7.1 - The Birth of Monasticism

 

Athanasius, who made Anthony of Alexandria famous by writing his biography, describes him as a miracle-worker who occasionally did battle with evil spirits disguised as wild beasts.

Synopsis

As the Roman Empire declined, the increasing worldliness of the imperial state church drove many disillusioned believers into the desert in search of true holiness. Anthony, the "father of monasticism," left a life of ease in Alexandria to dwell in desert caves, where he soon developed a following (much to his chagrin) and a reputation as a teacher, miracle worker, and battler of evil spirits. As monasticism spread (most notably through the work of Benedict of Nursia), it became more communal and less ascetic. By the 5th century, nearly every church leader of any significance had been a monk at one point or another in his life.

Key Quotes

• "In the past, Christian ministers had been willing to lay down their lives for the truth. Now, as Gregory of Nazianzus complained, 'The chief seat is gained by evil doing, not by virtue; and the [bishops’ seats] belong, not to the more worthy, but to the more powerful.' Needless to say, this turned a lot of people off." 
• "Monasticism began in the East, but it came to full flower in the West. Athanasius was the first to introduce it to the West during his exiles in Germany and Italy."
• "Benedict’s Rule provided a blueprint for monastic life. Since it was simple and reasonable, it could be replicated almost anywhere. ... By the year 1000, there was a Benedictine monastery in nearly every community in Western Europe."

Reflection Questions 

• What were some of the causes of monasticism? Do you think people would have sought holiness differently if the Roman Empire had not been in decline?
• How did monasteries end up becoming means of evangelism? What lessons could the contemporary church draw from this? 
• The Rule of Benedict demands absolute obedience from monks to their Abbot. What do you think the reason for this is? How would you cope in such circumstances yourself? Do you think it is a good discipline for those who can manage it, or completely unhealthy, or what?

Further Resources

To read excerpts from the Rule of Benedict in contemporary English, click the link below.
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/benedicts-rule