(300-500) Rome and the Popes (300-400) Important to bear in mind that Rome was not necessarily the centre of the Church in the early period. The church was strong in the eastern parts of the Empire, Egypt and the Levant. Romes claims to supremacy stems from its connexion with Peter.
A Short History of Rome 31 BC to 284: Roman empire under great stress from without by invasion and from within by civil strife. 285 Diocletian reforms structure 313 Constantine wins battle of Milvian Bridge and grants religious freedom to Christians 330 Constantine founds Constantinople 380 Theodosius makes Christianity the official religion of the empire. Fall of Rome After 375 barbarian invaders put Rome under constant attack. Rome falls in 410 leaving a power vacuum. Arian tribes control modern-day France, Germany, and Spain. Angles and Saxons control Britain. The See of Peter Romes association with Peter came at the expense of the other Roman martyr, Paul. Peters charisma was important to establishing the bishop of Rome as the final arbiter of doctrine. The popes claims to authority stem from his close association with the tombs of the Apostles. See of Peter Movement of the administrative apparatus of the Roman state to various capitals in the empire left Rome with a power vacuum filled by the bishop of Rome. Constantine assists the church in gaining prestige through a massive works programme. One result of this programme is the building of a massive church over what was believed to be the tomb of Peter. Damasus (366-384) Damasus was elected bishop after a tumutous election in which he succeeded in having 100 of his opponents executed. Sought to highlight the traditions of Rome. First pope to use Latin. Made the city a place of pilgrimage. First to assert that Peter was not only founder of church in Rome but its first bishop. (ca 370) Appointed Jerome to write a Latin translation of the Bible. Rise of the Christian Aristocracy By 4 th century, Christianity becomes respectable. Embraced by emperor, the nobility decide to join. With decline of the empire, positions in the church seem to be better bets that careers in the Roman civil service. By 390, it appeared that the future lay in the power of the Church. Sack of Rome Roman empire comes under attack by various northern tribes. Rome falls to an army of Visigoths in 410.
Augustine of Hippo Latin-speaking theologian born in Grew up in North Africa to non-Christian father and deeply Christian mother. Flirted with Manichaeism, a form of Gnosticism, for about nine years. Converted to Christianity around 386. Became bishop of Hippo (in modern day Algeria) De Civitate Dei Written to explain in part how a great Christian empire, like Rome, could be conquered by pagans. Asserts the existence of two cities The earthly city: of necessity imperfect. No structure on this earth could be perfect. The heavenly city: that place wherein the saints dwell and toward which Christians on earth are progressing. Supporters of papal authority will later use the image of two cities to defend the prerogatives of the church. The Pelagian Controversy Pelagius, a British monk, asserted that man can work toward his own salvation. He has free will which allows him to choose to turn to God. Augustine asserts a doctrine of grace that makes Gods choice --- his predestination --- the determinative factor in salvation. Early Monasticism (400-500) Four periods of monasticism 3 rd to 6 th century: growth of monasticism due to the decay of the empire. 10 th and 11 th century: period of monastic reform 13 th century: era of the friars 16 th century: emergence of the Jesuits in the Counter-Reformation Causes of Monasticism Dualistic view of the flesh and spirit Scriptures Psychological tendencies Geography Dualistic view of the flesh and spirit Idea that the world was evil and the spirit good, influenced Christianity and served as an impetus for removal from the world. Scriptural Some scriptures seem to support removal from the world. 1 Cor. 7 is an example. Writings of the church fathers seem to lend support as well. Psychological Factors Disorder in society breeds a desire to escape. Roman decay provides impetus for some to flee the harsh realities of this world. Also, the ascetic life of the monastery could provide for a substitute for martydom. Geography Egypt is the source of the monastic movement. Hot, dry climate lent itself to retirement from the world. The caves lining the Nile provided the perfect location for monasticism. The East Anthony (ca. 251 ca. 356) usually regarded as the founder of monasticism. Moved to solitary cave in Egypt. Others moved to be with him but he never organised them into a community. Each was left to pursue his own ascetic lifestyle. Hermitic monasticism. The East Cenobite Monasticism: of the community. Pachomius ( ca. 290-346) credited with founding the first community. Basil of Caessarea (ca. 330-379) established large monastic community and produced a rule for the monks. Monks were to work, pray, read the Bible and do good deeds. Basils rule remains influential in Eastern monasticism today. The West Western monasticism differed from Eastern in that it was less influenced by the hermit strain. Cold climates meant that communities were necessary to provide housing and warmth. Athanasius is traditionally credited with introduction of monasticism to the West. The West Benedict of Nursia (ca. 480-543) founded the great monastery at Monte Casino (529). Developed a Rule which divided the day into periods for reading, worship, and work. Rule emphasized poverty, chastity and obedience. By the 7 th century, it was carried to England, German and France. Became the dominant rule by the year 1000. Benefits of Monasticism Medieval equivalent of an experimental farm. Kept scholarship alive. Provided source of missionaries Refuge for the outcasts of society
The Monastic Orders What were they? Communities specially endowed and set apart form the full, lifelong, and irrevocable practise of the Christian life at a level of excellence judged to be impossible outside such a community Distinguished by group of people who took life- long vows. While there is great variety over time, there were six to eight major communities by the end of the 13 th century, with 20 sub-branches.
