The Way of the Urban Monk: A Spirituality for Solving Social Injustice
Ebook
Dedicating your life to social justice is a worthy endeavor. But how do you sustain the challenging work amid the inevitable challenges and setbacks? In this book, social reformer Joe Colletti provides direction for aspiring urban monks by drawing on decades of on-the-ground experience working toward solving social struggles, as well as his own journey creating an integrated "rule of life" to spiritually guide his lifelong work. Chapter by chapter, he sets you up for an intentional life of involvement in social reform, coaching you on how to choose your social struggle, select the spiritual principles and practices that will make up your own unique integrated rule of life, and merge your spiritual and secular efforts. Equal parts pragmatism and mysticism, The Way of the Urban Monk offers practical wisdom and soulful guidance for those committed to helping end seemingly intractable social injustices, enabling them to serve more effectively and from a place of spiritual wholeness.
“For far too long, many of us Christians have divided ourselves into ‘spiritual’ types or ‘social justice’ types, as if the two were somehow incompatible. Joe Colletti definitively unites the two. This book shows the reader not only how to find the best place for one’s own ministry but also how to build one’s unique integrated rule of life. A fine route to harmonious complexity.”
—Norvene Vest, author of Claiming Your Voice: Speaking truth to Power
“Inspiring. This book merges the seemingly disparate worlds of urban living and monk-like discipline and offers a fresh perspective on addressing societal challenges, and it emphasizes the importance of inner spiritual depth alongside practical action. A valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of urban life while making a meaningful impact on society.”
—Young Lee Hertig, executive director, Innovative Space for Asian American Christianity
“The book that many of us have been waiting for: a nuanced, experience-based guidebook that integrates social justice activity and spiritual disciplines practice. Well written, highly accessible, theologically astute, and alive with personal illustrations. I can see this book being used not only in theological seminaries and universities but in local churches with an urban vision. It has the potential to be life changing.”
—Richard Peace, senior professor of evangelism and spiritual formation, Fuller Theological Seminary
“This book marks a significant contribution to the subjects of spirituality, theology, social change, and Christian spiritual praxis. It is not simply one person’s theory; it is the theoretical brought to life. It will enrich the lives of anyone who takes the time to read it.”
—Cecil M. Robeck Jr., director, Center for Christian Spirituality, Fuller Theological Seminary
“The Way of the Urban Monk provides a welcome distillation of the integral relationship between spirituality and social activism. Reflecting on his own journey and tapping into spiritual principles and both ancient and contemporary practices, Joe Colletti provides a practical guide toward forming a personal integrated rule of life, a practice for anyone desiring a spirituality that informs and sustains a commitment to making our world a better one, especially for those on the margins.”
—Michael A. Mata, pastor for community engagement, Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene
- Title: The Way of the Urban Monk: A Spirituality for Solving Social Injustice
- Authors: Wil Hernandez, Joe Colletti
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385202508, 9798385202485, 9798385202492
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385202508
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-10T20:45:52Z
Joe Colletti is a social reformer who has modeled his life in the tradition of past and contemporary social reformers and links their successes and solutions to future reformers. He is chief executive officer of the Hub for Urban Initiatives and adjunct associate professor of urban studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also founder of the Society of Urban Monks, an ecumenical and multidenominational community involved in encountering, engaging, and ending social injustices.