The Rise of the Monastic Movement in the Church

Monasticism was a response to the ways in which Christianity was moving in the 3rd and 5th Centuries (200-400 CE)What was happening at this time for

Christians?Christianity began and spread as a city religion All-consuming materialism, political corruption, etc.Christians went from being the persecuted minority to the

state-affiliated majority

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” Mark 8:34

“Blessed are the persecuted for my sake” Matt 5:10

Monasticism Begins as a Response Monasticism is  a religious way of life that involves renouncing worldly pursuits to fully devote one's self to spiritual work.

St. Anthony of Egypt: became the father of monasticism

Established “Solitary Monasticism” He went into the desert and set up

his hermitage there. People came to him to listen to him preach and teach. Soon, other followed him and

established their own hermitage too.

Why do you think Anthony had such a following?

Small colonies of men and women who lived in the desert as hermitsThey rejected all earthly

things, including human company, and relied on God alone.

Soon these monks and nuns were sought out as holy people and spiritual guides. Who does this remind

you of from the New Testament?

As monasticism spread to Europe it was modified because of cold winters which discouraged isolated living. Others saw the Solitary life did not lend itself to the Corporal Works of Mercy.

Feed the hungryGive drink to the thirstyClothe the naked

Shelter the homelessVisit the sickVisit the imprisonedBury the dead

Communal living in monasteries grew in response to the hermetic lifestyle. The Monastery – is the place

where monks or nuns lead a life dedicated to a life of Christian Communal Living.

St Benedict created a new kind of community based on rules - which became the foundation for Monastic Life in the Roman ChurchStrict discipline and regulations ,

and Dailey prayerEliminated excessive individualismLived a life similar to that of the

early Christians. Focused on the Bible and Learning

Women took part in hermit-type monasticism but early communal monasteries were for men onlyFocused on chastity and didn’t want the

temptation.

Soon, communal monasteries began to arrive on the scene. These communities were very desirable for women of all walks of life. Why do you think that is?

Women could: learn, read, write, do work, were not bound to marriage!

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