Devotio Moderna
Encyclopedia
Devotio Moderna, or Modern Devotion, was a 14th century new religious movement, with Gerard Groote as a key founder. Other well known members included Thomas à Kempis
who was the likely author of the book The Imitation of Christ which proved to be highly influential for centuries.
Groote's initial focus was the rediscovery of genuine pious practices and conversion and re-conversion of the lukewarm clergy, and he faced opposition from the clergy, as a result. But in time, after his death the opposition faded away. Devotio Moderna flourished during the 14th and 15th centuries, but came to an end with the Protestant Reformation
.
However, the methods of "methodical prayer" taught by the Devotio Moderna and the techniques used for "self projection" into the imagery of a Biblical scene (to participate in the life of Jesus), significantly influenced the approaches to Christian meditation
in the 16th century and thereafter. These methods persist in meditations such as the Spiritual Exercises
which the Jesuits continue to practice.
, but the exact definiton of Devotio Moderna proved elusive for centuries, and to date its definition is subject to debate. However, a key element that influenced the movement in its early days was the focus on the rediscovery of genuine pious practices and conversion and re-conversion of lukewarm clergy. Geert Groote was highly dissatisfied with the state of the Church and what he perceived as the gradual loss of monastic traditions and the lack of moral values among the clergy - a sentiment expressed by Henry Suso
long before him.
Devotio Moderna began as a lay movement - Groote gathered a group of friends around him and acted as their spiritual director. Among these Florens Radewyns
became a priest based on Groote's advice and after Groote's death directed the bretheren. Groote's work formed two kinds of communities, the Brethren of the Common Life
, consisting mainly of laymen, as well as monasteries in the area of Windesheim
near Zwolle
.
The spiritual life of the Devotio Moderna followers was marked by focus on inner devotions and frequent short periods of meditation, specially before each new activity. The monastic communities of Devotio Moderna faced opposition from the clergy, who objected to Groote, but in time as Radewyns persisted, the opposition faded away.
Devotio Moderna arose at the same time as Christian Humanism
, a meshing of Renaissance Humanism
and Christianity
, and is related to German mysticism
and other movements which promoted an intense personal relationship with God
. By the late 15th century the advent of the printing press
increased the reach of the movement; The Imitation of Christ was printed in several languages by the end of the century. Practitioners of the Devotio Moderna emphasized the inner life of the individual and promoted meditation
according to certain strictures. With the ideals of Christian Humanism, Devotio Moderna recommended a more individual attitude towards belief and religion
and was especially prominent in cities in the Low Countries
during the 14th and 15th centuries. It is regarded sometimes as a contributing factor for Lutheranism
and Calvinism
. It was also a major influence upon Erasmus, who was brought up in this tradition.
, as well as Groote introduced the tradition of "methodical prayer" which arranged exercises day by day and week by week. Groote's On four Kinds of Matter for Meditation included mental imagery, as well as methodical approaches as an element of meditation.
Centuries earlier, Hugh of Saint Victor and Guigo II
had produced structured methods for Christian meditation
, but their approaches were less systematic. The methodical approach of Devotio Moderns towards prayer and meditation found significant following within the Catholic Church, as well as later Reformed communities. The manuals for methodical prayer and meditation by Florens Radewyns
and Zutphen had significant influence within Europe for over a century.
The concept of immersing and projecting oneself into a Biblical scene about the life of Jesus was developed by Ludolph of Saxony
in his Vita Christi in 1374 and became popular among the Devotio Moderna community. The methods of methodical prayer as taught by the Devotio Moderna entered Spain and were known in the early 16th century, and influenced the approaches to Christian meditation
.
Garcias de Cisneros
the abbot of the abbey of Montserrat was influenced by the Devotio Moderna (as well as Louis Barbo
) and his book Ejercitatorio de la vida espiritual, i.e. "exercises for the spiritual life" became one of the primary sources for the Spiritual exercises
of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
. Ignatius used both of these techniques in his Spiritual exercises
: a methodical format, as well as self-projection into a Biblical scene, e.g. starting a conversation with Christ in Calvary
.
The The Imitation of Christ (c. 1418), often attributed to Thomas a Kempis
(d. 1471), a Brother of the Common Life, outlines the concepts of Modern Devotion, based on personal connection to God and the active showing of love towards Him (e.g., in the Blessed Sacrament
of the altar or during mass
). It influenced a number of Saints such as Thérèse of Lisieux.
Thomas à Kempis
Thomas à Kempis was a late Medieval Catholic monk and the probable author of The Imitation of Christ, which is one of the best known Christian books on devotion. His name means, "Thomas of Kempen", his home town and in German he is known as Thomas von Kempen...
who was the likely author of the book The Imitation of Christ which proved to be highly influential for centuries.
Groote's initial focus was the rediscovery of genuine pious practices and conversion and re-conversion of the lukewarm clergy, and he faced opposition from the clergy, as a result. But in time, after his death the opposition faded away. Devotio Moderna flourished during the 14th and 15th centuries, but came to an end with the Protestant Reformation
Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. The efforts of the self-described "reformers", who objected to the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, led...
.
However, the methods of "methodical prayer" taught by the Devotio Moderna and the techniques used for "self projection" into the imagery of a Biblical scene (to participate in the life of Jesus), significantly influenced the approaches to Christian meditation
Christian meditation
Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. The word meditation comes from the Latin word meditārī, which has a range of meanings including to reflect on, to study and to practice...
in the 16th century and thereafter. These methods persist in meditations such as the Spiritual Exercises
Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, are a set of Christian meditations, prayers and mental exercises, divided into four thematic 'weeks' of variable length, designed to be carried out over a period of 28 to 30 days...
which the Jesuits continue to practice.
Origins and context
The origins of the movement go back to the Congregation of WindesheimCongregation of Windesheim
The Congregation of Windesheim was a branch of the Augustinians. It took its name from an Augustinian monastery about four miles south of Zwolle on the IJssel, in the Netherlands....
, but the exact definiton of Devotio Moderna proved elusive for centuries, and to date its definition is subject to debate. However, a key element that influenced the movement in its early days was the focus on the rediscovery of genuine pious practices and conversion and re-conversion of lukewarm clergy. Geert Groote was highly dissatisfied with the state of the Church and what he perceived as the gradual loss of monastic traditions and the lack of moral values among the clergy - a sentiment expressed by Henry Suso
Henry Suso
Henry Suso was a German mystic, born at Überlingen on Lake Constance on March 21, c. 1300; he died at Ulm, January 25, 1366; declared Blessed in 1831 by Gregory XVI, who assigned his feast in the Dominican Order to March 2...
long before him.
Devotio Moderna began as a lay movement - Groote gathered a group of friends around him and acted as their spiritual director. Among these Florens Radewyns
Florens Radewyns
Florens Radewyns was the co-founder of the Brethren of the Common Life.Florfens was born at Leerdam, near Utrecht, about 1350. He passed a brilliant university course, took his M.A. degree at Prague. Returning home, he was installed canon of St. Peter's, Utrecht...
became a priest based on Groote's advice and after Groote's death directed the bretheren. Groote's work formed two kinds of communities, the Brethren of the Common Life
Brethren of the Common Life
The Brethren of the Common Life was a Roman Catholic pietist religious community founded in the 14th century by Gerard Groote, formerly a successful and worldly educator who had had a religious experience and preached a life of simple devotion to Jesus Christ...
, consisting mainly of laymen, as well as monasteries in the area of Windesheim
Windesheim
The name Windesheim may refer to:* Windesheim, Netherlands, a place in the Netherlands, near Zwolle*the Christelijke Hogeschool Windesheim, a Christian institution of higher education there...
near Zwolle
Zwolle
Zwolle is a municipality and the capital city of the province of Overijssel, Netherlands, 120 kilometers northeast of Amsterdam. Zwolle has about 120,000 citizens.-History:...
.
The spiritual life of the Devotio Moderna followers was marked by focus on inner devotions and frequent short periods of meditation, specially before each new activity. The monastic communities of Devotio Moderna faced opposition from the clergy, who objected to Groote, but in time as Radewyns persisted, the opposition faded away.
Devotio Moderna arose at the same time as Christian Humanism
Christian humanism
Christian humanism is the position that universal human dignity and individual freedom are essential and principal components of, or are at least compatible with, Christian doctrine and practice. It is a philosophical union of Christian and humanist principles.- Origins :Christian humanism may have...
, a meshing of Renaissance Humanism
Renaissance humanism
Renaissance humanism was an activity of cultural and educational reform engaged by scholars, writers, and civic leaders who are today known as Renaissance humanists. It developed during the fourteenth and the beginning of the fifteenth centuries, and was a response to the challenge of Mediæval...
and Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, and is related to German mysticism
German mysticism
German mysticism, sometimes called Dominican mysticism or Rhineland mysticism, was a late medieval Christian mystical movement, that was especially prominent within the Dominican order and in Germany. Although its origins can be traced back to Hildegard of Bingen, it is mostly represented by...
and other movements which promoted an intense personal relationship with God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
. By the late 15th century the advent of the printing press
Printing press
A printing press is a device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print medium , thereby transferring the ink...
increased the reach of the movement; The Imitation of Christ was printed in several languages by the end of the century. Practitioners of the Devotio Moderna emphasized the inner life of the individual and promoted meditation
Meditation
Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
according to certain strictures. With the ideals of Christian Humanism, Devotio Moderna recommended a more individual attitude towards belief and religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
and was especially prominent in cities in the Low Countries
Netherlands (terminology)
More than one name is used to refer to the Netherlands, both in English and in other languages. Some of these names refer to different, but overlapping geographical, linguistic and political areas of the country. This is a common source of confusion for outsiders...
during the 14th and 15th centuries. It is regarded sometimes as a contributing factor for Lutheranism
Lutheranism
Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther, a German reformer. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the church launched the Protestant Reformation...
and Calvinism
Calvinism
Calvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life...
