What defines New Monasticism?

Definition and Origins

New Monasticism refers to a contemporary movement that emphasizes intentional community, shared spiritual disciplines, and practical engagement with society in ways that echo certain aspects of historic monastic traditions. Early Christian monasticism emerged in the third and fourth centuries, particularly among the Desert Fathers in Egypt, who sought solitude and communal prayer. Over time, monastic practices spread throughout the Christian world, leading to diverse orders such as the Benedictines, Franciscans, and others. In modern contexts, New Monasticism has built upon some of these classic structures—like simplicity and regular prayer—while adapting to contemporary urban or suburban environments.

Historical Context

New Monasticism generally seeks to recover elements that characterized the earliest Christian communities, often pointing to Acts 2:42–47 as a guiding example:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need. With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house…”

While historical monasticism developed in remote monasteries, New Monasticism frequently occupies populated areas or neighborhoods facing economic and social challenges, seeking to blend contemplative practice with outreach.

Core Principles

1. Intentional Community

Participants in New Monastic communities live in shared spaces or in close proximity for mutual support, worship, and service. Many believe that living side-by-side fosters the love commanded in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.”

2. Radical Hospitality

New Monasticism often extends hospitality to the marginalized, including the homeless, refugees, or individuals healing from addictions. Such hospitality is seen as an extension of passages like Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.”

3. Shared Spiritual Disciplines

Group prayer, communal Bible study, regular worship services, and fasting are integrated into daily rhythms. This embraces an imitation of the constant devotion St. Paul encourages (1 Thessalonians 5:17): “Pray without ceasing.”

4. Engagement with Culture

Unlike certain historical movements that sought solitude far from civilization, many New Monastics remain in the midst of modern culture, advocating social justice and mercy ministries. They address issues such as poverty, racial injustice, and systemic inequities, aligning with passages like Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

5. Simplicity and Stewardship

Many in New Monastic communities recognize the call to a simpler lifestyle, informed by teachings such as Matthew 6:19–21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This focus on simplicity extends to mindful environmental stewardship, often exemplified through sustainable agricultural practices and communal gardens.

Spiritual Practices

Daily prayer services, the regular reading of Scripture, communal liturgies, and shared meals embody the hallmark rhythms of New Monasticism. Some communities also implement periodic retreats for solitude and reflection, inspired by Jesus’s own pattern of withdrawing for prayer (Mark 1:35). The combination of community life and individual spiritual discipline is meant to foster balance in spiritual formation.

Modern Developments and Influential Writings

In more recent times, resources like “The New Monasticism: What It Has to Say to Today’s Church” by theologians and practitioners have highlighted 12 guiding marks—among them geographical relocation to abandoned places, reconciliation across racial and social lines, and subordination to the church. Some groups draw insights from ancient monastic Rules (such as the Rule of St. Benedict), while melding them with contemporary models of peacemaking and neighborhood engagement.

Biblical Foundations

Scripture forms the central authority for guiding and evaluating New Monastic practices. Passages offering insight into community life (Romans 12:9–13), sacrificial service (Philippians 2:3–4), and hospitality (Hebrews 13:2) collectively underscore the movement’s scriptural impetus. Its alignment with New Testament teachings on kingdom living reflects an intentional desire to live out Christ’s commands in a tangible, locally rooted way.

Comparisons to Traditional Monasticism

1. Location: Traditional monasticism often flourished in secluded monasteries, whereas New Monasticism typically situates itself within cities or disadvantaged neighborhoods.

2. Vows: New Monasticism is not always tied to formal, lifelong vows as, for instance, Benedictine or Franciscan orders require, although many participants adopt covenant commitments for stability and accountability.

3. Lifestyle: Both older and newer forms emphasize prayer, community, and service, but New Monastics often include laypeople and families rather than exclusively single, celibate individuals.

Critiques and Points of Debate

Some critics question whether “monastic” is an appropriate term for communities that do not embrace the historical communal vows or remain under ecclesiastical authority. Others observe that the wide variety in different New Monastic communities can lead to confusion about the movement’s definition or doctrinal consistency. At the same time, supporters claim that the core biblical ideals reflected in New Monastic values transcend these structural nuances.

Practical Application

Individuals or groups who explore New Monasticism often do so by moving into neighborhoods in need of renewal, forming covenant groups around shared spiritual practices, and hosting regular community gatherings. They may establish small businesses, cooperative endeavors, and service programs to address local needs. This cooperative focus on Kingdom-driven work reflects passages that highlight mutual care and shared mission (Philippians 2:1–2).

Conclusion

New Monasticism, while rooted in the historic traditions of Christian communal life, applies ancient principles to modern contexts. By blending rhythms of prayer, hospitality, scriptural study, and practical service, New Monastic communities strive to embody a tangible expression of communal discipleship. Acts 4:32 encapsulates the movement’s aspirations: “All the believers were one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.” Through shared spiritual discipline and active engagement with societal needs, these communities aim to live out biblical teachings in earnest and accessible ways.