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Very Short Introductions #546
Monasticism: A Very Short Introduction
Monasticism is a social and religious phenomenon which originated in antiquity and which still remains relevant in the twenty-first century. But what, exactly, is it, and how is it distinguished from other kinds of religious and non-religious practice?
In this Very Short Introduction Stephen J. Davis discusses the history of monasticism, from our earliest evidence for it, and the different types which have developed from antiquity to the present day. He considers where monasteries are located, from East Asia to North America, and everywhere in between, and how their settings impact the everyday life and worldview of the monks and nuns who dwell there. Exploring how monastic communities are organized, he also looks at how aspects of life like food, sleep, sex, work, and prayer are regimented. Finally, Davis discusses what the stories about saints communicate about monastic identity and ethics, and considers what place there is for monasticism in the modern world.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
In this Very Short Introduction Stephen J. Davis discusses the history of monasticism, from our earliest evidence for it, and the different types which have developed from antiquity to the present day. He considers where monasteries are located, from East Asia to North America, and everywhere in between, and how their settings impact the everyday life and worldview of the monks and nuns who dwell there. Exploring how monastic communities are organized, he also looks at how aspects of life like food, sleep, sex, work, and prayer are regimented. Finally, Davis discusses what the stories about saints communicate about monastic identity and ethics, and considers what place there is for monasticism in the modern world.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
176 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2018
16 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 9, 2018
It's important to know what this book is and what it isn't. It is trying to find common denominators between monastic practice in the Christian and Buddhist worlds, with occasional mentions of other practices like Jainism or Bon. As such, he does not delve deeply into the daily life of monastics on either side. And though the author alludes to distinctions between various sects, you will not find a detailed breakdown of the difference between Franciscan and Dominican practice, for example.
That said, it does do what it sets out to do. I come away with a greater understanding of how monastic practice began and transformed over time, what core elements are compelling to those living the lifestyle, and some of the overlaps and distinctions between Christian and Buddhist practice. Like any VSI, the book is as much a starting point for further reading as anything else. It equips you with some familiarity with terms and concepts so that you, the reader, can delve more deeply into what interests you from there. With the aims it has in mind, it is a quality read overall.
That said, it does do what it sets out to do. I come away with a greater understanding of how monastic practice began and transformed over time, what core elements are compelling to those living the lifestyle, and some of the overlaps and distinctions between Christian and Buddhist practice. Like any VSI, the book is as much a starting point for further reading as anything else. It equips you with some familiarity with terms and concepts so that you, the reader, can delve more deeply into what interests you from there. With the aims it has in mind, it is a quality read overall.
July 9, 2023
A little over-theoreticized; I was not really convinced that introducing Wittgenstein's "form-of-life" for example really added anything. Still, a nice introduction with lots of pointers towards avenues of further study.
March 1, 2019
This is a excellent VSI that intelligently surveys eastern and western monastic traditions. It combines a historical, theological, and cultural/social analysis of contemporary monasticism.
July 22, 2021
Make sure to drink plenty of water
April 1, 2023
It was a very brief and concise overview of the history of this movement.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews