Owen Chadwick
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198269229
- eISBN:
- 9780191600456
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198269226.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
The vitality to be found among monks and nuns in the nineteenth century was less in the historic orders than in small groups gathered for particular purposes of prayer, promotion of a particular ...
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The vitality to be found among monks and nuns in the nineteenth century was less in the historic orders than in small groups gathered for particular purposes of prayer, promotion of a particular devotion, education, evangelism, or care for the sick or needy. The numbers of religious grew through the century, but not necessarily in the old orders, and despite the political difficulties, dissolutions and expulsions they suffered in most Catholic countries. Discussion of each major order in turn shows how they adapted or failed to adapt to the modern world and the tensions between centralization and local autonomy.Less
The vitality to be found among monks and nuns in the nineteenth century was less in the historic orders than in small groups gathered for particular purposes of prayer, promotion of a particular devotion, education, evangelism, or care for the sick or needy. The numbers of religious grew through the century, but not necessarily in the old orders, and despite the political difficulties, dissolutions and expulsions they suffered in most Catholic countries. Discussion of each major order in turn shows how they adapted or failed to adapt to the modern world and the tensions between centralization and local autonomy.
Colin Morris
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198269250
- eISBN:
- 9780191600708
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198269250.003.0011
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
The experiments with hermits (Ch. 3) grew into new and elaborate orders, extending throughout Christendom, and these in turn gave rise to fierce controversy with the champions of older orders. With ...
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The experiments with hermits (Ch. 3) grew into new and elaborate orders, extending throughout Christendom, and these in turn gave rise to fierce controversy with the champions of older orders. With the new orders came a new (and arguably more oppressive) pattern of landowning.Less
The experiments with hermits (Ch. 3) grew into new and elaborate orders, extending throughout Christendom, and these in turn gave rise to fierce controversy with the champions of older orders. With the new orders came a new (and arguably more oppressive) pattern of landowning.
David W. Kling
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- April 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195130089
- eISBN:
- 9780199835393
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195130081.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter focuses on the history of interpretation of the Song of Songs, with a particular attention given to Bernard of Clairvaux’s Sermons on the Song of Songs. It also considers the important ...
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This chapter focuses on the history of interpretation of the Song of Songs, with a particular attention given to Bernard of Clairvaux’s Sermons on the Song of Songs. It also considers the important contribution of Origen in the history of biblical interpretation, as well as contemporary interpretations (e.g., feminist) of this poetic book in Hebrew Scripture.Less
This chapter focuses on the history of interpretation of the Song of Songs, with a particular attention given to Bernard of Clairvaux’s Sermons on the Song of Songs. It also considers the important contribution of Origen in the history of biblical interpretation, as well as contemporary interpretations (e.g., feminist) of this poetic book in Hebrew Scripture.
Roger D. Sorrell
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195386738
- eISBN:
- 9780199852413
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195386738.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
This chapter begins with a discussion of early Christian attitudes toward creation. It then discusses the poetic tradition, the scientific tradition, the folk-barbarian tradition, the ...
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This chapter begins with a discussion of early Christian attitudes toward creation. It then discusses the poetic tradition, the scientific tradition, the folk-barbarian tradition, the ascetic-monastic view of creation, the range of expressions in the East and early West, the Cistercians, the Cistercian reform and the Cistercian attitude toward creation, the highest expression of the Cistercian ideal: the Description of Clarivaux, and specific relationships between Cistercian and Franciscan thought.Less
This chapter begins with a discussion of early Christian attitudes toward creation. It then discusses the poetic tradition, the scientific tradition, the folk-barbarian tradition, the ascetic-monastic view of creation, the range of expressions in the East and early West, the Cistercians, the Cistercian reform and the Cistercian attitude toward creation, the highest expression of the Cistercian ideal: the Description of Clarivaux, and specific relationships between Cistercian and Franciscan thought.
S.J. William Harmless
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195300383
- eISBN:
- 9780199851560
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195300383.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, World Religions
This chapter looks at a recent mystic, the American monk Thomas Merton (1915–1968). He was arguably the most popular spiritual writer of the twentieth century and is best known for his autobiography, ...
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This chapter looks at a recent mystic, the American monk Thomas Merton (1915–1968). He was arguably the most popular spiritual writer of the twentieth century and is best known for his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain. Merton combined a passion for contemplation with a sharp-edged social conscience and an openness to the world's great spiritual traditions, especially Zen Buddhism. In many ways, Merton is an emblem for this whole book. This chapter explores mystical elements in Thomas Merton's life and writings. It begins with an extended biographical sketch followed with an analysis of a few elements of Merton's mystical theology. The figures and trends that interested Merton and shaped his spirituality include the early Cistercians, the apophatic tradition, the desert fathers, and interreligious dialogue. For Merton, the journey to God is a journey through an ordinary, everyday landscape, but changed somehow, charged with the presence of God.Less
This chapter looks at a recent mystic, the American monk Thomas Merton (1915–1968). He was arguably the most popular spiritual writer of the twentieth century and is best known for his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain. Merton combined a passion for contemplation with a sharp-edged social conscience and an openness to the world's great spiritual traditions, especially Zen Buddhism. In many ways, Merton is an emblem for this whole book. This chapter explores mystical elements in Thomas Merton's life and writings. It begins with an extended biographical sketch followed with an analysis of a few elements of Merton's mystical theology. The figures and trends that interested Merton and shaped his spirituality include the early Cistercians, the apophatic tradition, the desert fathers, and interreligious dialogue. For Merton, the journey to God is a journey through an ordinary, everyday landscape, but changed somehow, charged with the presence of God.
Alfred Haverkamp
- Published in print:
- 1992
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198221722
- eISBN:
- 9780191678486
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198221722.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
In the more than two centuries under consideration here, the Roman Church expanded very widely. At the same time it radically changed its evaluation of itself, its inner structure, its effectiveness, ...
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In the more than two centuries under consideration here, the Roman Church expanded very widely. At the same time it radically changed its evaluation of itself, its inner structure, its effectiveness, and its position in the world. The strongest motor of change was the desire of the reforming papacy to push back the influence of the laity on the Church in general and on individual churches and monasteries in particular. This led to the light against the investiture of clerics by laymen, and struck at the heart of the relationship between ecclesiastical and secular authority, clergy, and laity. This chapter examines the reforming papacy and Cluniac monasticism; hermits and hermit’ order; the Cistercians; wandering preachers as founders of monastic orders; the regular canons; the early knightly orders; and the mendicant orders.Less
In the more than two centuries under consideration here, the Roman Church expanded very widely. At the same time it radically changed its evaluation of itself, its inner structure, its effectiveness, and its position in the world. The strongest motor of change was the desire of the reforming papacy to push back the influence of the laity on the Church in general and on individual churches and monasteries in particular. This led to the light against the investiture of clerics by laymen, and struck at the heart of the relationship between ecclesiastical and secular authority, clergy, and laity. This chapter examines the reforming papacy and Cluniac monasticism; hermits and hermit’ order; the Cistercians; wandering preachers as founders of monastic orders; the regular canons; the early knightly orders; and the mendicant orders.
Wolfgang Riehle
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801451096
- eISBN:
- 9780801470936
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801451096.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This chapter examines the development of eremitical mysticism in the British Isles. Focusing on the case of Peter Abelard (1079–1142), it considers the link between eroticism and mysticism. After ...
