The Universal Monk: The Way of the New Monastics

by John Michael Talbot

Overview

The Universal Monk is about the monk in all of us. In today's fast- paced and often fractured culture we all seek inner peace and unity. The Universal Monk is a powerful way for everyone of any state of life to find it. It is written from John Michael Talbot's experience in public international ministry and as founder and spiritual father of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a new integrated monastic community of celibates, singles who can marry, and families who live in an integrated monastery or in their own homes. It walks us through a treatment of the current issues that face us? Such as the great recession, political polarization, and the sex abuse crises in the church? With real spiritual and lifestyle answers that come from a fully unified and integrated life in God. If you are tired of the same old, same old," this book is for you!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814639511
Publisher:	Liturgical Press
Publication date:	04/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	230
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

John Michael Talbot is the founder and spiritual father of the Catholic-based community the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. He leads an active ministry from Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery in Arkansas and St. Clare Monastery in Texas. He is also a Grammy and Dove award–winning, multiplatinum selling, contemporary Christian music pioneer and a best-selling author of over thirty books.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Universal Monk, the Way of the New Monastics vii

Basics 1

New 14

Universal 21

What Is a Monk? 36

Kinds of Monks, Monasteries, and Seekers 41

Solitude and Monos 51

Silence and Speech 59

Stillness and Ministry 67

Integration 74

The Cross: Spirit, Soul, and Body 83

Meditation 88

Lectio Divina 98

Common Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours 109

A Walk through the Liturgy 117

Obedience 126

Chastity 135

Poverty 143

Conversion of Life 153

Stability 160

New Members 167

Conflicts and Community 175

Leadership: Spiritual Fathers and Mothers and Elders 187

Ministry 202

Appendix 1 Socioreligious Perspectives 214

Appendix 2 The Home Church Movement and the Universal Monasticism 226

Editorial Reviews

John Michael Talbot is the real deal. Here is a guide to new monasticism that exudes wisdom and carefully considers the questions that have arisen through decades of practice. If you’re serious about asking what monasticism means for the church today—about what it means for you—read this book.
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Author of New Monasticism
Co-compiler of Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals
Member of the Rutba House community in Durham, North Carolina


This book presents one of the first views from inside a new type of monastery in the Church. Drawing on John Michael Talbot’s twenty-five plus years in community, it breathes the air of honest-to-God daily experience of monastic life, and in a very complex type of community, comprising celibates, marrieds, singles, and children. The new monasticism, with its many ways of participating, provides access from wherever you are into an ancient contemplative path.
Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB
Subiaco Abbey, Arkansas

From the Publisher