"Virgins of God": The Making of Asceticism in Late Antiquity

by Susanna Elm

Many of the institutions fundamental to the role of men and women in today's society have their origins in late antiquity. This revisionist study offers a comprehensive look at how Christian women of this time initiated alternative, ascetic ways of living, both with and without men. The author studies how these practices were institutionalized, and why they were later either eliminated or transformed by a new Christian Roman elite of men now thought of as the founding fathers.

Genres: History, Theology, Ancient History

462 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. Thoroughly researched and meticulously presented. Elm presents a solid argument for the existence of ascetic-monastic communities prior to the reform movements of figures like Pachomius and Basil. The first half, on monasticism in Asia Minor prior to Basil, is particularly splendid. The only critique I could forward would be that she makes use of some sources with perhaps too much optimism as to their reliable presentation of events. The "linguistic turn" (as Elizabeth Clark refers to it), has complicated our ability to see texts as straightforward reporting rather than as nuanced and crafted narratives-in-dialogue. However, the sheer breadth of sources Elm draws on suggests that her overall thesis concerning the broad contours of pre-Basilian ascetic communities remains valid. Her clear prose and measured tone likewise make this a delightful read (in addition to basic persuasiveness of her argument).

[Emily Breniman]

Throughly researched, and an ambitious project. Not a light read, and can be pretty difficult to understand at times. In technicality, this is an in-depth dive into Asceticism and women in the late antiquity. But, it is also very dense and definitely written for an educated audience with some knowledge in the topic (or a strong desire to piece it all together).

[A.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professor Elm has established a fine and deserved reputation for scholarship and expertise in the field of early asceticism. It's been quite a few years since I read this book during my PhD work, yet I have clear memory of this seminal book.