INTRODUCTION TO INTERIORIZED MONASTICISM

Interiorized Monasticism and Ascetic Ideal:

• Obscured: Out of reach to majority.

• Revealed: Fundamental principle of life in Christ.

Eschatological Dimensions:

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  Obscured: Life cut off from the world or world cut off

  
  

  from life of the kingdom.

  
  


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  Revealed: Incarnation and kingdom of God present;

  
  

  Kingdom within through gift of the Spirit (active eschatology, touching every aspect of the world; living now in light of the End).

  
  

  Beauty Saves the World:

  
  

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  Obscured: Culture as cult, autonomous from God and

  
  

  guided by sensibilities of the age.

  
  


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  Revealed: Rediscovery of culture through the beauty

  
  

  of holiness. Jesus is the Holy One - the most beautiful of the sons of men. He is the perfect icon, manifesting God unveiled.

  
  

  The Monastic Ideal:

  
  

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  Obscured: Return to the ancient forms of monastic

  
  

  ascesis.

  
  


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  Revealed: Internalized. The human psyche is renewed

  
  

  from within.

  
  

  Five Fundamental Elements of Interiorized Monasticism (Upcoming Lectures):

  
  

  • Prayer
  
  • Eschatological Maximalism • Poverty
  
  • Chastity
  
  • Obedience