Monasticism Flashcards
Where do the words “monastic” and “ascetic” come from?
monastikos = solitary, asketikos = one who observes discipline
Where does the monastic tradition originate?
During Christian persecution, a few folks fled into the desert.
Why did monasticism persist after persecution?
A way to separate oneself from wealth and corruption in the church, a way to “martyr” oneself by “death to the passions.”
What were the 5 types of monasticism?
Eremitic, Skete, Cenobitic, Anchoritic, Mendicants
Who were the Eremitics?
Completely solitary hermits in the Desert, known as the Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers.
Who were the Sketes?
Groups of Eremitics who lived together to share resources.
Who were the Cenobitics?
Dissatisfied people who rejected wealth, lived communally and started producing goods to sell.
Who were the Anchoritics?
Hermits who would attach themselves to a monastery or a church.
Who were the Mendicants?
Wandering friars who lived off of alms; focused on teaching and preaching but were eventually settled in convents.
Why did Monasticism become so popular?
Not only a form of protest, it was well funded, provided education.
What was the rise of the term “pagan” associated with?
Rural folk who could continue to practise local religions without much interference. Christianity was urban.
How did Christianity survive the fall of the Western Empire?
Monasticism was rampant and well-funded by nobility, and monasteries had reputations of charity and hospitality.
How did the Church survive the fall of the Western empire?
Popes and bishops took on more political power as state power faltered. Popes could crown kings.
How did the Pope gain power over bishops?
The Bishop of Rome had domain over the shrines of Peter & Paul. Peter was the first of the apostles.
Who was Pope Leo I?
A bishop of Rome who claimed primacy of jurisdiction because he was in a line of succession of Peter and thus inherited his eminence.
