I begin with a confession: I’m not a new monastic, nor am I “tempted” to join. In the late 70s and early 80s, yes, we were a bit interested and did some things with a few folks in an inner-city area. But, I learned from the new monastic types — it was more of a “community” movement at that time. And I continue to be challenged to counter the consumerist lifestyle when I read new monastics. So, I’m glad to recommend for your careful reading a new book by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, New Monasticism: An Insider’s Perspective.
Wilson-Hartgrove interacts with all the principal figures: St Anthony, St Francis, Peter Maurin, Dorothy Day, and Shane Claiborne. The community in which he lives with his wife Leah is in Durham, NC, called Ruthba House. The major themes are covered, without trying to make all of us feel guilty, in delightful prose and exhortations for Christians to consider new ways — however we are living. Themes like community and economics renewal and peace and grace.
Well, this book is in touch with all the bright lights in the movement.