Monasticism-Then and Now

Bibliographic Data

ID3284248
AuthorsJohn Binns (University of London, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume12
Issue7
Pages510
Publication date2021-07-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel12070510
OpenAlexW3181350087
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited9

The monastic tradition has its roots in the New Testament practices of withdrawing into the desert, following a celibate lifestyle and disciplines of fasting. After the empire became Christian in the 4th century these ascetic disciplines evolved into monastic communities. While these took various forms, they developed a shared literature, gained a recognised place in the church, while taking different ways of life in the various settings in the life of the church. Western and Eastern traditions of monastic life developed their own styles of life. However, these should be recognised as being formed by and belonging to the same tradition, and showing how it can adapt to specific social and ecclesiastical conditions. In the modern world, this monastic way of life continues to bring renewal to the church in the 'new monasticism' which adapts traditional monastic practices to contemporary life. New monastic communities engage in evangelism, serve and identify with the marginalised, offer hospitality, and commit themselves to follow rules of life and prayer. Their radical forms of discipleship and obedience to the gospel place them clearly within the continuing monastic tradition

Ancient history · Apostle · Archaeology · Asceticism · Christianity · Church History · Commit · Discernment · Environmental ethics · Gospel · Monasticism · Obedience · Political science · Prayer · Religious life · Sociology · Theology · Classics · History · Law · Philosophy · Religion and Society Interactions · Religious studies · Religious Tourism and Spaces

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access