Monasticism Research Paper

Effects of Monasticism in Europe Monastics gave new life to the faith, brought civilization to the rural areas, preserved classical learning, and evangelized the Germanic peoples. Monasticism come into existence based on a strong urge felt by many to devote one's life by prayer and self denial by living in exclusion from the world and under a fixed rule with professed vows in order to imitate Christ. This rule, developed under St. Benedict, became the baseline of what Monasticism of the Western world followed. As Monasticism grew in size it become known for three vital effects: the spread of Christianity, the preservation of the Greco-Roman writings, and the formation of a new Christian culture. The first effect was centered on the recovery and evangelization of rural society. During this first wave of change, monks and nuns traveled around to evangelize the Barbarians and the people within the rural regions. While these holy disciples were continuing their godly mission, they were able to reclaim the land and make it more usable for farming and daily living. Due to threats looming overhead, many of the monasteries were moved into the woods where
they would be hidden and safe from view. Quickly following after the recovery and evangelization of rural societies in Europe, intellectual renewal is introduced to the people.
During this time, the only true source of education came in the form of Monasteries. The Monasteries were the chief centers of learning until universities came into existence. The majority of the educated people were the monks for not many of the rural people attended school let alone have the ability to read and write. The monks would spend their days in the Monasteries coping and rewriting the manuscripts. Eventually, the Benedictine Scriptoria was created. This place was a room dedicated to copying and maintaining the texts and because of its existence it was the only place that was able to save the beautiful manuscripts handcrafted by the monks for future generations to
admire. Finally, as a result of Monasticism, a preservation of civilization was made possible. The mission of the church was to bring the Good News to all peoples including the Germanic tribes during the dark, violent, and war-filled age. They brought civilization to the Germanic people where they taught them how to farm, be a carpenter, a stone masion, and have the appropriate knowledge to comprehend iron works. Along with providing the Germanic people with the means of understanding physical work, they also introduced them to education and literacy. The people were taught not only how to be basic rural people but also sophisticated and educated people in the ways of writing and literacy. No longer were The Germanic people viewed as savages, but rather as scholarly men and women. Having these skills, and applying them to their everyday lives, the Christians were able to show the Germanic people the connection between work skills and religious aspects. They showed the people the connection between Jesus and being a hard worker.