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This chapter examines the development of eremitical mysticism in the British Isles. Focusing on the case of Peter Abelard (1079–1142), it considers the link between eroticism and mysticism. After providing a background on the development of anchoritic spirituality up to the time of the Cistercians, the chapter discusses the origins of the specific reforming order of the Cistercians in the context of the revival of eremiticism. It then explores the anchoritic form of life by turning to two English figures from the twelfth century, Wulfric of Haselbury and Godric of Finchale, and to the English recluse Christina of Markyate (born between 1096 and 1098). It argues that the anchoritic idea exerted a profound influence in England, which produced such works as The Cloud of Unknowing and the writings of Walter Hilton, which were specifically addressed to anchorites.Less
This chapter examines the development of eremitical mysticism in the British Isles. Focusing on the case of Peter Abelard (1079–1142), it considers the link between eroticism and mysticism. After providing a background on the development of anchoritic spirituality up to the time of the Cistercians, the chapter discusses the origins of the specific reforming order of the Cistercians in the context of the revival of eremiticism. It then explores the anchoritic form of life by turning to two English figures from the twelfth century, Wulfric of Haselbury and Godric of Finchale, and to the English recluse Christina of Markyate (born between 1096 and 1098). It argues that the anchoritic idea exerted a profound influence in England, which produced such works as The Cloud of Unknowing and the writings of Walter Hilton, which were specifically addressed to anchorites.
Wolfgang Riehle
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801451096
- eISBN:
- 9780801470936
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801451096.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This chapter provides an overview of early Cistercian theology in England, focusing on key figures and ideas that will be important for the subsequent history of English mysticism. It begins with ...
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This chapter provides an overview of early Cistercian theology in England, focusing on key figures and ideas that will be important for the subsequent history of English mysticism. It begins with Stephen Harding, an Englishman of distinguished ancestry and a central figure in the founding of the Cistercian order. It then turns to Bernard of Clairvaux, through whom the biblical orientation of the Cistercians would gain ever greater currency in Europe, and two of the most significant figures who were connected to—and deeply influenced by—him, including William of St. Thierry and Guerric of Igny. It also examines the works of Aelred of Rievaulx, including The Mirror of Charity (Liber de speculo caritatis) and Rule of Life for a Recluse (De institutione inclusarum). Finally, it analyzes the poetic diction of the hymn Dulcis Iesu memoria and how Cistercian spirituality was “transposed” into the vernacular texts of the so-called Wooing Group and the related Ancrene Wisse.Less
This chapter provides an overview of early Cistercian theology in England, focusing on key figures and ideas that will be important for the subsequent history of English mysticism. It begins with Stephen Harding, an Englishman of distinguished ancestry and a central figure in the founding of the Cistercian order. It then turns to Bernard of Clairvaux, through whom the biblical orientation of the Cistercians would gain ever greater currency in Europe, and two of the most significant figures who were connected to—and deeply influenced by—him, including William of St. Thierry and Guerric of Igny. It also examines the works of Aelred of Rievaulx, including The Mirror of Charity (Liber de speculo caritatis) and Rule of Life for a Recluse (De institutione inclusarum). Finally, it analyzes the poetic diction of the hymn Dulcis Iesu memoria and how Cistercian spirituality was “transposed” into the vernacular texts of the so-called Wooing Group and the related Ancrene Wisse.
G.E.M. Lippiatt
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198805137
- eISBN:
- 9780191843181
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198805137.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History, Cultural History
Simon’s crusades were animated by the programme of reform advocated by the Cistercians and certain Parisian theologians. His context was permeated by the reformers, especially in his close ...
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Simon’s crusades were animated by the programme of reform advocated by the Cistercians and certain Parisian theologians. His context was permeated by the reformers, especially in his close connections with the abbey of Vaux-de-Cernay. Concerns about just war, the liberation of the Holy Land, ecclesiastical liberty, sexual morality, and the purgation of heresy espoused by Cistercians and schoolmen were reflected in Simon’s career. He was, however, more than a simple cipher for ecclesiastical priorities: his campaigns and government were ambiguous in their attitude towards mercenaries and complicit in the problem of usury. Nevertheless, Simon’s crusades to both Syria and the Midi demonstrated a remarkable dedication to building a Christian republic according to the vision of the reformers.Less
Simon’s crusades were animated by the programme of reform advocated by the Cistercians and certain Parisian theologians. His context was permeated by the reformers, especially in his close connections with the abbey of Vaux-de-Cernay. Concerns about just war, the liberation of the Holy Land, ecclesiastical liberty, sexual morality, and the purgation of heresy espoused by Cistercians and schoolmen were reflected in Simon’s career. He was, however, more than a simple cipher for ecclesiastical priorities: his campaigns and government were ambiguous in their attitude towards mercenaries and complicit in the problem of usury. Nevertheless, Simon’s crusades to both Syria and the Midi demonstrated a remarkable dedication to building a Christian republic according to the vision of the reformers.
