Monasticism

Monasticism is "an institutionalized religious practice or movement whose members attempt to live by a rule that requires works that go beyond those of either the laity or the ordinary spiritual leaders of their religions."

A monastery is a building or structure or a series of buildings and structures that are set apart from regular civilization for religious commune. Monastics is based off the hermit lives of Prophet Elijah and John the Baptist. Monks are the usual inhabitants and live in such structures after taking specific vows. The early centuries of Christianity, especially in Africa, saw a thriving of monastic activity among the faithful. During the Middle Ages monastic institutions helped to preserve writings from antiquity that would otherwise have been lost.

External links

• Monasticism, New Advent (Catholic website)
• Monasticism, Catholic Answers
• Overview of Medieval Monasticism by Dr. Philip Irving Mitchell