Political Theory 101 Monks in the City
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Dec 1, 2023 Explore the fascinating rise of monasteries in late antiquity as centers of power and education. Discover how monks navigated their withdrawal from politics while still influencing urban life. Delve into the intricate relationships between monks, bishops, and political elites. Uncover the challenges faced by Christians maintaining virtue amid a loaded pagan culture. Additionally, reflect on the philosophical tensions monasteries faced in balancing spiritual identity with societal expectations.
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Monasteries as Ideal Cities
- Monasteries were often conceived as ideal cities, with monks as citizens of this spiritual city.
- This reframed monasticism not as rejecting citizenship but as embodying a superior form.
Patronage of Monasteries
- Roman elites became patrons of monasteries, mirroring their traditional patronage of public works.
- St. Augustine criticized donating money, favoring land for monastic autonomy.
Monasteries and Social Mobility
- Young Roman nobles used monastic life as a stepping stone to powerful church positions.
- Monasteries were seen as cool, fostering radical spirituality, unlike modern views of escaping modernity.
