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The Story of Monasticism: Retrieving an Ancient Tradition for Contemporary Spirituality
Some evangelicals perceive monasticism as a relic from the past, a retreat from the world, or a shirking of the call to the Great Commission. At the same time, contemporary evangelical spirituality desires historical Christian manifestations of the faith. In this accessibly written book Greg Peters, an expert in monastic studies who is a Benedictine oblate and spiritual director, offers a historical survey of monasticism from its origins to current manifestations. Peters recovers the riches of the monastic tradition for contemporary spiritual formation and devotional practice, explaining why the monastic impulse is a valid and necessary manifestation of the Christian faith for today's church.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 7, 2019
I stumbled on this book while browsing Google Books and was interested. It is a good representative of the evangelical resourccement- the (re-)discovery of ancient and mediaeval perspectives by evangelicals, who are looking to find the sources of their theology as a way to re-imagine (often in a rather liturgical church kind of way). As such, this is a re-examination of monasticism by a tradition which has been usually hostile or dismissive. It is a welcome perspective, even if my rather more catholic instincts wince every once in a while.
Peters goes through the nature of monasticism and its history from its earliest emergence in the Egyptian desert, tracing it further back to the Essenes, that ascetic Jewish sect at the time of Jesus, mentioned by Josephus, among others. In this account, the legacy of the Reformers, especially Luther and Calvin, hangs over the narrative because of their grave concerns about 'works righteousness' and the primacy of grace. Those are legitimate concern about the monastic ethos, although I'm not sure it was worth eliminating the monasteries as many Protestant countries did in the early Reformation. There is a critical edge to this history and one that is probably worth hearing in counterpoint to the more positive catholic takes.
Peters also takes this history of monasticism into the present with the emergence of a Reformed monasticism, first in Anglican circles, but the through the New Monastic movement. Peter's account was an interesting one to me, especially because I didn't necessarily know a lot about the early stages of the New Monasticism.
Peter's book is a good history of monasticism, paired with an apologetic, from a Protestant angle.
Peters goes through the nature of monasticism and its history from its earliest emergence in the Egyptian desert, tracing it further back to the Essenes, that ascetic Jewish sect at the time of Jesus, mentioned by Josephus, among others. In this account, the legacy of the Reformers, especially Luther and Calvin, hangs over the narrative because of their grave concerns about 'works righteousness' and the primacy of grace. Those are legitimate concern about the monastic ethos, although I'm not sure it was worth eliminating the monasteries as many Protestant countries did in the early Reformation. There is a critical edge to this history and one that is probably worth hearing in counterpoint to the more positive catholic takes.
Peters also takes this history of monasticism into the present with the emergence of a Reformed monasticism, first in Anglican circles, but the through the New Monastic movement. Peter's account was an interesting one to me, especially because I didn't necessarily know a lot about the early stages of the New Monasticism.
Peter's book is a good history of monasticism, paired with an apologetic, from a Protestant angle.
November 8, 2016
While the information seems to be accurate and complete, the book could have been about 1/4 as long. The author repeats himself not just throughout the book, but throughout each chapter. The same idea reappears again and again, just written in different ways. It made the writing clunky and unclear.
October 15, 2019
Anglican seminary professor and spiritual director Greg Peters covers the history of monastic movements. He begins with pre-Christian examples and includes key figures such as Anthony, Benedict, Francis; and movements, such as the Cistercians, Carthusians, Hospitallers, Dominicans, Jesuits and the Military Orders. Peters moves into modern times discussing the impact of Thomas Merton and how monasticism continues to be practiced following Vatican II.
A common criticism of monasticism is that it appears self-serving. Peters describes the hermit experience as “withdrawal and return.” He points out that the desert fathers who withdrew into the wilderness were following the example of Jesus, but they didn’t remain there; they returned to share what they learned in their time of contemplative reflection.
What can we take from these ancient practices? Peters observes that “Much of today's worship (at least in American evangelical churches) is motivated primarily by what is popular in secular entertainment--rock concert-like music and TED Talk-esque sermons. These may not be bad in and of themselves, but they are certainly not countercultural.” Monasteries were and are, at heart, countercultural. They exist, not to escape from the world but to encounter the real world. The distractions of the secular world are, as C.S. Lewis like to point out, the “shadowlands.” Peters urges the church to provide for those who need respite from the demanding secular world. Weary souls, assaulted by the hectic, demanding world, should find the church a place of refuge and reflection. I was surprised that a history book about ancient monasticism should be so relevant for today.