Rise and Growth Characterised by rather stable monastic practise until about 1100 After 1100 for about 100 years, there is great growth, with a variety of orders coming into existence. In effect, stability of monasticism prior to 1100 reflects stability of the society as a whole. Growing complexity of society after 1100 brings complexity in monastic organisation. Do They Live Up to Their Aims Formed as protest against the world, but become shaped by society. Members in many ways act as worldly as those around them. ON the one hand, they are a betrayal of their ideals. On the other hand, they achieve their goals rather admirably. Centres of learning and spiritual thought, they did well given the conditions under which they operated.
Early History of Monasticism Monastic derived from monachos, a solitary person. Religious men or women who withdraw from society to pursue their own spiritual salvation. Earliest form appears in Egypt in late 3 rd and early 4 th
century. Anthony of Egypt (356d.) considered the founder of Christian monasticism. Earliest monasteries established to provide isolation from the world. Dalmatou is first monastery in Constantinople (late 4 th
century). St. Catherines monastery founded by Justinian on the site of Mount Sinai in 548-565. The Benedictines Benedict of Nursia (480?-547?) Not the founder of Christian monasticism. Monastic communities existed in Asia minor, Egypt and Palestine since at least the 3 rd century. Established monasteries in and around Rome. Established Monte Cassino, his principal monastery in 529. Established a rule which became a model for other communities to follow. The Rule of St. Benedict Probably borrowed large passages from the rule of The Master (identity unknown). However, Benedict changes its focus and tone significantly. Benedicts Rule is Short Complete and clear Devoid of rigidity
Features of Benedicts Rule Obedience Tenderness Daily Worship Obedience The first degree of humility is obedience without delay. This is the virtue of those who hold nothing dearer to them than Christ. Rule of St. Benedict, ch. 5 Obedience is the overriding theme. Goal is to encourage the denial of self in order to become instruments of God Aspects of Obedience Obedience to Gods precepts as found in the Gospels Obedience to the Rule Obedience to the Abbot
Tenderness Tenderness Benedict recognises that rigidity is not useful, can be counterproductive Rule provides for mercy and tenderness on part of the abbot, in particular. Tenderness makes it useful for a wide range of communities Let the Abbot be most solicitous in his concern for delinquent brethren, for it is not the healthy but the sick who need a physician (Matt 9:12). And therefore he ought to use every means that a wise physician would use. Rule of St. Benedict, ch. 27 Daily Worship The Daily Worship is the centre of the Rule. Built on two pillars: At midnight I will rise and give thanks to thee and seven times a day do I praise thee. (Ps. 119) Result: The long night office and seven day- offices: matins, prime, terce, sext, nones, vespers and compline. Monthly recitation of the entire psalms and yearly reading of the Bible. The offices and scripture readings form the basis of the Anglican daily office. Functions of the Monasteries Social Function
Penitential Function
Family Function The Social Function Did not exist for personal salvation. Who would pay for that? Existed to aid in battle against spiritual demons. Prayers and works to protect the kingdom against the forces of evil. Monastic warfare: The monks fight together in the strength of Christ with the sword of the spirit against the aery wiles of the devils. They defend the king and clergy of the realm from the onslaughts of their invisible enemies.
The Penitential Function Imposition of penances meant delay in getting into heaven. Soul might wait in purgatory for years, even centuries, before being admitted to heaven. Need to pay the debt. A great man could pay the penance (whether in money or acts) or engage another man to pay it for him. One mans penance is as good as anothers. Payment of supernatural debt that was important. Monasteries offer a way to pay this debt. Monks and abbeys could be used to offer the prayers or actions necessary to pay any penance.
Family Function Economy of family required a place for all the sons and daughters. Can`t divide the land. Monasteries provided places where younger sons and daughters of the military might go. Provided sons of noblemen with suitable provision and atmosphere. Families endow monasteries to provide secure and comfortable place for their offspring. Change and Decay By 1050, Benedictine monasteries are at their apex, the prime expression of the Christian religion throughout western Europe. Benedictine monopoly comes to an end around 1100. Brought about by two factors: Spiritual malaise: desire for more personal salvation. Concern about rigidity of the rule. Economic decline: impossible to establish large estates to support monasteries.
