Monasticism in the West

Celtic Monasticism

The earlier, Eastern, style of Monasticism seems to have suited the Byzantine Empire well. When it was transported to the West, and particularly to Ireland, it changed subtly to suit the tribal life style of the Celts. Moreover, in its change it gained a new dynamic, becoming the vehicle for evangelism in Ireland, Britain and eastward into Europe.

Ireland itself was evangelised by the British saint, Patrick. However, it was Irish monks that founded Iona and Lindisfarne - two of the most influential Christian communities. Indeed, so successful were the Celtic missionaries in Europe that their activities began to worry the Pope - for Celtic Christianity was not the same as Roman Christianity and was not under the control of the Pope.

The Benedictines

Until about the middle of the 6 ^th century, Rome seems to have taken very little notice of monasticism. However, the advance of Celtic Christianity in Gaul under Columbanus, made Pope Gregory I take notice. At about this time (529) a monastery had been set up in Monte Cassino by a Roman Catholic by the name of Benedict of Nursia. Benedict wrote a set of rules to govern the lives of his monks. Some of the monks at Monte Cassino took a copy of the Rule to Rome. Gregory was very impressed. Benedict's Rule steered a middle course between asceticism and common sense. It demanded the three fold virtues of poverty, chastity and obedience. Grumbling, gossip and idleness were considered to be among the greatest of vices so silence and hard work were part of the life of the Benedictine monks.

With Papal endorsement, the Benedictine movement flourished throughout Europe. Their ethic of hard work and non-dependence upon the outside world resulted in a revolution in agriculture for they proved to be more efficient farmers than the older landowners and farmers. They also demonstrated that slavery was an inefficient and uneconomic form of labour.

Other Orders

Eventually, because of their incredible successes, the Benedictine movement became rich and powerful. They began to lose their zeal for the gospel and allowed corruption to enter the communities.

From time to time, new orders would come into being to counteract the worldliness of their predecessors.

In 910 Bernon founded an order at Cluny in France. His Cluniac Movement returned to the early severity of the Benedictine Rule and campaigned for celibacy for priests as well as monks. They also worked for an end of secular interference in all Church affairs.

At Citeaux, in Burgundy, there was yet a further movement to return to Benedictine purity. This was the Cistercian order which grew to great strength.

All of these orders produced great pioneers of faith. More orders and more saints were to follow. Despite the unbiblical nature of these communities, great good was contained within them and great blessings went from them out into the wider community. But that is material for another article.