As a retired Protestant pastor who should have taken an occasional sabbatical, I found The Story of Monasticism a challenge to driven, results-oriented ministries. As a student of the Reformation, I’d been taught to criticize monks and nuns as misguided people working to find favor with God. By reading Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation and Henri Nouwen’s The Genesee Diary I’d seen a different side of monasticism and my over-worked mind has been frankly attracted to the monastic experience. I agree with Peters that “monasticism itself is not contrary to the spirit of evangelicalism.”
The monastic rule encourages spiritual discipline. Peters points out that while most of us will not join a monastery we can still grow from aspiring to monastic virtues, and our churches can be models of monastic humility and hospitality. He argues that this unique institution is not anti-Protestant, and shows that while Luther and Calvin opposed monastic models for the purpose of earning salvation, they agreed that there is value to a monastic lifestyle as a means of sanctification. Monasteries recognize that the inner life has a purpose, and monasteries today serve the public through retreats and conferences.
Students of both church history and spiritual disciplines will find much to learn in this insightful book that does more than report history; it presents principles of discipleship relevant for today.
A common criticism of monasticism is that it appears self-serving. Peters describes the hermit experience as “withdrawal and return.” He points out that the desert fathers who withdrew into the wilderness were following the example of Jesus, but they didn’t remain there; they returned to share what they learned in their time of contemplative reflection.
What can we take from these ancient practices? Peters observes that “Much of today's worship (at least in American evangelical churches) is motivated primarily by what is popular in secular entertainment--rock concert-like music and TED Talk-esque sermons. These may not be bad in and of themselves, but they are certainly not countercultural.” Monasteries were and are, at heart, countercultural. They exist, not to escape from the world but to encounter the real world. The distractions of the secular world are, as C.S. Lewis like to point out, the “shadowlands.” Peters urges the church to provide for those who need respite from the demanding secular world. Weary souls, assaulted by the hectic, demanding world, should find the church a place of refuge and reflection. I was surprised that a history book about ancient monasticism should be so relevant for today.
As a retired Protestant pastor who should have taken an occasional sabbatical, I found The Story of Monasticism a challenge to driven, results-oriented ministries. As a student of the Reformation, I’d been taught to criticize monks and nuns as misguided people working to find favor with God. By reading Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation and Henri Nouwen’s The Genesee Diary I’d seen a different side of monasticism and my over-worked mind has been frankly attracted to the monastic experience. I agree with Peters that “monasticism itself is not contrary to the spirit of evangelicalism.”
The monastic rule encourages spiritual discipline. Peters points out that while most of us will not join a monastery we can still grow from aspiring to monastic virtues, and our churches can be models of monastic humility and hospitality. He argues that this unique institution is not anti-Protestant, and shows that while Luther and Calvin opposed monastic models for the purpose of earning salvation, they agreed that there is value to a monastic lifestyle as a means of sanctification. Monasteries recognize that the inner life has a purpose, and monasteries today serve the public through retreats and conferences.
Students of both church history and spiritual disciplines will find much to learn in this insightful book that does more than report history; it presents principles of discipleship relevant for today.
November 13, 2024
This was a good survey of monastic history and I learned so much. However the problem with this book is that the author is not just giving the history of monasticism but also advocating that modern evangelicals learn from monastics in very specific ways. The author Greg Peters gives suggestions at the end of each chapter. I think this caused Peter’s to be biased in favor of monasticism throughout the book. It didn’t delve much into the downsides of monasticism or maybe wrong motivations for entering into monastic life. Even when there were dark points in the history they usually had a very positive spin to them. With that said I still thought the suggestions he made for modern evangelicals were really interesting and the book honestly spurred me on toward rigorous spiritual disciplines.
July 7, 2020
Was a fairly complete history of monasticism for the West. Some fascinating new material from the evangelical world on movements in their spheres.
In one spot the author digressed into snide comments against the Episcopal Church and the mother church in Great Britain. He himself is a priest in an Anglican church aligned with an African conservative bishop. So understand his agenda. Don't agree with it.
But he took a decent academic work and by adding those comments ruined it for mainstream academia.
In one spot the author digressed into snide comments against the Episcopal Church and the mother church in Great Britain. He himself is a priest in an Anglican church aligned with an African conservative bishop. So understand his agenda. Don't agree with it.
But he took a decent academic work and by adding those comments ruined it for mainstream academia.
