For those who visit here from time to time you'll recognize this conversation as I've been down this road a few times, but " monasticism " continues to be a communal lifestyle that is in the minds of the emerging conversation, folks on the fringe of the church...passionate people trying live out christianity faithfully daily in post-modern culture. I'm meeting with a group of friends next week to pursue such a conversation, to look at monasticism and if and how it can be lived in the culture we find ourselves today. There is tons of information on monasticism, ( 1 of 10 of about 1,310,000 for monasticism ) in Google, enough to keep you occupied for months, if not years.
An article I found of interest was compliments of the monks of Christ in the Desert Monastery in New Mexico. It is a well written brief history of monasticism, Benedictine, Franciscan and Celtic. I found it interesting concerning the notion of Constantinianism, the beginnings of institutional church as it is sometimes known, and the motivations behind starting a new monastic community in Benedictine's day. It's interesting to use it as a lens to look through as amotivation as to why we pursue such an adventure today.
Following closely the cessation of persecutions and conversion to Christianity of the Roman emperors, steady growth of the Church quickly and inevitably led to what was perceived as a breakdown in discipline. Whereas, formerly, Christians had been identified as a minority group often at odds with the state, they now became in some cases the state itself. Under the Emperor Constantine, for example, few non-Christians could hope for advancement in imperial service. He himself took an active role in ecclesiastical affairs, and his household showered the Church with such favors as buildings and endowments. This massive injection of secular values into the sacred heralded the birth of the Church Triumphant, and it did not take long for ascetics to seek outlets that would contrast with what they perceived as mediocre Christianity. Thus would monasticism gradually evolve into a potent platform for social and religious reform.
But in Benedict's time such was far from the case. Through gross excesses and laxity the movement had been weakened considerably. An individual was needed who was strong and wise enough to adapt and discipline the monastic impulse and mold it to fit a crumbling empire crying out for the examples, teachings and spiritual consolations that a rational and orderly religious movement could provide.
And around the Benedictine Rule, I found this...
Benedict himself went on to found Monte Cassino where, in all probability, he composed his Rule. While there is controversy about the scope, sources and origins of this work, its importance is underscored by the intensity with which it has been scrutinized. In fact, the attention it has been given has in some cases been parallel with but not, of course, equal to that given the Gospels. It should be understood that Benedict did not write it for clerics; nor was it his intention to found a world-wide order. His Rule was meant to be for the governance of the domestic life of lay individuals who wanted to live in the fullest possible way the path that led to God. In other words, it was penned for those whose desire was to live in a radical imitation of Christ.
In any case, his Rule lays down no specific tasks for his organization, unlike later orders which specifically dedicated themselves to such charisms as preaching, teaching, combatting heresies, emancipating slaves or nursing the sick. Indeed, his admonitions were simply a ladder provided to aid a man in his search for God. For Benedict, a monastery was nothing more or less than:
"a school for the Lord's service. In drawing up its regulations, we hope to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome. The good of all concerned, however, may prompt us to a little strictness in order to amend faults and to safeguard love. Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset. But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love. Never swerving from his instructions, then, but faithfully observing his teaching in the monastery until death, we shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ that we may deserve also to share in his kingdom. Amen"
(RB, Prologue, verses 45-50).
The article is extremely interesting, as we engage in the conversation of monasticism today, trying to live life more intentional as a faith community in a postmodern culture. I was going to say "if" reform is needed, but, I'll re-phrase that, what reform is needed, how much...what gets chucked and what doesn't? The reality was, that Benedict was on a reform mission, but it wasn't to create a new religious order, a new institution...and it wasn't just for clergy. It was more like, hey, lets more from here over to there and be christians, and live in a way, we can actually live faithfully as christians. Interesting to note also, he didn't delete everything off the hard drive, throw the baby out with the bath water...something we really need to pay attention to as we engage in a conversation around monasticism.
