3. The rise of institutional Christianity (the Pantocrator) and Christian prosperity goes hand-in-hand with the desert fathers, and early monasticism. Benedict began his formal ministry as a hermit. Followers gathered around him, and he established a Rule of Life for these communities, one of the most influential Christian documents of the western Church. The Rule: The attempt to carve out a space for a deeper relationship with Christ, a Lord who demands total commitment. A life of attainable sacrifice ordered towards a life of humility. Based on biblical teachings and example of Jesus An all-encompassing pattern of life that deals largely with daily practicalities- ora et labora, work and prayer. Benedicts Monasticism was Hugely Influential in Shaping the History of Christianity in the West

4. Cistercians as reform Benedictine order Rapid growth during the life of Bernard, who became abbot of Clairvaux at age 25 In the Cistercian cloister, mystical theology of ascent blossomed, drawing on Platonist influence through Pseudo- Dionysius Via purgativa, via illuminativa, via unitiva Song of Songs in the Medieval Cloister Why was this reading so appealing in monastic communities? Jesus as the Beloved Lover Jesus as the model of Humility Jesus as the object of Conversion and Union with Him. How do we know God? Mystical Union and ascent. Know Thyself Christ as the perfect Imago Dei- Image of God

5. The Humanity of Christ Holy Poverty The Humility of Christ The wounds of Christ The Body and Blood of Christ Imitatio Christi (the Imitation of Christ) being at the heart of Christian life. Doing penance is living the life of Christ’s simplicity in order to receive Christ and his blessings. Friars: Living in, but not of the world A preaching order.

6. A Dominican friar University of Paris, medieval Scholasticism Aristotelian Synthesis Image of God resides largely in potential human intellectual capacity Relation to Christ as model and Savior which enables growth in the virtues. Eucharistic Theology and Piety: Corpus Christi- centers thinking even more intensely on sacrifice and the death of Christ (cult of the precious blood, flagellants, etc) Christ as the Perfect Friend and the telos (goal) of human life.