Concordia Theological Monthly
Publication Date
11-1-1968
Document Type
Article
Keywords
monks, christianity, monasticism, communal communities, reforming, benedict, augustine, clergy, monasteries, monk
Submission Type
Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep
Abstract
Reformed Christians have traditionally been suspicious of, if not viscerally opposed to, one ancient institution of Christianity - monasticism. Ever since the upheavals of the 16th century most non-Roman Catholics in the West have been content to view the monks as being psychological eccentrics at best, or the spiritual heirs of Pelagius at worst. It is the purpose of this essay to indicate the vital role monasticism played in the continuing reform of Christianity, and to encourage Lutheran Christians, who stand in a similar reforming tradition, to approach the concept of communal religious life with understanding if not with sympathetic support.
Disciplines
History of Christianity
Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)
Matthew 19:18-22; Luke 9:23; Matthew 19:12; 1 John 2:15;
Submission Cost
Free
Submission Audience
Laity; Ministers; Scholars
Recommended Citation
Volz, Carl
(1968)
"The Reforming Role of Religious Communities in the History of Western Christianity,"
Concordia Theological Monthly: Vol. 39, Article 67.
Available at:
https://scholar.csl.edu/ctm/vol39/iss1/67
