Monasticism And The Code Of Chivalry :: essays research papers

Monasticism and the Code of Chivalry     In the Middle Ages, in that location were many factors contributing to the buildingof monasticism. One of the most substantial components of the fourth century camewhen the Christians believed that Jesus would return very soon. So they did notcare what the earthly concern did to itself. Instead they waited for Jesus to fix things,but it did not happen. This caused the world to become a violent place to live.Christians were persecuted for their beliefs by the Roman Government. TheChristians had enough and were ready to leave. Some Christians went to a placewhere they could have communion in relaxation without the fear of the Romangovernment, this place was Egypt. They were called hermit monks. But others,Christians, had their ideas of the way that a Christian life should be lived.They wanted to live in a community, so they could worship together as a groupinstead of being alone.     Benedict of Nursi a established a rule that was used by most of the monksas a way of life. In this there were three specific vows, they are used to makeit easier for monks to be closer to God. They are poverty, chastity, andobedience.     Poverty meant that the need for notes and material possessions were notneeded as a means of worship. The monasteries gave the monks the things thatthey needed, and this was only the bare essentials. The monasteries made theirown money by owning land and selling overplus products. Thus, they became verywealthy.     Chastity meant that the men and women would not have sex or get married.This was said to have saved the monks from the "d sliminessish acts" that happen whensexual desires were exploited for selfish reasons. Obedience was essential,each monk had to be absolutely obedient to their abbot. The purpose of thisobedience was to develop personal humility, and to become more holy by becominghumiliated or less prou d of ones self. Only making them worship and becomecloser to God.     The monasteries were a place to get away from evil and anythingto deter them from God.     The Code of Chivalry means, if you own a horse than you can have wealthor power in the Middle Ages. As there are more people with horses, the tensiongets tighter and tempers are flared, this is how elite soldiers and knights are