Ascetic practices
Fasting, monasticism, pilgrimage, celibacy, almsgiving — the disciplines Christians have used across traditions to form character.
12 topics
Abstinence
The practice of abstinence in Christianity has roots that predate the religion itself, influenced by ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman customs. In the ancient w…
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
The practice of celibacy among clergy was not universally enforced in the early Christian church and evolved over centuries with significant regional differe…
Fasting
Fasting was once a contentious issue that even led to the excommunication of entire communities in early Christianity. In the formative years of the Christia…
Hesychasm
The practice of Hesychasm was so controversial in the 14th century that it sparked a series of church councils aimed at resolving disputes over its legitimac…
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina was originally practiced by monks as a way to engage with scripture beyond just reading, turning it into a meditative and transformative experi…
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
In medieval Europe, the fervor for Christian pilgrimages reached such heights that it spurred the creation of the continent's first travel guidebooks. These …
Sign of the Cross
In the early days of Christianity, when the followers of the faith faced intense persecution from Roman authorities, 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…