Sam Zeno Conedera
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780823265954
- eISBN:
- 9780823266968
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823265954.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter explains the origins of the military orders, beginning with the Templars and Hospitallers, and moving on to Santiago, Calatrava, and Alcántara. It explains why the Templars were not ...
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This chapter explains the origins of the military orders, beginning with the Templars and Hospitallers, and moving on to Santiago, Calatrava, and Alcántara. It explains why the Templars were not warrior monks, but became, thanks to the support of the kingdom of Jerusalem, Bernard of Clairvaux, and the papacy, the first instantiation of ecclesiastical knighthood. The Hospitallers’ militarization is explored to show that they understood themselves differently than the Templars did. The respective foundation stories of the Iberian orders are analyzed, with particular attention to the frontier context of the middle of the twelfth century, the role of the Cistercians, and Santiago’s unique incorporation of women and family life. This leads to a comparative perspective between the five orders that shows how the fundamental structure of the military-religious life can best be described as ecclesiastical knighthood.Less
This chapter explains the origins of the military orders, beginning with the Templars and Hospitallers, and moving on to Santiago, Calatrava, and Alcántara. It explains why the Templars were not warrior monks, but became, thanks to the support of the kingdom of Jerusalem, Bernard of Clairvaux, and the papacy, the first instantiation of ecclesiastical knighthood. The Hospitallers’ militarization is explored to show that they understood themselves differently than the Templars did. The respective foundation stories of the Iberian orders are analyzed, with particular attention to the frontier context of the middle of the twelfth century, the role of the Cistercians, and Santiago’s unique incorporation of women and family life. This leads to a comparative perspective between the five orders that shows how the fundamental structure of the military-religious life can best be described as ecclesiastical knighthood.
Hugh M. Thomas
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780198702566
- eISBN:
- 9780191772269
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198702566.003.0015
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
As brethren devoted to advancing a shared religion, monks and secular clerics should in theory have worked harmoniously together. Instead, there was a bitter rivalry, marked by diatribes and insults ...
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As brethren devoted to advancing a shared religion, monks and secular clerics should in theory have worked harmoniously together. Instead, there was a bitter rivalry, marked by diatribes and insults and played out in a variety of specific disputes, including violent confrontations. In part, the rivalry was over resources, since throughout the long twelfth century monks were taking over collegiate churches, siphoning off income from many parish churches, and in some cases refusing to pay tithes. However, claims by secular clerics to superior authority within the church and by monks to superior morality also fostered conflict. Naturally enough, many monks and clerics opposed the rivalry, but it was still going strong in the early thirteenth century. On the whole, the secular clergy had the worst of the conflict, but the reputations of both sides were damaged, thus paving the way for the success of a new group, the friars.Less
As brethren devoted to advancing a shared religion, monks and secular clerics should in theory have worked harmoniously together. Instead, there was a bitter rivalry, marked by diatribes and insults and played out in a variety of specific disputes, including violent confrontations. In part, the rivalry was over resources, since throughout the long twelfth century monks were taking over collegiate churches, siphoning off income from many parish churches, and in some cases refusing to pay tithes. However, claims by secular clerics to superior authority within the church and by monks to superior morality also fostered conflict. Naturally enough, many monks and clerics opposed the rivalry, but it was still going strong in the early thirteenth century. On the whole, the secular clergy had the worst of the conflict, but the reputations of both sides were damaged, thus paving the way for the success of a new group, the friars.
