Ascetic practices
Fasting, monasticism, pilgrimage, celibacy, almsgiving — the disciplines Christians have used across traditions to form character.
13 topics
Abstinence
Christian abstinence has roots that predate the religion itself, influenced by ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman customs. Abstaining from certain foods or activ…
Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath, with its vibrant candles and evergreen circle, is a more recent tradition than many assume, emerging not from ancient Christian practices …
Almsgiving
In the early centuries of Christianity, almsgiving was regarded not only as a compassionate act but also as a form of penance. It was believed that giving to…
Celibacy
Clerical celibacy wasn't universally enforced in the Catholic Church until the 12th century, despite earlier councils advocating for it. The idea that clergy…
Celibacy of Clergy
Clerical celibacy was not universally enforced in the early Christian church and evolved over centuries with regional differences. Many clergy, including bis…
Fasting
Fasting was once a contentious issue that even led to the excommunication of entire communities in early Christianity. During the formative years of the Chri…
Hesychasm
Hesychasm was so controversial in the 14th century that it sparked a series of church councils aimed at resolving disputes over its legitimacy. Hesychasm, a …
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina was originally practiced by monks to engage with scripture beyond just reading, turning it into a meditative experience. An ancient approach to…
Monasticism
The origins of Christian monasticism can be traced back to the 3rd century, when the first monks were not living in organized communities, but rather as herm…
Mortification
In the early centuries of Christianity, mortification practices became so extreme that some adherents believed they could attain sainthood through self-infli…
Pilgrimage
During medieval Europe, the fervor for Christian pilgrimages spurred the creation of the continent's first travel guidebooks. Pilgrimages were complex undert…
Sign of the Cross
During the early days of Christianity, followers of the faith faced intense persecution from Roman authorities, and the Sign of the Cross served as a covert …
Tithing
Tithing in Christianity has roots that extend beyond biblical commands, tracing back to ancient Mesopotamian practices. In Mesopotamia, giving a tenth of one…