The Rise of Monasticism Within Christianity

Liberty University

The Rise of Monasticism Within Christianity

A Research Paper submitted to Dr. A.J. Smith
In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements For
The course CHHI 520

Liberty Baptist Theological seminary

By
Thomas Bryan McPherson

Fort Valley, Georgia
Thursday, June 29, 2012

Table of Contents I. Thesis……………………………………………………………………….3

II. Introducing monasticism……………………………………………………4

III. Monasticism Defined……………………………………………………….5

IV. The Beginning of Christian monasticism……………………………………5

V. St. Anthony………………………………………………………………….7

VI. Pachmious……………………………………………………………………9

VII. Evagrius…………………………………………………………………….11

VIII. Effects monasticism had upon the church………………………………….13

IX. Conclusion………………………………………………………………….15

X. Bibliography ……………………………………………………………….17

THESIS

The aim and goal of this research paper will show how Monasticism has come into the sphere of Christianity and how it has influenced people down through church history.

INTRODUCTION

Currently there is much to be said about Monasticism as it pertains to the Christian worldview. Monasticism begins very early on in the life of the church. In one’s modern world it seems we have dismissed it as a lifestyle that is irrelevant to the truth of the Bible. It is very evident that Scripture does not mandate the practice of Monasticism but unclear as to whether or not some are called to that kind of lifestyle. At best it seems that on some level all believers are called to embrace some ideas within Monasticism but a complete embrace of such rigid things would bring one into disobedience to the things that are mandated within the Holy Scriptures; such as the Great Commission ascribed to the followers of Jesus Christ. There

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