Community of the Transfiguration

An introduction to the modern revival of Christian monasticism, focussing on the Community of the Transfiguration in Australia.

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 neighbour, 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 at another time of spiritual, social, and ecological crisis.

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.