In Christianity, monasticism refers to a group of related practices that emerged soon after the start of the Christian Church, based on biblical models and aspirations but not prescribed as a religious order by the Bible. Monasticism is a far broader concept in general. It originated before Christianity and is adopted in several religions. Think of yourself as a monk living in a monastery whose primary purpose is to worship God. Follow and practice every religious ritual and avoid falling for worldly pleasures. This is the basic concept of monasticism.
Although many people associate Christian monks or nuns with dwelling in a convent, the emphasis of the Church is on a concept known as the religious life, sometimes known as the state of bliss, rather than on living in a convent or practicing any particular action. This attitude of seeking God’s blessings above everything else is reflected throughout history. This is the central concept of monasticism, the devotional practice of living life to please God, worship Him, and obey His rules.
Before digging deep into the concept of Christian monasticism, do you know where did Christian monasticism begin? How did it originate? What are some of its features? Let’s find out.
Christian Monasticism: Introduction
Monasticism is a concept followed in several religions with the same underlying principle. It’s an intense practice of religion and the orders of God in a way that goes beyond everyday worship. People who adopt monasticism are extremely religious individuals who spend their life for the sole purpose of worshipping their God and living life strictly according to His rules.
The same is the case with Christian monasticism. Religious practices like fasting, modesty, and surrender of wealth and property serve as its objective. Nuns or monks embark on a road of perpetual self-mortification with the purpose of spiritual connection with God through prayer after renunciation of secular commitments. Relinquishment must be practiced and prepared for, as it demands both chastity and regular activity.
Though it can be practiced in a group, the monastic experience is internal and isolated. The monastic life is characterized by prayer and work, which entails submitting every area of one’s life to a cultivated consciousness of God’s existence.
Christian Monasticism: Origin
There are conflicting views on where did Christian monasticism begin? Christian monasticism appears to have originated as a form of living sacrifice in the dunes of Egypt in the fourth century. The emergence of monasticism at this period is attributed by historians like Lester K. Little to the massive changes in the church ushered on by Constantine’s conversion and endorsement of Christianity as the major Roman religion. This put a halt to Christians’ status as a tiny minority claiming to be the virtuous elite.
As a result, a more advanced and new form of devotion was established to sustain the committed unit. This provided a boost to the vision of Christianity and the Church, and Christianity spread rapidly all across the world.
Other historians point to historical evidence that monasticism originated before Christianity’s acceptance. Though Saint Paul of Thebes (commonly known as Paul) is considered the earliest known Christian monk, some Carmelites believe monasticism originated from Jewish prophets. While in Egypt, Anthony the Great is regarded as the founder of monasticism.
Christian Monasticism: History
Saint Macarius was the first to develop a monastery with individual cells called “larvae,” created to bring together individual monastics who, while pious, lacked the physical attributes or abilities to live in isolation in the desert, like Saint Anthony of Egypt.
Saint Pachomius gathered these cells into a huge unified religious community in Tabenna, Egypt, around AD 323. Individual monasteries for men and women were established and regulations for everyday life. He was dubbed Abba (father) during that period.
He was brought in to assist in establishing other villages since this one was so prosperous. By the time he departed, there were supposed to be 3000 of them dispersed over Egypt, particularly in the Thebaid. This figure grew to 7000 in the next phase. Monasticism swiftly extended throughout the Roman Empire, initially to the Palestinian region, then to Syria, Northern Africa, and finally to the remaining Roman Empire, where it became a fundamental feature of life. Monasteries were recognized earlier as functioning outside the jurisdiction of the formal Church administration and the Emperor.
The lay ministries and the monastic communities had a tense relationship. During the Early Middle Ages, monastic culture started to play a significant role in the Church. The golden period of Christian monasticism, according to some, lasted from the ninth to the twelfth centuries.
Christian Monasticism: Features
The majority of religious people following the monastic experience were not priests, depending on the parish to deliver the rituals; nonetheless, isolated groups could attempt to anoint someone if necessary. Bishops have also frequently been elected from the ranks of monastic authority.
Although Christian monasticism is concerned chiefly with the personal pursuit of religious or faith practice, it has also been credited with:
- Preserving culture and education after the fall of the Roman Empire
- Preserving some significant manuscripts from the early Roman and Christian ages
- Early breakthroughs in different fields like manufacturing, agriculture, medicine, etc.
- Developing early pharmacies for treating new or unknown diseases.
- Helping initiate some essential reform movements.
- Providing social stability in Eastern and Western Europe.
Additionally, due to Christian monasticism, there were considerable developments in Christian culture, arts, and music.
Our Final Thoughts
Christian monasticism is a great concept still adopted by many priests, monks, and nuns worldwide. These religious people are serving the intense goal of the Christian religion: to serve God, worship God, and sacrifice anything that can move you away from your Christian faith. These people are not concerned about worldly pleasures and problems. They only live to serve one purpose. That is to worship their God, follow Him in His teaching and commands, leave the worldly pleasures, and move to the path of the true Christian faith.
