Endorsements for The Way of the Urban Monk
"In this inspiring read, Joe Colletti approaches spirituality and social reform. He merges the seemingly disparate worlds of urban living and monk-like discipline and offers a fresh perspective on addressing societal challenges. He has a fascinating perspective on viewing the urban environment as his monastery, emphasizing the importance of inner spiritual depth alongside practical action. Colletti's commitment to data-driven solutions, as evidenced in his work on homelessness in Pasadena, is essential to the credibility and effectiveness of his approach. By grounding his strategies in real-world data, he ensures his efforts have a lasting impact.
I have had the privilege of participating in some of Urban Monk's communal feasts for justice. The insights into resilient and creative leadership are enticing, especially for those passionate about making a difference in urban settings. The idea of cultivating an integrated rule of life tailored to one's calling and mission is particularly compelling in today's world, where social reform is needed more than ever. Overall, 'Urban Monk' is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of urban life while making a meaningful impact on society."
— Young Lee Hertig
Young Lee Hertig is cofounder and executive director of Innovative Space for Asian American Christianity (ISAAC) and Asian American Women on Leadership (AAWOL). She is the author of The Tao of Asian American Belonging (2019) and coeditor with Chloe T. Sun of Mirrored Reflections (Wipf & Stock, 2010). She has taught at Azusa Pacific University, United Theological Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary. She holds advanced degrees in counseling psychology, theology, anthropology, and intercultural studies.
"I know of no one more qualified to write a book on urban monasticism than Dr. Joe Colletti. I have watched him for more than 30 years as he developed his vision and invited others to join him. His empathy for those who suffer, and his desire to work in positive ways to break down walls that led to their suffering is contagious. 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. I believe that this book will enrich the lives of anyone who takes the time to read it. For those who share Colletti’s concern for today’s social issues, it provides a map for future engagement."
— Cecil M. Robeck Jr.
Cecil M. Robeck Jr. is professor of church history and ecumenics and director of the David J. DuPlessis Center for Christian Spirituality at Fuller. An ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, Robeck has also worked on ecumenical issues for nearly 30 years with the World Council of Churches, the Vatican, the World Alliance [now Communion] of Reformed Churches, and other groups. He serves as a Consultant to the Chairman of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization for long-term relations with the Vatican.
"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. With long years of actual practice, Joe Colletti definitively unites the two modes in The Way of the Urban Monk. Called by his compassion, Colletti finds himself intimately engaged in bringing justice into the daily lives of suffering people. Following his call to serve, Colletti finds grounding in an integrated rule of life, a grounding that sustains a strengthening relationship with God. 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.
"In The Way of the Urban Monk, Colletti realizes the 1982 promise of Raymond Panikkar’s book, Blessed Simplicity. Despite his book’s title, Panikkar refuses to limit the monastic impulse to simplicity, that is, to renunciation of the world in favor of absolute holiness unrelated to anything else. At least equally important alongside simplicity, Panikkar urges “harmonious complexity,” that is, a deliberate engagement with the world, seeking its transformation and finding a deep sacramental reality hidden within the most ordinary things and events. Joe Colletti has given us a fine route to harmonious complexity."
— Norvene Vest
Norvene Vest is an author, workshop leader, and spiritual director, interested particularly in lifelong growth in the Spirit. She is an oblate, or lay affiliate, of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, in Bristow, VA, and is deeply committed to Benedictine values.
"This is the book that many of us have been waiting for: a nuanced, experience-based guidebook that integrates social justice activity and spiritual disciplines practice. Dr. Colletti spent years of public engagement in various problems faced by the most vulnerable members of society. This, coupled with his deep study of Christian scriptures and theology, has moved him to put theory into action. Thus, he created the Society of Urban Monks, with members from around the globe, whose monastery is the urban world.
"The Way of the Urban Monk is well-written, highly accessible, theologically astute, and alive with personal illustrations. I am impressed by Colletti's fresh take on ancient spiritual practices which takes seriously foundational Christian commitments to values such as faith, hope, love, forgiveness, humility, acceptance, etc.
"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
Richard Peace, Ph.D., Senior Professor of Evangelism and Spiritual Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary. A prolific author, he has written, co-authored, or edited over 80 books and resource guides, and his books have been translated into over ten languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and Zulu.
“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 Mata
Michael A. Mata, pastor for community engagement, Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene