The organization and institutions of female asceticism in fourth century Cappadocia and Egypt
In discussing the organization and institutions of fourth century female asceticism I attempt to apply methods used in the study of history to a topic generally regarded as theological, and therefore almost neglected by scholars of Ancient History. I concentrate on monasticism neither as generic phenomenon, nor on its spiritual aspects. Rather, I try to identify the social, economic and legal basis of a specific form (female asceticism) in a specific environment (fourth century Cappadocia and Egypt). By reconstructing the process of organization and the developing institutions of female asceticism one discerns a great variety of models, starting with those most akin to the model of the family, and ending with models which call for a complete rupture with society, while based on scrupulous observance of the Scripture. Out of a constant interaction of these two extreme forms models of integration eventually developed, which were specifically created to suit ascetic needs. The survival of these synthesized organizational models depended on their practicality, and on the personality and doctrinal affiliation of charismatic leaders associated with them. The process of the organization of female asceticism is not
Elm, Susanna
Asceticism ; History ; Monasticism and religious orders for women ; Women in Christianity ; Early church, ca. 30-600 ; Egypt ; Turkey
The organization and institutions of female asceticism in fourth century Cappadocia and Egypt. In discussing the organization and institutions of fourth century female asceticism I attempt to apply methods used in the study of history to a topic generally regarded as theological, and therefore almost neglected by scholars of Ancient History. I concentrate on monasticism neither as generic phenomenon, nor on its spiritual aspects. Rather, I try to identify the social, economic and legal basis of a specific form (female asceticism) in a specific environment (fourth century Cappadocia and Egypt). By reconstructing the process of organization and the developing institutions of female asceticism one discerns a great variety of models, starting with those most akin to the model of the family, and ending with models which call for a complete rupture with society, while based on scrupulous observance of the Scripture. Out of a constant interaction of these two extreme forms models of integration eventually developed, which were specifically created to suit ascetic needs. The survival of these synthesized organizational models depended on their practicality, and on the personality and doctrinal affiliation of charismatic leaders associated with them. The process of the organization of female asceticism is not
organization institution female asceticism egypt discuss organization institution female asceticism attempt_apply method_use study history topic generally_regard theological therefore almost neglected scholar ancient_history concentrate monasticism neither generic phenomenon spiritual aspect rather try_identify social_economic legal basis specific form female asceticism specific environment egypt reconstruct process organization develop institution female asceticism discern great_variety model start akin model family end model call complete rupture society base observance scripture constant interaction extreme form model integration eventually develop specifically create suit ascetic need survival synthesize organizational model depend practicality personality doctrinal affiliation charismatic leader associate_them process organization female asceticism