Protestant & Monastic?

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A little history

The two concepts are not antithetical, and there is actually history to support their relationship. Contrary to popular opinion, Luther did not close the monasteries. While he had sharp criticisms of what monasticism had become by his day, he also wrote several letters defending monastic foundations from aggressive civil rulers. Some monasteries and convents actually converted to Lutheranism, and the vestiges survive to this day in Germany. Monastic foundations also continued in the Anglican tradition, and, following W.W.II, a rebirth of Protestant monasticism took place in both the Lutheran and Reformed traditions.

What's that got to do with WVU?

This past year, we committed to the formation of a confraternity, a local group of people who desire to enter into a deeper, more disciplined spirituality shaped by daily prayer, study of the Word, Christian fellowship, and growth in sanctification as informed by the Lutheran and Benedictine traditions.

The confraternity will open to men and women, students, faculties, staff, and members of the local community. Before joining, one can explore life in a confraternity as a guest, and then as an aspirant and postulant, without making formal commitments.

In addition to the mutual support of the confratres in things spiritual, the confraternity will also provide devotional resources, periodic communal meals, an option for religious housing, and the opportunity to make retreats at a Lutheran monastery.

When does this begin?

We already have. Seven signed aspirancy before the end of this past academic year. Postulancy will begin for those aspirants wishing to continue during the first fortnight of this new academic year.

Does that mean it is too late to get involved? Not at all. If you are interested (or merely curious), feel free to join in the prayer services and various aspects of oblate life as a guest. We'd also be happy to send you a copy of the customary, answer any questions you might have, or meet with you. Drop us a line (Monk@LutheranMountaineer.org) or call us (304-680-5388).

What's this about housing?

Lutherhaus becomes an "oblate house" (or "confraternity house") with the start of the 2015-2016 academic year. As a privilege and aid to oblate life, members of the confraternity have the option, limited by availability, of living in Lutherhaus.

Located directly behind the Chapel, Lutherhaus is one block from the Beechhurst PRT and two from the Mountainlair. The residential membership fee for the oblate house is $550 per month (utilities included) with a $50 rebate if no vehicle is brought by the resident. Lutherhaus can lodge seven. Each resident gets a private semi-furnished bedroom. There are three shared baths, and the kitchen, living, and dining rooms are shared.

Housing agreements can be made for an entire year, the summer, or a single semester. Sometimes additional rooms open up as students opt for foreign studies, internships, and the like.