On God's Side -Jim Wallis

October 2013's Book Review: On God's Side -Jim Wallis

Are you in need of some encouragement about your Christian vocation?  Jim Wallis offers it, arguing to fight for equality is being “on God’s side” not our side and challenges you to be committed to, not cynical about, changing the world.

There is a lot of crushing inequality in our world and the root of the recent crisis in capitalism has been the loss of focus on the "common good".  However, social movements, pushing for the common good over tribal [political] interests, really are changing the world because governments are enabled to react to them eg surprising new US immigration policy is credited to the action of Faith groups.  

Bringing it home, Wallis says the foundation of social movements is the family unit and he offers 10 inspiring and practical ways you and I can be agents for the common good aka loving your neighbour as yourself.  

If Wallis gives you an appetite for questioning our global systems, then another brilliant read is 'Economics of Good and Evil: by Tomas Sedlacek

New Monasticism As Fresh Expression of Church

July 2013's Book Review: New Monasticism As Fresh Expression of Church
This book says if we're serious about growing as disciples of Jesus we have to learn it together by living together! 
Together we are more able to break free from the obstacles of individualism and consumerism and discover God's way. 
How do we do that?  Well Ancient Monasticism can be a "gift of renewal to the church" enabling discipleship in community using a light touch rule of life (community rules).

3 types of ancient new monasticism that are being interpreted in new monasticism which might inspire you include:

1 Benedictine Christian community (Monks Nuns) -places set aside for worship prayer eg Scargill

2 Franciscan & Dominicans (Friars) -serve a context eg Eden projects as gathered community or TOMs as dispersed global group

3 Combo of 1&2 offering attractional sacred space community to visit or live in encompassing prayer and serving a context. eg 24-7 Boiler Room or arts community 

If you want to explore further what living in Community might look like in your context through a discussion evening with people who are living a new monasticism, or if you know about a good Christian Community, contact Mark to find out more.    The most basic form of community is 3 or 4 who commit to praying together regularly -see thoughts on CoreGroup4mation.