The September Christianity Today featured an article titled “The New Monasticism” that described the growth of communal Christian communities growing among the urban poor. Unfortunately, the magazine is not making this article available online. I am thrilled to hear of Christians rejecting materialsim and taking dramatic steps to minister to the poor and weak. One group in Philadelphia called the “Simple Way” protested against anti-homelessness laws that put untenable regulations on this group of suffering (whether by their own choices or not, they suffer and we are called to reach out. No one deserves the Gospel). When demonstrators were thrown in jail, one of the church leaders, Shane Claiborne, wore a T-shirt to court which read ‘Jesus was homeless.” The judge pardoned them and asked for a T-shirt.

The article is fascinating and describes several of these communities which move in and live among the poor, into the worst neighborhoods, reaching out to one person at a time. Many of these “New Monastics” live organic, vegetarian/vegan, environmentally pro-active lifestyles, for which I applaud them. The article did discuss the danger that such movements can cultivate guilt-motivation, self-righteousness and judgement on those who do not choose to make such sacrifices, and I pray that God protects these communities from such pitfalls. The article offered 12 distinctives that characterize these new communities, including; “submission to the larger church, living with the poor and outcast, living near community members, hospitality, nurturing a common community life and a shared economy, peacemaking, reconcilliation, care for creation, celibacy or monogamous marriage, formation of new members and contemplation.” Again, I am thrilled to see any growth in the American church’s sincere and active concern for the poor. The Gospel call to sacrificially outreach to the world’s most hurting is unmisakable, recognizing that we too were rescued while yet sinners, poor and helpless. Praise the Lord for these people with a passionate heart to reach the lost.

However, the main point I wanted to record concerns the Family Planning posts I wrote a few months ago. I know that there are a few different theologies behind the title “Full Quiver”, but I write concerning those who would say that “Be fruitful and multiply” is still a command all Christians are to obey today. If this is a command to Chirstians, then are these ‘New Monastics’ who choose celebacy to reach the poor in sin!? I believe that these people who have choosen not to pursue family in order to sacrifice their lives for Christ and His call to reach the poor glorify God and His heart of grace and compassion greatly. I also belive that those, such as myself, who have choosen to raise families also glorify God. Both are holy callings. I applaud these new communities and pray that God prospers and expands their work, safeguarding them from the dangers history reveals can befall those who choose radical self-sacrifice. As a side note, I do not think that these two “callings” must be exclusive. I am quite sure that whole families can move in among and minister to the poor and that those who are single or without children ought to be drawn into and ministered to by families.