April 30, 2024
If anyone wonders who the target audience for this book is, then look no further. It’s me.
I am a Protestant Evangelical, and I have a deep appreciation for the monastic life.
This book was written to help persuade Protestants that there is much to value in monasticism. The book is a chronological survey of some of the most important trends and peoples that shaped monastic culture. Each chapter ends with a call to action for Protestants.
I recommend this book to anyone who would be interested in learning more about the history of the monks who shaped the institution and culture of monasticism.
I am a Protestant Evangelical, and I have a deep appreciation for the monastic life.
This book was written to help persuade Protestants that there is much to value in monasticism. The book is a chronological survey of some of the most important trends and peoples that shaped monastic culture. Each chapter ends with a call to action for Protestants.
I recommend this book to anyone who would be interested in learning more about the history of the monks who shaped the institution and culture of monasticism.
December 27, 2024
I appreciate having a short, fairly readable overview history of monasticism! That said, I thought the scope was a little too broad to be compelling. Providing history, apologetic, and contemporary application all in one short volume left me hazy on all three. There were also several chapters that I thought bogged down too much on less significant historical details. However, I'm sure it would be thoroughly enjoyable to sit down with the author and discuss the history and future of monastism. His interest and respect for the tradition shine through.
March 22, 2018
Clear and engaging with helpful reflections for monasticism's application to today's church. Too bad eastern monasticism disappeared after the year 1000. Other quibbles, of course, because academics are not happy unless they have something to criticize, but overall this is a good primer on monastic history geared towards evangelical Protestants.
August 7, 2020
What a Gift
This book is a very useful treasure chest of monastic history. What I trust that this book would do for the world, is to help it find its own flavour of monastic spirituality, so that God may be glorified by our devotion to Him, manifested by our monastic practices.
This book is a very useful treasure chest of monastic history. What I trust that this book would do for the world, is to help it find its own flavour of monastic spirituality, so that God may be glorified by our devotion to Him, manifested by our monastic practices.
October 10, 2022
This was such a good overview of monasticism through the centuries, as well as some ideas about how it is still beneficial today. Definitely a thought-provoking look at one of the most influential movements in the history of Christianity.
January 1, 2020
Very helpful and insightful. Quite accessible to lay persons and academicians alike.
April 16, 2021
God so good Corking
November 2, 2022
A useful history and discussion of monasticism, eyeing some contemporary ways of applying its principles for protestants.
December 31, 2025
Pretty good! A lot of things to integrate into my own life
December 10, 2024
I found this book to be a great mini history on monasticism. It traces it roots back to ancient times and delves into the different sects that have popped up along the way. It was well researched and helped me to understand the important Christian fathers that have lived through the years.
October 6, 2015
The Story of Monasticism is a book by Greg Peters which presents a robust historical survey of monasticism, its place in the Christian tradition, and an evaluation of whether monasticism has a relevant voice for today. I believe that Peters does an excellent job at presenting the historical survey of monasticism and of demonstrating that, from very early on in the history of Christianity, it has held an important place in the function of the church. I am less optimistic about the continuing necessity of monasticism than Peters is, but after reading his book I have a new appreciation for the monastic life if some traditional pitfalls can be avoided.
Peters starts off by offering this definition of monasticism,
". . . monasticism refers to those who intentionally live alone or in a community under a rule of life and vows that give shape to their daily routine and shared mission in life.."
I think this definition is sufficient for the current discussion and will be how I use it in evaluating the book as a whole. There are additional elements that I would like to discuss (such as motivation) but perhaps those should be reserved for specific orders within a monastic tradition.
I was glad to see that the history of monasticism occupies a large portion of the book. This is my main area of interest since I am not convinced of the necessity or even the mandate for the monastic life in scripture. This is a point of departure from Peters but one that should not stop you from reading this book if you are also unconvinced. The presence of the monastic phenomenon in church history is a compelling enough reason to read this and educate yourself on the important role that it has played.
Although Peters spends some time giving examples of solitary monastics, the book focusses on the more familiar cenobitic monasticism that we have seen since the fourth century. It is here where Peters flourishes. I found the his treatment of biblical examples of monasticism (Adam, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Paul, and Mary & Martha) to be somewhat lacking and unconvincing. However, if these are seen as a precursor to monasticism which informed the eventual formation of monastic orders then I think I could see these as examples of (but not a mandate for) monasticism as we know it today.
