Community of the Transfiguration: The Journey of a New Monastic Community (New Monastic Library: Resources for Radical Discipleship) [Paperback]

Paul R. Dekar (Author), Phyllis Tickle (Foreword)

Book Description

Series: New Monastic Library: Resources for Radical Discipleship | Publication Date: February 2008

In the 1930s, German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer anticipated the restoration of the Church after the coming Second World War through a new kind of monasticism, a way of life of uncompromising adherence to the Sermon on the Mount in imitation of Christ. Since then, the renewal of Christian monasticism has become a great spiritual movement. Imbued with a love for God and neighbor, and with a healthy self-love, people are going to monasteries to deepen their relationship with God, to pray, and to find peace. While some monastic institutions are suffering a decline in traditional vocations, many Christians are exploring monastic lifestyles. This book introduces the Community of the Transfiguration in Australia, the story of a new monastic community and an inspiring source of hope for the world in this time of spiritual, social and ecological crisis.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul R. Dekar is Niswonger Professor of Evangelism and Missions at Memphis Theological Seminary. He is author of Creating the Beloved Community: A History of the Fellowship of Reconciliation in the United States (Herald, 2005) and Holy Boldness: Practices of an Evangelistic Lifestyle (Smyth and Helwys, 2004). He and his wife Nancy are North American members of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Australia. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: Cascade Books (February 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556354304
• ISBN-13: 978-1556354304
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,524,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Readable, Entertaining, Moving, April 1, 2008

By 

Alison Sampson (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Community of the Transfiguration: The Journey of a New Monastic Community (New Monastic Library: Resources for Radical Discipleship) (Paperback)

In this book Paul Dakar has produced a very readable, entertaining and at times moving account of the growth and development of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Victoria Australia.

He tells the story of how this small group of people has grown over the past thirty-five years from a small interest group within the congregation at Breakwater Baptist Church to become the Community of the Transfiguration, and how this small group of people has been transformed by a profound commitment to a life of prayer. In the process they have transformed the local church and profoundly influenced the spiritual life of the Baptist denomination in Victoria.

The first chapter provides a context by surveying the role of Monasticism in the history of the church and the development of the `New Monasticism' movement, particularly within the protestant churches in the USA since World War II.

In chapter two we have a very succinct history of the development of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery (HTM).

Chapter three outlines the practices of the community. It illustrates how the community tries to replant and nurture monastic life in our materialistic, exploitative and individualistic society. It also shows how the monastery bridges past and contemporary forms of monasticism, and makes links with communities in other denominations, for example Catholic, Anglican and Uniting Church traditions. The chapter describes the rhythms of prayer and silence, work and play that nurture the wellbeing of the members and then discusses the practices adopted for the common good. How does the community deal with issues such as sexuality and celibacy in a community of married and single people? What is the place of children in the community? How does the community deal with money, holidays, criticism etc?

Chapter four is to me the most compelling for here Dekar discusses the theology of the `Resolve' of the community.

The resolve is at the heart of community life and consists of a list of ten theological statements that all members seek to embody.

For example the first is a statement of gratitude
`Being perfectly assured of your salvation
With your whole life proclaim your gratitude'

While the last is a statement on humility
`For us there is only the trying
The rest is none of our business.'

In the final chapter Dekar discusses the significance of this `New Monastic' movement and outlines some of his personal journey.

An appendix provides a sample of the prayers produced by the community.

This little book is very well written and tells a powerful story. The text uses well-chosen anecdotes to demonstrate how God is using this community not only to transform the lives of its members but also to have a significant influence well beyond its walls.

A selection of photographs of the monastery, as it existed at the Breakwater site, gives some idea of the life the community had developed. As that property has now been sold I look forward to seeing how communal life will be nurtured while the members are scattered in various households around Geelong. Also it will be fascinating to see what will develop, as the new premises are built and communal life is restored.