Medieval Christianity

Medieval Christianity

The medieval period (roughly the fifth to the fifteenth century) saw Christianity become the dominant cultural, intellectual, and political force in Europe. Monasticism shaped education, agriculture, and learning; scholastic philosophy produced some of the most sophisticated theology in history; the Crusades entangled faith with military conquest; and the mystics explored direct, experiential encounter with God. This lesson examines these four major strands of medieval Christianity and evaluates their lasting significance.

The Rise of Monasticism

Christian monasticism — the pursuit of the religious life through withdrawal from the world, prayer, and ascetic discipline — has its roots in the Desert Fathers and Mothers of third- and fourth-century Egypt. Antony of Egypt (c. AD 251–356) is traditionally regarded as the father of monasticism. He withdrew into the Egyptian desert to live a life of solitary prayer, fasting, and spiritual combat against demonic temptation. His biography, written by Athanasius, became enormously influential throughout the Christian world.

However, it was Benedict of Nursia (c. AD 480–547) who gave Western monasticism its definitive shape.

The Rule of St Benedict