Mondays are for Church History
5/27/24
Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter IV. The Rise and Progress of Monasticism." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. (pp. 1908-1993). (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library). (through section 47)
"§30. Nature and Aim of Monasticism." (pp. 1919-1921).
Schaff describes the monastic life as an attempt to transcend worldly life patterns and find an "unworldly purely apostolic, angelic life" (Schaff 2014, p. 1919). However, counter to Gnostic asceticism, it recognizes the created order as a gift from God. The monastic goal is not so much to transform the world, but to transcend it. Among the methods of transcending the world is an obedience to churchly authorities and a willingness to sacrifice the self (Schaff 2014, p. 1920). This life of self-sacrifice and obedience separates the monastic from worldly enticements, allowing for devotion to God. Monastic movements typically engaged in such studies and labors which would make a living and enable them to care for the poor Schaff 2014, p. 1921).
"§31. Monasticism and the Bible." (pp 1921-1923).
While advocates of monasticism refer to Elijah, Elisha, and John the Baptist, Schaff finds a lack of biblical exhortation to imitate them. Rather, he sees them as "extraordinary personages of an extraordinary age" Schaff 2014, p. 1921). Some movements found New Testament warrants for leaving behind wealth and marriage, imitating the poverty of Christ. However, Schaff considers this to normally result in a caricature of the New Testament as a whole. All Christians face the same moral demands. Schaff does not see it appropriate for there to be different classes of Christians, some more dedicated and the majority less dedicated to the work of following Jesus Schaff 2014, p. 1922). He describes the joyous fellowship of Christ and his disciples with others, as well as the pattern of Peter who apparently remained married and traveled with his wife doing missionary work.The essence of the Christian life is "the Christian spirit of humility and love" governing interrelationships Schaff 2014, p. 1923).
5/27/24
Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter IV. The Rise and Progress of Monasticism." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. (pp. 1908-1993). (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library). (through section 47)
"§30. Nature and Aim of Monasticism." (pp. 1919-1921).
Schaff describes the monastic life as an attempt to transcend worldly life patterns and find an "unworldly purely apostolic, angelic life" (Schaff 2014, p. 1919). However, counter to Gnostic asceticism, it recognizes the created order as a gift from God. The monastic goal is not so much to transform the world, but to transcend it. Among the methods of transcending the world is an obedience to churchly authorities and a willingness to sacrifice the self (Schaff 2014, p. 1920). This life of self-sacrifice and obedience separates the monastic from worldly enticements, allowing for devotion to God. Monastic movements typically engaged in such studies and labors which would make a living and enable them to care for the poor Schaff 2014, p. 1921).
"§31. Monasticism and the Bible." (pp 1921-1923).
While advocates of monasticism refer to Elijah, Elisha, and John the Baptist, Schaff finds a lack of biblical exhortation to imitate them. Rather, he sees them as "extraordinary personages of an extraordinary age" Schaff 2014, p. 1921). Some movements found New Testament warrants for leaving behind wealth and marriage, imitating the poverty of Christ. However, Schaff considers this to normally result in a caricature of the New Testament as a whole. All Christians face the same moral demands. Schaff does not see it appropriate for there to be different classes of Christians, some more dedicated and the majority less dedicated to the work of following Jesus Schaff 2014, p. 1922). He describes the joyous fellowship of Christ and his disciples with others, as well as the pattern of Peter who apparently remained married and traveled with his wife doing missionary work.The essence of the Christian life is "the Christian spirit of humility and love" governing interrelationships Schaff 2014, p. 1923).
RSS Feed