The Thomistic Institute How the Dark Ages Saved Your Soul | Fr. Gabriel Torretta
Dec 18, 2024
Fr. Gabriel Torretta, a Dominican priest with a background in Japanese literature, delves into the surprising contributions of the Dark Ages to modern Christianity. He discusses Rabanus Maurus’ influence on education, the evolution of written language like Caroline Minuscule, and the monumental shift in reading with spaces between words. Fr. Torretta highlights how English and Irish monks preserved texts and enriched theological discourse, particularly the understanding of the Eucharist, all of which paved the way for significant cultural advancements in Europe.
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Dark Ages Perception
- The "Dark Ages" (6th-10th centuries) are often viewed negatively due to their emphasis on Christianity and supposed lack of classical learning.
- This perception, originating from Petrarch, contrasts the Dark Ages with the radiant classical and modern eras.
Carolingian Developments
- Three key developments during the Carolingian period (8th-9th centuries) significantly shaped Christianity.
- These were the advancements in book production, the Bible's role, and the concept of reconversion.
Charlemagne's Influence
- Charlemagne's reforms in the late 8th century significantly boosted book culture and literacy.
- Monasteries established schools, and the average monastic library grew substantially.