Punk Monk: New Monasticism and the Ancient Art of Breathing [Paperback]

Andy Freeman (Author), Pete Greig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2007

Fleeing the compromises of the 4th century church, the Desert Fathers founded monasticism. In reaction to a Christianity they scarcely recognized, these radicals fled to the Egyptian desert to model a different, radical style of discipleship, filled with sacrifice and continual prayer. Who are the new monks, the new punks, the new revolutionaries? The answer lies in an upsurge of 24-7 monastic communities around the world. Punk Monk combines a narrative journey through the beginnings of 24-7 Prayer Boiler Rooms with a discussion on the roots of monasticism, particularly its ethos and values, and how it can be applied in the third millennium. Drawing influences from the Franciscans, the Celts and the Moravians, the book highlights the counter-cultural and revolutionary force of monasticism and asks whether it is time for a new monastic movement. It also takes punk as a contemporary expression of monastic spirit and asks whether a “silent revolution” is coming.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Fleeing the compromises of the 4th century church, the Desert Fathers founded monasticism. In reaction to a Christianity they scarcely recognized, these radicals fled to the Egyptian desert to model a different, radical style of discipleship, filled with sacrifice and continual prayer. Who are the new monks, the new revolutionaries? The answer lies in an upsurge of 24-7 monastic communities around the world. Read about the beginnings of 24-7 Prayer Boiler Rooms with a discussion on the roots of monasticism and particularly its ethos and values, and how these can be applied in the third millennium. Drawing on influences from the Franciscans, the Celts and the Moravians, Punk Monk highlights the counter-cultural and revolutionary force of monasticism and asks whether it is time for a new monastic movement. It also takes punk as a contemporary expression of monastic spirit and asks whether a “silent revolution” is coming. Find out how Greig and Freeman know “when the gospels are taken seriously nothing can be the same again. When put into practice, the lives, the community, the nations, the world will be changed. It’s guaranteed.”

About the Author

PETE GREIG is one of the founding leaders of 24-7 Prayer and listed by Relevant Magazine as one of the top 50 “Revolutionary Leaders” of his generation. Greig is a popular speaker and the author of Red Moon Rising and God on Mute. He and his wife, Samie, and their two children reside in Chichester, England.

 

ANDY FREEMAN is the Abbot of the first 24-7 Boiler Room, launched in Reading, UK. Andy now helps others to develop Boiler Rooms in their communities and works on 24-7’s International Team. Andy is married to Karen and has 5 children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Regal (June 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830743685
• ISBN-13: 978-0830743681
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Monasticism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read for world changers, August 31, 2007

By 

Michael L. Morgan "teaching pastor" (Pomona, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Punk Monk: New Monasticism and the Ancient Art of Breathing (Paperback)

Like most of us, I have shelves groaning with books purporting to give me this tip or that key to making my church larger and healthier. A small percentage of those books recommend intense (e.g., 24-7) prayer. Of those, I believe Punk Monk to be the best.

In this book, British authors Andy Freeman and Pete Greig describe how God led them to establish a Christian community based on regular prayer. (That's the "breathing" part.) This group has grown to a worldwide network of "boiler rooms." (Visit http://www.boiler-rooms.com/ for a list of these communities.)

This book is a must-read for everyone who believes (along with John Wesley) that "God does nothing except in answer to prayer". If you want to see God change your church, and your world, read Punk Monk!

Yours aye in Christ,

Michael Morgan, Ph.D.
Teaching Pastor
The Gathering Place
Pomona, Calif.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Want to see where ministry is headed?, February 5, 2011

By 

Jacob Owens (Iowa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Punk Monk: New Monasticism and the Ancient Art of Breathing (Kindle Edition)

Punk Monk is more than just a good story about a new ministry model; it's a call to renewal from God. Unique and thought provoking, strongly recommended for anyone seeking to transform a stagnant faith!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars changed my life, February 17, 2009

By 

Nicole Flory (Brambleton, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Punk Monk: New Monasticism and the Ancient Art of Breathing (Paperback)

This "idea" is what I have been looking for and didn't even know it. This is going to change my life forever. This is changing my walk with God. This is a must read.