Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life

Today I've updated my reading list, which meant removing everything (finished-hurrah!!!) and adding 'Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life' by Christopher Jamison, the abbott from the Worth Abbey, made famous by the Monastary.
The book goes through the basics of the Rule of St Benedict and applies the rule to modern life. I'm purposely trying to take my time in reading the book so, after a fortnight, I'm only a third of the way through, but already it is becoming apparent that there is significant disparity between traditional monasticism and the current alt worship community.

I can see that there is a ideological link between the two- the focus on community and ecology for example- and this is usually played up by the emerging church community, but the more I read the more I am convinced of the differences.

The last chapter I read on contemplation demonstrates this well. Jamison is clear, in reading the text of scripture and engaging in lectio divina we should not question the text but rather allow the text to question us. I can't help comparing this approach to the model of reading demonstrated by Ikon, as a woman stood in silence while "women should keep silent in the churches" 1 Cor 14 flashed up on screen.

I suspect in this specific example it's not a matter of either or, but rather both and; there are verses and times which one should leave the text to question us and other verses and times when we should question the text. The question is sussing out which and when?

Comments

[paul]

Phil

good to see you at the belt green

we had the good abbot here at les cotils earlier this year, i like the idea of the text reading us - stocki has been saying this for a while now:

he states that he know longer reads the bible, rather he wants the bible to read him...

[Chris]

Hi Phil,
I found this blog when flicking through the Headway site.I class myself as a young Evangelical Christian.I used to attend a Methodist Chapel in my youth,on the south coast.

I have noticed that much of the blogs are'political' or ethical in emphasis.I enjoy the humour and am whole hartedly behind the importance of 'real discipleship',and making a difference in society.I am disturbed at the shallow natrue of much of the 'evangelical' church,and back your stance on ethical issues.

I would like to ask what your views are on the essentials of the faith,traditionally held by Methodists.In your blog you comment very little on personal salvation?,the need of a saviour?,or the place of preaching and Bible study.?

what happens to an unbeliever who dies without Christ,yet lives an ethical life?.What of the true believer who has trusted Christ and follows Christ,yet has little regard for environmental issues?.Do you believe in eternal punishment?. I am not being controversial,just interested in your views.

There are many political organisations who promote green issues,yet they are have no gospel?.Pauls great concern as to preach the gospel,should this not be the emphasis.

Please bear with me as this emerging church stuff is very new to me.

Chris Clancy

[James Church]

I have recently read Finding Sanctuary and found it enriched my personal spirituality deeply. I am not so sure about questioning the text but I think that reading against the grain of the text can sometimes tease out meanings of which we were unaware and give us a more nuanced understanding of scripture. Could I take this opportunity to ask you to advertise the interface (www.theinterface.org.uk) it is a Methodist website designed to encourage discussion between Christianity and Culture. It has been running for sometime now but Methodist Church House is looking to give it a real boost. I hope you find time to check it out... and I wish you all the best as you explore the possibility of establishing an emerging church upon the tyne. I may be able to put you intouch with existing fresh expressions if you send me an email... or take a look at the freshexpressions website (though I recognise FX are not the same as EC). God bless.