Monasteries and Urban Engagement

This chapter examines the intricate relationship between monasteries and urban centers, highlighting their need for societal engagement to thrive. It discusses the motivations behind Roman elites' interest in asceticism and the complexities of institutionalizing such lifestyles amid sociopolitical contexts. The narrative further explores the political roles of monasteries, the nuances of asceticism, and the challenges Christians faced amidst a sensory-rich pagan environment.