Elliot Stern
P. 1
Rome and Christianity inevitably, grew and evolved together. The religion assimilated with the culture and the culture began to shift toward some Christian ideals. Asceticism was one movement that blossomed during the 3rd through 6th century. Asceticism was not invented by Christians nor was it a uniquely Christian process. Jews, pagans, and even philosopher practiced asceticism. Asceticism practices varied. Fasting and abstinence are two popular forms of asceticism. Basically, whenever you deny yourself of a fleshly desire, even if it’s “wine and grapes” 193 (Lynch), you are practicing asceticism. While celibacy was not a common form of asceticism, some Christians followed Jesus’ words so diligently that they fasted, withheld from sex, read scriptures, wore simple clothes, and performed charitable actions. These actions are not required in Christianity. They are considered to only be a suggestion. The 10 commandments are the absolutes of Christianity.
Anthony was inspired by the passage, “if you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (MT19: 21). This passage champions asceticism as the highest and greatest Christian act when it describes an ascetic as “perfect” (MT19:21). Anthony gained a following based off his ascetic life. Anthony went after asceticism because his desire for the prizes of the after life. Throughout his life, Anthony was in exile to due to his opposition. His book The Life of Anthony was very popular and helped spread the ascetic message.
Pelagia’s life was believed to be a tribute to the power of Christ. For a women, who used to be considered “a victim to their desires”, to become ascetic was considered a great triumph. Pelagia was a prostitute, which made the event even more spectacular.
Pachomius made a lasting impact on Christianity by organizing a community of ascetics though he was no the first one to do it. On the other hand, in the west, it was more common for Ascetics to practice in their homes. Asceticism, like all major movements, experienced its share of criticism. Some pagans proclaims these ascetics were “unwilling to bear the responsibility and of civilized life, such as tax-paying and tax paying” (lynch 201).
P. 2
I found it inspiring that asceticism was not just a Christian movement. The idea of denying the flesh and moving towards the spirit was not just a Christian ideal. Philosophers such as Plato, some pagans, and some Jews followed in the spiritual idea of asceticism. This is another instance were we can see that religions have many similar elements. Further, even philosophers such as Pluto can draw the same conclusions about the spirit as Jesus, pagans, and Jews. Sometimes, I feel like everybody is saying the same thing but fighting over the details. Platonist Porphyry is against Christianity yet he shares the ascetic focus that is championed in Christianity. Even Islam has ascetic practices such as fasting. Before that, Buddhism set up groups of ascetics. While these religions seem so different with their varying scripture and the result of the after life, this reading really shows that the central idea of denying the bodies desires is a pretty universal idea. The pagans who rejected asceticism did so on the lack of tax paying and child-rearing. These comments lead me to believe that the pagans did not have the ascetic’s best interests in their thoughts. Instead, they wanted other people to pay taxes to pay for their public services and rear children to continue their community. The self-interest of these comments makes me doubt the pagan’s positions as a legitimate complaint against asceticism.
P. 1
Rome and Christianity inevitably, grew and evolved together. The religion assimilated with the culture and the culture began to shift toward some Christian ideals. Asceticism was one movement that blossomed during the 3rd through 6th century. Asceticism was not invented by Christians nor was it a uniquely Christian process. Jews, pagans, and even philosopher practiced asceticism. Asceticism practices varied. Fasting and abstinence are two popular forms of asceticism. Basically, whenever you deny yourself of a fleshly desire, even if it’s “wine and grapes” 193 (Lynch), you are practicing asceticism. While celibacy was not a common form of asceticism, some Christians followed Jesus’ words so diligently that they fasted, withheld from sex, read scriptures, wore simple clothes, and performed charitable actions. These actions are not required in Christianity. They are considered to only be a suggestion. The 10 commandments are the absolutes of Christianity.
Anthony was inspired by the passage, “if you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (MT19: 21). This passage champions asceticism as the highest and greatest Christian act when it describes an ascetic as “perfect” (MT19:21). Anthony gained a following based off his ascetic life. Anthony went after asceticism because his desire for the prizes of the after life. Throughout his life, Anthony was in exile to due to his opposition. His book The Life of Anthony was very popular and helped spread the ascetic message.
Pelagia’s life was believed to be a tribute to the power of Christ. For a women, who used to be considered “a victim to their desires”, to become ascetic was considered a great triumph. Pelagia was a prostitute, which made the event even more spectacular.
Pachomius made a lasting impact on Christianity by organizing a community of ascetics though he was no the first one to do it. On the other hand, in the west, it was more common for Ascetics to practice in their homes. Asceticism, like all major movements, experienced its share of criticism. Some pagans proclaims these ascetics were “unwilling to bear the responsibility and of civilized life, such as tax-paying and tax paying” (lynch 201).
P. 2
I found it inspiring that asceticism was not just a Christian movement. The idea of denying the flesh and moving towards the spirit was not just a Christian ideal. Philosophers such as Plato, some pagans, and some Jews followed in the spiritual idea of asceticism. This is another instance were we can see that religions have many similar elements. Further, even philosophers such as Pluto can draw the same conclusions about the spirit as Jesus, pagans, and Jews. Sometimes, I feel like everybody is saying the same thing but fighting over the details. Platonist Porphyry is against Christianity yet he shares the ascetic focus that is championed in Christianity. Even Islam has ascetic practices such as fasting. Before that, Buddhism set up groups of ascetics. While these religions seem so different with their varying scripture and the result of the after life, this reading really shows that the central idea of denying the bodies desires is a pretty universal idea. The pagans who rejected asceticism did so on the lack of tax paying and child-rearing. These comments lead me to believe that the pagans did not have the ascetic’s best interests in their thoughts. Instead, they wanted other people to pay taxes to pay for their public services and rear children to continue their community. The self-interest of these comments makes me doubt the pagan’s positions as a legitimate complaint against asceticism.