The Rise of the Monastic Movement in the Church

Monasticism was a response to the ways in which Christianity was moving in the 3 rd and 5 th Centuries ( 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 hermits They 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 hungry Give drink to the thirsty Clothe the naked Shelter the homeless Visit the sick Visit the imprisoned Bury 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 Church Strict discipline and regulations, and Dailey prayer Eliminated excessive individualism Lived 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 only Focused 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!