Theo Final Flashcards
Asceticism
exercise or training (Grecco-Roman philosophers) attempting to maintain or develop spiritual/religious status
four aspects of asceticism
- Positive (adding something in i.e. physical beatings, exercise, eating bitter foods)
- Negative (taking something away i.e. food, sleep, sex, alcohol
- Total or Partial
- Temporary
monasticism
withdrawing from life to live separately to pursue an alternative (usually religious) life
monochos
withdrawal
when does monasticism hit
3rd and 4th century Egypt
Monks
lived harsh ascetic lifestyles
three parts of the monks ascetic lives
- greatly restricted diets
- no family or sex
- long prayer routines and arduous habits
Where did monks live and how (2 types)
- In solitary (hermit)
- Communal (living together in a monastery)
8 deadly sins according to Evagrius
- Gluttony
- Lust
- Greed
- Sadness
- Anger
- Vainglory
- Pride
- Acedia (noonday demon - untranslatable)
Evagrius on demons
mostly internal states of the mind and soul that afflict the body rather than physical and actual beings
Evagrius: the ultimate state of the human being
the goal of Christian life is apatheia or passionlessness. The only correct passion/love/desire is for God
Who wrote the life of antony
Athanasius about Antony, not clear how well he knew what he was talking about
Antony becoming a monk
- Born to a rich family in Egypt, attended church regularly
- His parents died and he took over the estate and his sister
- He sold his inheritance, gave the proceeds to the poor, and entrusted his sister to a group of consecrated virgins after hearing a gospel
- began living a life of intense discipline near his village, seeking spiritual guidance from an elder ascetic
Began spiritual development
what gospel passage did antony hear
Matthew 19:21
“If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor”
What did he have to do
He committed himself to prayer, fasting, and manual labor, avoiding idle conversation and focusing solely on spiritual growth. Took inspiration from other ascetics
How long did his development take
20-25 years
what was his relation to demons
- he faced physical and spiritual attacks from demons in a tomb outside of the village
- manifested in terrifying and grotesque forms, trying to frighten and tempt him, but Antony resisted through prayer and reliance on God. they also offered false visions (angels)
- tempting lust, greed, and other sins, he used prayer, fasting, and scriptures
the big fight in the tomb
- antony retreated to the tomb to focus on prayer without distraction (hermit)
- visions and torment
physical attack that left him unconscious - he was thought to be dead and was carried to a nearby church but insisted on being brought back to the tomb
- he faced the demons again saying he has no fear and calls for God strength and nothing can separate him from the love of Christ
- demons intensified, tomb filled with light, they fled from divine power
- antony saw a vision of god
- he emerged stronger, fearless of demons
Miracles performed by Antony
- healing the sick
- exorcisms
- prophetic insight
- protection of others
- supernatural strength and endurance (despite age)
- power over nature
Antony’s perfection
- absolute devotion to God
- spiritual wisdom
- encouraging a monastic and holy life