Follow Me: A History of Christian Intentionality By Ivan J. Kauffman A highly informative study of how Christians have historically attempted to deepen their faith through the formation of religious communities, in both the monastic and evangelical traditions. ISBN-13: 9780718891879 Specifications: 229x152mm, 276pp, Paperback Price: £19.50 • US$42.50 Publication: May 2009 Order this Title Now

About this Book

From the very beginning some Christians have wanted to go all the way – rather than asking, "What must I do to be a Christian?" have asked instead, "What can I do to be more Christian?" These highly intentional Christians have had an impact on the development of both Christianity and western civilisation that has been completely out of proportion to their numbers. Their greatest impact has come through communities of like-minded believers – whether of lay evangelicals or of celibate monastics – formed upon a common desire to live more intentional Christian lives.

This probing work tells the story of these communities, both monastic and lay. It is a story that, though often overlooked, is both inspiring and instructive. Above all it is a story that opens the way for greater understanding between two groups of Christians who have long been estranged – Protestant evangelicals and Catholic monastics.

Contents

Part One: Monastic Intentionality
1. From Anthony to Benedict.
2. From Martin of Tours to Cluny.
3. From Bernard of Clairvaux to Martin Luther.
4. The Monastic Legacy.

Part Two: Evangelical Intentionality
5. From Jerusalem to the Millennium.
6. From the Peace of God to the Reformation.
7. From the Anabaptists to the Baptists.
8. The Evangelical Legacy.

Conclusion: Meeting at the River

About the Author

Ivan J. Kauffman grew up in one of the oldest surviving lay evangelical communities, the Amish Mennonites. Educated as both a Mennonite and a Catholic he has been active in Mennonite-Catholic dialogues from their beginnings in the 1980s, and was a founder of the North American grassroots Mennonite Catholic dialogue, Bridgefolk. He identifies himself as a Mennonite Catholic.