TEXTUAL TRIAGE AND PASTORAL CARE IN THE CAROLINGIAN AGE: THE EXAMPLE OF THE RULE OF BENEDICT

The sixth-century Rule of Benedict became a foundational text for the practice of Christian monasticism in medieval Europe, but its utility extended outside of the monastery as well. In the Carolingian period church prelates repurposed parts of this influential monastic handbook for the purpose of p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Bruce, Scott G. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Cambridge University Press 2020
In: Traditio
Year: 2020, Volume: 75, Pages: 127-141
Further subjects:B Carolingian
B Monasticism
B Pastoral Care
B cura animarum
B Rule of Benedict
B Manuscripts
B Theodulf of Orléans
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Parallel Edition:Non-electronic
Description
Summary:The sixth-century Rule of Benedict became a foundational text for the practice of Christian monasticism in medieval Europe, but its utility extended outside of the monastery as well. In the Carolingian period church prelates repurposed parts of this influential monastic handbook for the purpose of pastoral care. In the decades around 800 CE, excerpts from the rule appeared in several composite manuscripts made for the instruction of parish priests and by extension their lay audiences. Benedict's fourth chapter on the “Instruments of Good Works” was deemed particularly useful in the context of preaching to lay people not only because of its ecumenical message to love God and one's neighbor but also due to its formulaic and repetitive idiom. This study examines the redeployment of extracts of the Rule of Benedict for the cura animarum in Carolingian parishes with particular attention to the role of Bishop Theodulf of Orléans (ca. 760–821) in disseminating Benedict's teachings beyond the walls of the cloister.
ISSN:2166-5508
Contains:Enthalten in: Traditio
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1017/tdo.2020.5