The monkhood of all believers
Subtitle: the monastic foundation of Christian spirituality
By: Greg Peters
Publisher: Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2018
Place of publication: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Language: eng
Number of pages: 210
ISBN-13: 9780801098055
Subjects: Monasticism and religious orders
Other titles: Monastic foundation of Christian spirituality
Description: Although the institution of monasticism has existed in the Christian church since the first century, it is often misunderstood. Greg Peters, an expert in monastic studies, reintroduces historic monasticism to the Protestant church, articulating a monastic spirituality for all believers. As Peters explains, what we have known as monasticism for the past 1,500 years is actually a modified version of the earliest monastic life, which was not necessarily characterized by poverty, chastity, and obedience but rather by one's single-minded focus on God--a single-mindedness rooted in one's baptismal vows and the priesthood of all believers. Peters argues that all monks are Christians, but all Christians are also monks. To be a monk, one must first and foremost be singled-minded toward God. This book presents a theology of monasticism for the whole church, offering a vision of Christian spirituality that brings together important elements of history and practice. The author connects monasticism to movements in contemporary spiritual formation, helping readers understand how monastic practices can be a resource for exploring a robust spiritual life. --
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-203) and index.
Table of contents: title: Part 1. What is a monk? :; title: 1. Defining the monk; title: 2. The monk in history; title: 3. Interiorized monasticism; title: Part 2. Asceticism: the monastic vocation :; title: 4. Defining asceticism; title: 5. The priesthood of all believers; title: Part 3. The monkhood of all believers :; title: 6. All monks are Christians and all Christians are monks; title: 7. The vocation of monasticism.