In his discussion on the history of monasticism within Christianity, I found the chapters on reformers the most helpful. The beliefs Luther (and later Calvin) on monasticism are not well known among those in the Reformed and Lutheran traditions but they play an important role in the discussion. Central to their beliefs was the allowance for monasticism as long as the practice of taking vows was avoided and it was not seen as a meritorious act.
The question remains however (for Protestants) of the biblical witness to the modern practice of monasticism. Does scripture mandate or even allow for it? I think the evidence for a biblical mandate is slim if present at all. However, given definition of monasticism used in this book, I do believe that some forms of monasticism are permitted and even endorsed in scripture. An example of this would be the primitive church in Acts which lived in community with one another under a rule of life (minus the vows). The rule of life for those first believers gave a definite shape to their daily routines (though not as strict as modern monasticism) and their mission. This allowed the first church to thrive in their single mindedness toward God.
What remains unclear from Peters' treatment of the topic is what differentiates a modern Anabaptist community (i.e. Amish) from a monastic order if anything. I'm not entirely convinced that a Mennonite community living in isolation from the rest of society is what he has in mind although they practice the very thing he is advocating. The main difference would appear to be the taking of vows.
Overall I found the book to be informative and a great addition to the discussion. My main aversion to monasticism is the witness and testimony of its current manifestations. Can the Protestant church establish a monastic tradition while avoiding the trap of merit? I think so. Is this necessary to achieve the good things that have come out of monasticism? I do not think so. Rather, these things are best achieved through the ordinary living of ordinary individuals working together as community.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Academic in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Peters starts off by offering this definition of monasticism,
". . . monasticism refers to those who intentionally live alone or in a community under a rule of life and vows that give shape to their daily routine and shared mission in life.."
I think this definition is sufficient for the current discussion and will be how I use it in evaluating the book as a whole. There are additional elements that I would like to discuss (such as motivation) but perhaps those should be reserved for specific orders within a monastic tradition.
I was glad to see that the history of monasticism occupies a large portion of the book. This is my main area of interest since I am not convinced of the necessity or even the mandate for the monastic life in scripture. This is a point of departure from Peters but one that should not stop you from reading this book if you are also unconvinced. The presence of the monastic phenomenon in church history is a compelling enough reason to read this and educate yourself on the important role that it has played.
Although Peters spends some time giving examples of solitary monastics, the book focusses on the more familiar cenobitic monasticism that we have seen since the fourth century. It is here where Peters flourishes. I found the his treatment of biblical examples of monasticism (Adam, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Paul, and Mary & Martha) to be somewhat lacking and unconvincing. However, if these are seen as a precursor to monasticism which informed the eventual formation of monastic orders then I think I could see these as examples of (but not a mandate for) monasticism as we know it today.
In his discussion on the history of monasticism within Christianity, I found the chapters on reformers the most helpful. The beliefs Luther (and later Calvin) on monasticism are not well known among those in the Reformed and Lutheran traditions but they play an important role in the discussion. Central to their beliefs was the allowance for monasticism as long as the practice of taking vows was avoided and it was not seen as a meritorious act.
The question remains however (for Protestants) of the biblical witness to the modern practice of monasticism. Does scripture mandate or even allow for it? I think the evidence for a biblical mandate is slim if present at all. However, given definition of monasticism used in this book, I do believe that some forms of monasticism are permitted and even endorsed in scripture. An example of this would be the primitive church in Acts which lived in community with one another under a rule of life (minus the vows). The rule of life for those first believers gave a definite shape to their daily routines (though not as strict as modern monasticism) and their mission. This allowed the first church to thrive in their single mindedness toward God.
What remains unclear from Peters' treatment of the topic is what differentiates a modern Anabaptist community (i.e. Amish) from a monastic order if anything. I'm not entirely convinced that a Mennonite community living in isolation from the rest of society is what he has in mind although they practice the very thing he is advocating. The main difference would appear to be the taking of vows.
Overall I found the book to be informative and a great addition to the discussion. My main aversion to monasticism is the witness and testimony of its current manifestations. Can the Protestant church establish a monastic tradition while avoiding the trap of merit? I think so. Is this necessary to achieve the good things that have come out of monasticism? I do not think so. Rather, these things are best achieved through the ordinary living of ordinary individuals working together as community.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Academic in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
October 2, 2015
Very readable and (it seems) comprehensive; a careful and fair look at Christian (mainly cenobitic) monasticism's varied history. The central role of the Rule of St. Benedict and its interpretations is a major theme.
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