Challenges of Reforming Monastic Practice in England

This chapter delves into the challenges faced by Atholwald and other reformers in implementing uniform monastic practices in England, centuries after the establishment of St. Benedict's rules. It explores the limitations of these rules, the conflicting interpretations and reform methods, and the difficulty of governing an entire kingdom using them. The chapter also discusses the changing role of the Benedictines and the cultural changes brought about by the reformist movement.