I know that they would exist. Why not let us hear them? The Community’s own focus on radical honesty seems to invite this.
The Community is a gem of Australian radical discipleship, hospitality and Christian witness. We are blessed to have them. Dekar has given us a valuable gift in his writing. But this book does not serve them as well as it could have.
But then Part 2 turns to the narrative of the Holy Transfiguration Community. To be sure, it is a remarkable story, but it would have been made more attractive with both personal, theological and historical criticisms. I think the Community’s story could have handled this without losing the strong sense of warmth that Dekar communicates.
For example, Dekar has interviewed hundreds of people, but rarely does he give us the voice of those were hurt or have criticisms. As a member of similar communities, I know that they would exist. Why not let us hear them? The Community’s own focus on radical honesty seems to invite this.
The Community is a gem of Australian radical discipleship, hospitality and Christian witness. We are blessed to have them. Dekar has given us a valuable gift in his writing. But this book does not serve them as well as it could have.
October 31, 2017
Dekar’s affection for the Community shines through, and prevents a more thoroughgoing critique of new monasticism. He gives a very useful Part 1, focussed on monasticism and new monasticism as a historical phenomenon.
But then Part 2 turns to the narrative of the Holy Transfiguration Community. To be sure, it is a remarkable story, but it would have been made more attractive with both personal, theological and historical criticisms. I think the Community’s story could have handled this without losing the strong sense of warmth that Dekar communicates.
For example, Dekar has interviewed hundreds of people, but rarely does he give us the voice of those were hurt or have criticisms. As a member of similar communities, I know that they would exist. Why not let us hear them? The Community’s own focus on radical honesty seems to invite this.
The Community is a gem of Australian radical discipleship, hospitality and Christian witness. We are blessed to have them. Dekar has given us a valuable gift in his writing. But this book does not serve them as well as it could have.
But then Part 2 turns to the narrative of the Holy Transfiguration Community. To be sure, it is a remarkable story, but it would have been made more attractive with both personal, theological and historical criticisms. I think the Community’s story could have handled this without losing the strong sense of warmth that Dekar communicates.
For example, Dekar has interviewed hundreds of people, but rarely does he give us the voice of those were hurt or have criticisms. As a member of similar communities, I know that they would exist. Why not let us hear them? The Community’s own focus on radical honesty seems to invite this.
The Community is a gem of Australian radical discipleship, hospitality and Christian witness. We are blessed to have them. Dekar has given us a valuable gift in his writing. But this book does not serve them as well as it could have.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews