So...how does one model a monastic community that is based in a commercial bar? To get some ideas I'm turning (as I often do) to the past and trying (as I often don't) to learn some lessons from it. As time progresses I'll record my musings as they unfurl, but here's where I am at the moment.I've been pouring over a number of books in search of inspiration, but the two that have taken hold of my imagination most so far are Celtic Theology (London 2000) and The Didache (London 2010), both by church historian Tom O'Loughlin. I'll start with the latter as it knocked me for six.
The Didache is an ancient Christian text that was only discovered in the 19th century by chance. This is fascinating in itself considering that it was such an important text to the early church! The word 'didache' literally means 'teaching' in ancient Greek and it was used by the first Christians (literally within a generation of Jesus' death!) to organise their church groups. It gives the context to the letters that Paul and other apostles wrote in the New Testament. Amazing!!!! But it's so much more than that. You see, in the earliest days of Christianity, one could not simply walk into a church, hear a sermon, profess faith and be baptised. Nope nope nope. The process of becoming a Christian that Paul, James, Peter and the others understood was a rigorous process of testing and learning that could last months. ONLY when a candidate (yes, candidate!) had proved (yes, proved!) her commitment could she be baptised and call herself a Christian! The Didache was a text book of 'how to be a Christian' that had to be memorised!!!
The reason for this was simple: Christianity was a brand new movement and required a brand new way of life. It was only right that before a person committed to Christianity he understood completely what was involved, hence the entrance requirements. Also, it's true that during times of persecution the authorities would try and infiltrate Christian communities. If strict controls were placed on church membership, infiltration became much harder to do.So here's my musing. In a country that no longer professes to be Christian and in which most people don't know the basic tenets of Christianity (even, dare I say, in many churches!), should a 21st century Christian community in Britain be looking once again at the ancient practice of The Didache? Having some form of course or learning period before one can truly claim to be Christian? It's an intriguing thought.
Incidentally, it's worth noting that the only Christian communites that really take this practice seriously anymore are...you've guessd it, the monasteries.