Decline of the Benedictines Number of monks began to fall as revenues failed to keep up with expenses. Institutions needed to maintain their social standing and standard of living. Monasteries could admit new members since revenues would not permit more mouths to feed. Benedictine houses part of the established order, not the source of new ideas or innovation.
The New Orders Benedictine collapse in between 1050 and 1100 coincides with the beginning of the rapid expansion of western society. Increasing complexity of society leads to new openings for other orders between 1075 and 1125. Two orders stand out: Augustinian canons Cistercian monks They occupy the left and right of the Benedictine position.
The Augustinians Founded on the rule of St. Augustine. This rule goes behind the Rule of Benedict, behind the organised church --- back to the Bible. Augustines letter: Have all things in common Pray together at appointed times Dress without distinction Obey a superior This rule is flexible which allows for adoption by many different types of communities.
Life of the Augustinians Rule produces broad and severe school Severe school insists on rules of abstinence, silence and manual labour Broad school denied necessity of manual labour, contenting itself with holding things in common. They are the left wing of monasticism. Work of Augustinians Early communities come into effect without large endowments or without formal acts of foundation. Small groups could come together for small purposes. Very practical communities. Devoted to small works of mercy and community. Ran schools, hospitals, repaired churches. Pope Urban II: Two forms of religious life: monastics and canons. Monastics abandon earthly things and give themselves up to contemplation. Canons make use of earthly things to build up the broken world. In effect, Benedictines play the Churchs Mary to the Augustinians Martha.
Social Place of Augustinians Because they are smaller and less elaborate communities, they are suited to a more flexible and diverse society. Attractive to middling nobles. Could be the patron of a monastic house without large outlay. They were ubiquitously useful. Thousands of communities by 1250. The Cistercians A reaction to the Benedictines, but very different from Augustinians Augustinians: small communities, localised support mechanisms, closely identified with the environment, close to towns and castles, poor Cistercians: large agricultural holdings, built on the frontier, refused ornamentation because of principle rather than poverty. Puritan in their approach to the Rule of St. Benedict. Occupy the right wing of monasticism.
Aims of Cistercians Restore the Rule of St. Benedict to its original simplicity. Criticised institutionalisation and worldliness of Benedictine order. Focus on following the whole Gospel, which is to follow Christ in stark simplicity and poverty, the pauperes pauperem Christum sequentes (the poor following the Christ in poverty). Organisation of the Cistercians Required endowments of some size Took large agricultural tracts in undeveloped areas, the frontiers Went to the edge of the settled lands of Europe. Ironically, this was the best economic decision Organisation Masterpiece of medieval planning Strong chain of authority from top to bottom Military precision Regulate every detail of daily life Ultimately a frontier organisation engaged in a work of colonisation which was partly religious, partly military, and partly agrarian Use of conversi, lay brethren, to do the manual work of the community.
The Cistercians Puritan Paradox Their simplicity and organisation made them rich. Unlike Benedictines, the Cistercians reject ornamentation, ostentation in their abbeys and their way of life Allowed them to achieve large surpluses Accusations of greed and covetousness Decline by 1220.
The Friars Arise after 1200 largely in towns and universities. Towns and universities part of the rise of the new secular society after 1050 and thus provide impetus for the friars new way of monasticism Two great kinds: Dominicans and Franciscans
Founding Dominicans Founded around 1206 to combat heresy in the Languedoc Utilised rule of St. Augustine Rose up because Cistercians could not manage the job. The Cistercians were seen as part of the established order. Dominicans adopted an apostolic life, the viti apostolica. Aimed at combatting heresy through preaching reinforced by a primitive simplicity of apostolic life Founding Franciscans Founded by Francis of Assisi in 1210 Rule of St. Francis was a call to total renunciation Poverty was not merely a tool of self-abnegation -- - it was the goal of the Franciscan Sell everything and give to the poor Grew very fast, faster than Dominicans Work of the Friars Took the whole world for their parish Franciscans more successful than Domincans Urban orders. They went into the towns to beg from the populace so as to care for the populace. Preached in the streets In time support for friars comes from legacies and bequests.
Friars and Scholars Wealthy families did not necessarily want their sons to become friars. Better to go to the Benedictines University men good fodder for friar recruitment. Provides a secure place for the learned. Dominicans, in particular, noted for their academic adventures Friars originally organised to combat heresy. They became attractive to university men because they offered opportunity for prolonged university study.