The question of community is one of the burning issues of the age. Religious communities have many insights to offer. At the same time they have an urgent need of their own to reflect upon the richness of their experience and the theology of community. This book is a lively contribution to the process.
It begins, in the first part, by looking at the New Testament roots of community. Then, in the second part, it goes on to study the theological and spiritual development of religious life, particularly from the viewpoint of the life of communion. The discussion not only illuminates religious life itself, but it throws shafts of light upon the fundamental notion of communion. next, in the third part, the book considers the theological basis of religious life. This lies in the twin mystery of God as Trinity and as the One who is revealed and acts in the Paschal event. Finally, in the fourth part, there is an outline of a practical methodology for living out and renewing the life of communion.