Brother John of Taize works with young adults from around the world who visit the monastic community in France to renew their Christian faith. He teaches at Taize and has written eight books which have been translated into a dozen languages.
What is distinctive about the Christian faith? Brother John of Taize quotes Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "Jesus does not call to a new religion, but to life." Others in the Protestant tradition agree and have put the theological accent on the believer's personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This approach becomes spiritual when it engages the heart and brings us into communion with God.
After revealing the Biblical basis for friends in Christ, Brother John of Taize probes the views on the same subject by Augustine, the monastic tradition, Aelred, Aquinas, and modern times. Brother Roger, the founder of Taize, saw friendship as "the face of Christ'' and was a great believer in camaraderie with nonbelievers.
Brother John is very hopeful that the youth from all over the world who come to Taize are there to immerse themselves in the healing waters of fellowship. In John's Gospel, Jesus says, "I call you friends." And now the same spirit must animate Christian communities to practice hospitality and live out friendship beyond borders.