From here on in, rather than talk about neo-monasticism. I'll talk about RE-MONKING faith communities, as talking about neo-monasticism waters down or dilutes the reality of those living monastically.
But I believe from following the conversation in the blogosphere, and the emerging conversation and in home churches there are many who have been inahabited by a yearning to try and live in a faith community more intentional, more authentic...alternative communities revealing the reality of the Kingdom culture Jesus spoke of, providing an alternative to the culture that suurounds us.
It is also worth a look at monastic rule, if we are looking a re-monking faith communities...Benedictine Rule, Franciscan Rule, Celtic Rule...as we engage in the monastic conversation what will be the rule of life in our faith communities? What values will be used to formulate the rule? How rigid will the rule be? Can we can we have a mix of rule from different expressions of monasticism in order to best express the life of our faith communities?
After listening to Garreth Powell of Moot Community recently in a conversation around monasticism and the emerging church, I wonder if there might be an alternative to the Rule, more of a rhythm of life...maybe similar to Celtic Monasticism. If we are going to try and live monastically in a postmodern culture...I think we have to be real. Many of us, are in realtionships, married with kids, jobs...a little unrealistic to think we are going to drop all that, gown ourselves in a habit and head to some remote monastery. We have to try and develope a community, and lifestyle that can be lived right where were at.
I think of the Celtic Monastic Pilgrims, the great wanders Aiden, Cuthbert and Brendan, reminders to us that the life spent pilgrimaging towards God is also a life spent pilgrimaging to those living in and around us...both inside the cloister and outside it, for we journey together not in isiolation.
Maybe rather than being bogged down in formulating a written rule and enforcing it...maybe a communal rhythm is a way to live. Garreth Powell evisions it as life being lived in rhythm, not a full course concerto with every instrument written up, but rather the background beat that keeps everything else in order, that calls things back on the scale when they deviate, that reminds us the type of music we are wanting to play...or perhaps more accurately the life style the community wants to live.
Maybe when formulating rhythms of life, simplicity is the key. Rhythms of life that have worked and continue to work are those that are easily understood and grasped by everyone...this does not mean they are simplistic. Simplicity means they are easier to work them into our everday life. Maybe it is a rhythm that can be reduced to a few words, that provides the heart-beat the pulse of the community...behind which lie the core ideas, and hopes of the community.
Most monastic rule can also be seen in part as a reaction against the prevailing culture of the day, monastic vows of poverty, chastity, obedience were clear reaction to money, sex and power...issues that had begun to dominate the church from the time of its alignment to the state in the 3rd centurt AD. Monks were those who sought to rid themselves of these tempations and instead chose a life dedicated to following in the way of Christ.
Interestingly in the Northumbria Community, " availabilty " and " vulnerabilty " are their two simple rules. They were a reaction to the way people hid their true selves from even their closest friends, and were unable to be vulnerable, instead preferring to live life essentially on their own. The Northumbria communities emphasis on being available to others to listen to them and allow them to share with you and the emphasis on being vulnerable in trying to be honest with each other are reactions against the privatization of life. This didn't mean forcing people to share with each other, but rather that each person desired to live alife that was open to the wisdom of others, and that they desired to create relationships with people where they could be open and honest with each other.
Maybe as communities, friends engage in the conversation around monasticism re-monking faith communites...we will develop simple rhythms in which we can live more faithfully revealing the beauty, the grace, the mercy, and the hope...of the Kingdom Jesus revealed and gave us glimpses of. But more than that, the Kingdom he asked, and called us to build with him.
Thanks Ron for these lovely thoughts. I really like the image of re-monking faith communities, neo-monasticism has never felt quite right because of all the people already living monastic lives. I know my commitment as a Benedictine Oblate is an essential element of my own spiritual path. But I do long for an even more intimate experience of community, more than I can receive from weekly mass or monthly Oblate meetings. I have been praying for some time as to how this might unfold in our lives here in Seattle.
Blessings! Christine
Posted by: Sacred Art of Living | January 15, 2007 at 08:48 AM