Pachomius - The Making of a Community in Fourth-Century Egypt

Pachomius, who died in 346, has long been regarded as the "founder of monasticism." Available again, Philip Rousseau's careful reading of the available texts reveals that Pachomius's pioneering enterprise has been consistently misread in light of later monastic practices. Rousseau not only provides a fuller and more accurate portrait of this great teacher and spiritual director but also gives a new perspective on the development of monasticism. In a new preface Rousseau reviews the scholarly developments that have modified his views and emphases since the book was published. The result is to make Pachomius an even less assured pioneer, a man likely to have been more involved in the village and urban society of his time than previously thought.

About the author

Philip Rousseau is Andrew W. Mellon Distinguished Professor of Early Christian Studies, and Director, Center for the Study of Early Christianity, Catholic University of America.  He is the author of Basil of Caesarea (California, 1995).

Summary

Pachomius, who died in 346, has long been regarded as the "founder of monasticism". This reading of the available texts, first published in 1985, reveals that Pachomius's pioneering enterprise has been consistently misread in light of later monastic practices.

Additional text

"This very readable and well-documented work provides a needed corrective to the superficial treatment of Pachomius found in many monastic histories."

Product details

• Authors: Philip Rousseau, ROUSSEAU PHILIP
• Publisher: University Of California Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 06.07.1999
• EAN: 9780520219595
• ISBN: 978-0-520-21959-5
• No. of pages: 250
• Series: Transformation of the Classical Heritage; Transformation of the Classica; Transformation of the Classical Heritage
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; RELIGION / Christianity / Catholic, RELIGION / Christianity / General, RELIGION / Monasticism, Christianity, Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church, Religious communities and monasticism, Christian communities & monasticism