Church History topic: The rise of monasticism

The following is a copy of a paper I wrote in the Church history class this past week:

What difference does this topic make in my life and ministry? For one thing I never knew much about monastic history, having grown up in a denomination that never mentioned it at all. So my knowledge and respect for our friendly neighborhood monastery has increased exponentially. Of particular interest was Noll’s usage of the term monks as the “athletes of God”. Being a auto racing fan, I am aware of the fact that although I can drive a car, I don’t presume to be able to climb into a 200 mph stock car and drive it without making a mess of it. It takes a driver who practically eats, sleeps, and exists just to race cars, to be a top notch driver. Years of preparation and practice are necessary to be good at it. Many people are unaware that these drivers do more than study and practice driving to get to be good at it. They must know a lot about the engines, car chassis, racing rules and procedures, etc. The down side to this is that they give up a lot of personal pursuits to be able to excel at being a driver.

Benedictine monks seem to have a lot in common with stock car drivers. Brings to mind a funny picture doesn’t it? A monk behind the wheel of a stock car? Anyway, back to theological mode. I view the exemplary attributes of monks, i.e. dedication to Bible study, prayer, servanthood , etc. as attributes that I would like to attain to give my future life and ministry spiritual vitality. Many effective ministers take sabbaticals or even mini-vacations to refocus and fast from daily pursuits and thus recharge their “spiritual batteries”. This is like putting into practice Benedictine methods, but only for limited periods, not unlike using limited periods of penitence, like Lent, to refocus our mind, body, and spirits on Jesus Christ.

One other attribute of the monastics that I took note of for future use, which was discussed by Noll, was the “downside” of certain Benedictine methods. The seclusion and withdrawal from normal life pursuits can run the risk of creating a “holier than thou” society, which others might become skeptical or jealous of. I have seen this even in my own Church experience over the years.

By the way, do you want to know the significance of monasticism to the Anglican Church? Augustine of Canterbury (born c. first third of the 6th century - died 26 May 604) was a Benedictine monk who became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 598.