Overview

Conrad Leyser examines the formation of the Christian ascetic tradition in the western Roman Empire during the period of the barbarian invasions, c.400-600. In an aggressively competitive political context, one of the most articulate claims to power was made, paradoxically, by men who had renounced 'the world', committing themselves to a life of spiritual discipline in the hope of gaining entry to an otherworldly kingdom. Often dismissed as mere fanaticism or open hypocrisy, the language of ascetic authority, Conrad Leyser shows, was both carefully honed and well understood in the late Roman and early medieval Mediterranean. Dr Leyser charts the development of this new moral rhetoric by abbots, teachers, and bishops from the time of Augustine of Hippo to that of St Benedict and Gregory the Great.

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9780198208686

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Breaks new and important ground in the study of episcopal and monastic authority in late antiquity ... this is an important book for historians of late antiquity, church historians, ascetical theologians, historians of monasticism, and historians of Christian thought. In every respect, this is a superlative study by a scholar whose work is significant. Journal of the American Academy of Religion A final virtue of Leyser's book is its careful awareness of the modern scholarly tradition Journal of Theological Studies The insights and intelligence of Leyser's discussions provide another testament both to Augustine's and Gregory's extensive influence in Late Antiquity and to their relevance for modern times Journal of Theological Studies Leyser's book deserves the attention (and praise) of specialists. It also rewards anyone interested in the development of authority in the Western Christian tradition Theological Studies

Breaks new and important ground in the study of episcopal and monastic authority in late antiquity ... this is an important book for historians of late antiquity, church historians, ascetical theologians, historians of monasticism, and historians of Christian thought. In every respect, this is a superlative study by a scholar whose work is significant. Journal of the American Academy of Religion A final virtue of Leyser's book is its careful awareness of the modern scholarly tradition Journal of Theological Studies The insights and intelligence of Leyser's discussions provide another testament both to Augustine's and Gregory's extensive influence in Late Antiquity and to their relevance for modern times Journal of Theological Studies Leyser's book deserves the attention (and praise) of specialists. It also rewards anyone interested in the development of authority in the Western Christian tradition Theological Studies

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