Christian monasticism

Lore & Background

Christian monks did not live in monasteries at first; rather, they began by living alone as solitaries, as the word 'monk' (from Greek monos, meaning 'alone') suggests. As more people took on the lives of monks, living alone in the wilderness, they started to come together and model themselves after the original monks nearby. Quickly, the monks formed communities to further their ability to observe an ascetic life. According to Christianity historian Robert Louis Wilken, 'By creating an alternate social structure within the Church they laid the foundations for one of the most enduring Christian institutions...' Monastics generally dwell in a monastery, whether they live there in a community (cenobites), or in seclusion (recluses). Eremitic monasticism, or solitary monasticism, is characterized by a complete withdrawal from society. Paul the Hermit is the first Christian historically known to have been living as a monk. In the 3rd century, Anthony of Egypt lived as a hermit in the desert and gradually gained followers who lived as hermits nearby but not in actual community with him. Another option for becoming a solitary monastic was to become an anchorite, someone who lived apart from society. In later times, those who wanted to live in monastic solitude but were unable to live alone could request that a bishop perform the rite of enclosure. The most well-known anchoress was Julian of Norwich. He decided to mold his disciples into a more organized community in which the monks lived in individual huts or rooms, but worked, ate, and worshipped in shared space. This method of monastic organization is called cenobitic or 'communal'. Catholic theological teaching regards this community-based living as superior because of the obedience practiced and the accountability offered. St Pachomius introduced a monastic Rule of cenobitic life, giving everyone the same food and attire.

Reader's Guide

Christian monasticism has varied greatly in its external forms, but broadly speaking it has two main types: eremitical (solitary) and cenobitical (communal). St. Anthony the Abbot may be called the founder of the first and St. Pachomius of the second. The monastic life has been associated with Jesus's teaching to 'be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect' (Matthew 5:48). This ideal can be seen, for example, in the Philokalia, a book of monastic writings. Their manner of self-renunciation has three elements corresponding to the three evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity and obedience. Monasticism, in all its varieties, involves withdrawal from society. Monastic life is distinct from the 'religious orders' such as the friars, canons regular, clerks regular, and the more recent religious congregations. The latter involves a special work or aim, such as preaching, teaching, liberating captives, etc., which occupies a large place in their activities. While monks have variously labored, in every case this work is extrinsic to the essence of the monastic state. Both ways of living out the Christian life are regulated by the respective church law of those Christian denominations that recognize it (e.g., the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Anglican Church, or the Lutheran Church).

Did You Know?

• The word 'monk' originated from the Greek μοναχός (monachos), itself from μόνος (monos) meaning 'alone'.
• Paul the Hermit is the first Christian historically known to have been living as a monk.
• A priest-monk is sometimes called a hieromonk.