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School(s) for Conversion: 12 Marks of a New Monasticism
Throughout the history of the church, monastic movements have emerged to explore new ways of life in the abandoned places of society. School(s) for Conversion is a communal attempt to discern the marks of a new monasticism in the inner-cities and forgotten landscapes of the Empire that is called America.
190 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 16, 2021
This book is a set of twelve essays, each written by a different person who was part of the "New Monasticism" conversation that was going on at the turn of the 21st century. The twelve marks of the new monasticism are good. The communities represented by this book are good. Some of the essays are excellent.
What loses this book a star is the unevenness of the quality of writing over the course of the essays. I would like to use this book for a book study with others who are interested in exploring the new monasticism, but worry that some of these essays will drag a little bit.
Still, even in weakness there is also strength. The fact that this book is so multi-voiced means that there is probably something here for everyone. Whereas I would prefer something more structured, theologically-driven, and directive, the essays are full of many different stories, which come at their questions from different angles (and multiple denominations - notably Roman Catholic and Anabaptist).
I would recommend this book to those who are seeking a more faithful, contemplative life in Christian community and with the world. It could be a good jumping off point for discussion, and for additional study.
What loses this book a star is the unevenness of the quality of writing over the course of the essays. I would like to use this book for a book study with others who are interested in exploring the new monasticism, but worry that some of these essays will drag a little bit.
Still, even in weakness there is also strength. The fact that this book is so multi-voiced means that there is probably something here for everyone. Whereas I would prefer something more structured, theologically-driven, and directive, the essays are full of many different stories, which come at their questions from different angles (and multiple denominations - notably Roman Catholic and Anabaptist).
I would recommend this book to those who are seeking a more faithful, contemplative life in Christian community and with the world. It could be a good jumping off point for discussion, and for additional study.
June 2, 2025
A good survey of important topics, but the essays are often shallow in scope, leaving our incredibly important context regarding the church and culture. Though I found the book moving and compelling, I find the conclusions that the authors draw hard to take seriously given the lack of solid scholarship to support them.
October 1, 2020
This book is a very valuable yet "meaty" read for anyone interested in the modern practices of new monasticism. I definitely would recommend it - if you can tolerate a theological pace and tempo!
March 10, 2010
This was one of the first books of the new monastic movement, and it's a great place to start. It's a collection of essays from some of the prominent leaders in the movement, most of whom are theologically conservative Protestants. The two opening essays are a bit academic in tone, though good, but the rest are even more engaging.
Calling something a "movement" is usually a way of dismissing it, putting it on the sidelines. They don't lean on that language, but their opponents certainly will. In the end, though, it's just basic gospel 101 stuff.
One of the strengths of this group is its lack of ideological fussiness grounded in a strong, ancient creedalism. Great priorities tend to keep them from fighting about irrelevant things so that they can actually live the gospel in an outward-looking community. It's a much richer "Medieval Protestantism" than I ever imagined.
And they certainly are not romantic about the difficulties of living in real community (by comparison, it's seems strange to call most conservative evangelical churches "communities." Most of the time what we call "community" is simply an idea club for people who smile and sometimes eat with people much like themselves).
The new monastics have come up with the following twelve marks, and each of the essays exposits one of the marks.
1) Relocation to the abandoned places of Empire.
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 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.
Calling something a "movement" is usually a way of dismissing it, putting it on the sidelines. They don't lean on that language, but their opponents certainly will. In the end, though, it's just basic gospel 101 stuff.
One of the strengths of this group is its lack of ideological fussiness grounded in a strong, ancient creedalism. Great priorities tend to keep them from fighting about irrelevant things so that they can actually live the gospel in an outward-looking community. It's a much richer "Medieval Protestantism" than I ever imagined.
And they certainly are not romantic about the difficulties of living in real community (by comparison, it's seems strange to call most conservative evangelical churches "communities." Most of the time what we call "community" is simply an idea club for people who smile and sometimes eat with people much like themselves).
The new monastics have come up with the following twelve marks, and each of the essays exposits one of the marks.
1) Relocation to the abandoned places of Empire.
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 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.
June 5, 2015
Recently I've been very intrigued by this new monasticism movement that appears to be growing around the country. This book compacts the movement down to 12 "marks" or signs of its meaning and purpose. The essays were well written and accessible; definitely meant for the layman as opposed to the academic. Many of the essays included anecdotes which were very helpful. A very wide range of topics were covered and several were extremely convicting based on the life I thought I wanted to pursue. It pushes hospitality very hard and rightly so. It also pushed pacifism at times which I found reacting against my Americanism very violently. I still have much to work through with this book internally, but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience overall. Highly recommended as long as you are interested in this new manifestation of monasticism or how to live in intentional Christian community.
August 12, 2010
I debated between 3 & 4 stars for this. I think if you're interested in joining or starting an intentional community, this would be a good book. It definitely talks about some of the "lessons learned" from people who've done that. I do agree with one of the other reviewers, though, that it was a bit uneven. I kept starting and stopping it but eventually finished.
January 25, 2008
Good book, nothing real exciting, but if you're interested in the subject, was a worthwhile read in parts. Only 3 stars because uneven in a lot of places. There was a different author for every section, and some sections were great, some not as great.
December 2, 2009
It is hard to write what I think of this book, it is hard to put into words.
It benefited me to read it in a big way. I cried at times. I can't really articulate my response except to say that it resonated.
It benefited me to read it in a big way. I cried at times. I can't really articulate my response except to say that it resonated.
December 7, 2013
Good book that is challenging to one's personal life. A bit choppy and disjointed due to the variety of different essays written by people from different backgrounds, but overall a great introduction to the topic of new monasticism.
July 21, 2008
A narrative how-to book
August 20, 2008
A variety of essays, research if you will, about New Monasticism - I think the sum of the essays have some value but the notion of research was off-putting to me given the nature of the subject.
July 17, 2014
Reflections from some radical folks on their many dreams and mistakes.
February 25, 2012
A re-read of several chapters of a text that will be a classic one day within the topic of New Monasticism
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews