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Monks and Empire: Asceticism and Political Disengagement in Late Antiquity
- Author(s):
- Zachary B. Smith (see profile)
- Date:
- 2017
- Subject(s):
- Asceticism, Egypt, Civilization, Classical, History, Ancient, Monasticism and religious orders, Politics and government, Rome (Empire), Syria
- Item Type:
- Article
- Tag(s):
- Palestine, Late Antiquity, Monasticism, Politics, Roman Empire
- Permanent URL:
- http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/M6KW57H8R
- Abstract:
- Unlike other modes of Christianity in late antiquity, monks and nuns in the eastern part of the Roman Empire practiced a careful disengagement from imperial politics. While political figures tried to draw monks into their spheres of influence and use their popular power for political ends, monks practiced political renunciation in almost all instances. The only exceptions occurred when something interfered with their ability to practice asceticism; in those instances, monks viewed politics as a tool to ensure their freedom. This disengagement mirrors monastic reluctance to become involved in ecclesiastical politics, and is part of the impetus to retreat in late antique monasticism. The Roman Empire was the location of ascetic practice, not the proper concern of Christian monks.
- Notes:
- Supplement titled Religion and Politics. Edited by Ronald A. Simkins and Zachary B. Smith. URL: http://moses.creighton.edu/JRS/toc/SS14.html
- Metadata:
- xml
- Published as:
- Journal article
- Status:
- Published
- Last Updated:
- 5 years ago
- License:
- Attribution
- Share this:
Open access, open source, open to all
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