FAITH

 

FROM

 

FACTS

 Presenting a Solid Foundation for Christian Faith 
 

Is the Monk Method of applying 
Bible lessons for You?
 
St. Anthony image from the Coptic Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Try the 20-year monk method in the privacy of your own desert cave. In this method, you follow the example of Anthony the Great. Born to wealthy Coptic Egyptian parents, Anthony gave away his possessions and lived most of his 105 years in a cave seeking a closer relationship with God.

His humble wisdom made him the most famous desert-dweller in Egypt around 300 AD, and he was sought out by Christians and Greek philosophers alike. He is known as the father of all monks. His tradition of a moderate, ascetic, spiritual life is a model for anchorite (withdrawn, solitary) monks. About the same time, Pachomius became the father of cenobitic (communal) monks - also in Egypt.

The monastic system was helped after Constantine issued the Edict of Milan granting religious freedom to the Roman empire in 313 AD. Some say that more pious men and women took to the desert because it had become too easy to be a Christian in the wider society.

Just as in the days of the first monks, they are still seen as leaders in spirituality. Today, with their lives more other-worldly in terms of time, culture, and place, the desert fathers are remembered with great respect — and as they should be.

Their writings are encouraging and should be read often for teaching and inspiration. But should we also head for the hills and the secluded life? Probably not. Does the fact that these great men and women lived in manner we cannot attain, mean we have no responsibility to pursue the same goals of righteous living? Of course, not. Location, location, location refers to the heart, not your cave.

Church historian Schaff wrote:

"But this monastic interpretation of primitive Christianity mistakes a few incidental points of outward resemblance for essential identity, measures the spirit of Christianity by some isolated passages, instead of explaining the latter from the former, and is upon the whole a miserable emaciation and caricature. The gospel makes upon all men virtually the same moral demand, and knows no distinction of a religion for the masses and another for the few.

"Jesus, the model for all believers, was neither a cenobite, nor an anchorite, nor an ascetic of any kind, but the perfect pattern man for universal imitation. There is not a trace of monkish austerity and ascetic rigor in his life or precepts, but in all his acts and words a wonderful harmony of freedom and purity, of the most comprehensive charity and spotless holiness. He retired to the mountains and into solitude, but only temporarily, and for the purpose of renewing his strength for active work."

Sources: Schaff quote: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Schaff Monasticism.

All quotes from the Great desert Fathers from Coptic Archives, Paradise of the Desert from an excellent book by Dr. Benedicta Ward 

The Great Desert Fathers

 

 
"Lord Jesus Christ, whose will all things obey: pardon what I have done and grant that I, a sinner, may sin no more. Lord, I believe that though I do not deserve it, you can cleanse me from all my sins.  Guide my heart, almighty God, that I may remember your presence day and night."

From a Prayer from the Desert at Coptic Archives, Paradise of the Desert from an excellent book by Dr. Benedicta Ward 

 

Abba Pambo said, "If you have a heart, you can be saved."

 

 

A soldier asked abba Mios if God accepted repentance. After the old man had taught him many things, he said, "Tell me, my dear, if your cloak is torn, do you throw it away?" He replied, "No, I mend it and use it again." The old man said to him, "If you are so careful about your cloak, will not god be equally careful about his creature?"

 

 

 

A brother asked abba Poemen, "How should I behave in my cell in the place where I am living?" He replied, "Behave as if you were a stranger, and wherever you are, do not expect your words to have an influence and you will be at peace."