. It was also a major influence upon Erasmus, who was brought up in this tradition.
Impact and influence
The writings of the Devotio Moderna followers such as Gerard of Zutphen and Jan MombaerJan Mombaer
Jan Mombaer also known as Johannes Mauburnus was a Christian monk who composed hymns and was part of the devotio moderna movement....
, as well as Groote introduced the tradition of "methodical prayer" which arranged exercises day by day and week by week. Groote's On four Kinds of Matter for Meditation included mental imagery, as well as methodical approaches as an element of meditation.
Centuries earlier, Hugh of Saint Victor and Guigo II
Guigo II
Guigo II was a Carthusian monk and the 9th prior of Grande Chartreuse monastery in the 12th century. He died about 1193, and is distinct from Guigo I, the 5th prior of the same monastery.Surnamed "angelic" he was the 9th prior of the monastery...
had produced structured methods for Christian meditation
Christian meditation
Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. The word meditation comes from the Latin word meditārī, which has a range of meanings including to reflect on, to study and to practice...
, but their approaches were less systematic. The methodical approach of Devotio Moderns towards prayer and meditation found significant following within the Catholic Church, as well as later Reformed communities. The manuals for methodical prayer and meditation by Florens Radewyns
Florens Radewyns
Florens Radewyns was the co-founder of the Brethren of the Common Life.Florfens was born at Leerdam, near Utrecht, about 1350. He passed a brilliant university course, took his M.A. degree at Prague. Returning home, he was installed canon of St. Peter's, Utrecht...
and Zutphen had significant influence within Europe for over a century.
The concept of immersing and projecting oneself into a Biblical scene about the life of Jesus was developed by Ludolph of Saxony
Ludolph of Saxony
Ludolph of Saxony , also known as Ludolphus de Saxonia and Ludolph the Carthusian, was a German Roman Catholic theologian of the fourteenth century.His principle work, Vita Christi was written in 1374...
in his Vita Christi in 1374 and became popular among the Devotio Moderna community. The methods of methodical prayer as taught by the Devotio Moderna entered Spain and were known in the early 16th century, and influenced the approaches to Christian meditation
Christian meditation
Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. The word meditation comes from the Latin word meditārī, which has a range of meanings including to reflect on, to study and to practice...
.
Garcias de Cisneros
Garcias de Cisneros
Garcias de Cisneros was the abbot at the abbey of Montserrat in Spain.As one of the early Spanish mystics, he was a pioneer in the use of meditative techniques, having been influenced both by the methodical prayers of the Devotio Moderna group, and the writings of Louis Barbo.His book...
the abbot of the abbey of Montserrat was influenced by the Devotio Moderna (as well as Louis Barbo
Louis Barbo
Louis Barbo , also referred to as Luigi Barbo or Ludovico Barbo, was a Roman Catholic Bishop and a canon regular of the Benedictine abbey at San Giorgio in Alga, in Venice, Italy.He joined the Benedictine order in 1409...
) and his book Ejercitatorio de la vida espiritual, i.e. "exercises for the spiritual life" became one of the primary sources for the Spiritual exercises
Spiritual Exercises
Spiritual exercises may refer to:* Any spiritual practice dedicated towards increasing one's personal spirituality* Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, a book of spiritual practices of the Roman Catholic Jesuit order...
of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Ignatius of Loyola
Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight from a Basque noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus and was its first Superior General. Ignatius emerged as a religious leader during the Counter-Reformation...
. Ignatius used both of these techniques in his Spiritual exercises
Spiritual Exercises
Spiritual exercises may refer to:* Any spiritual practice dedicated towards increasing one's personal spirituality* Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, a book of spiritual practices of the Roman Catholic Jesuit order...
: a methodical format, as well as self-projection into a Biblical scene, e.g. starting a conversation with Christ in Calvary
Calvary
Calvary or Golgotha was the site, outside of ancient Jerusalem’s early first century walls, at which the crucifixion of Jesus is said to have occurred. Calvary and Golgotha are the English names for the site used in Western Christianity...
.
The The Imitation of Christ (c. 1418), often attributed to Thomas a Kempis
Thomas à Kempis
Thomas à Kempis was a late Medieval Catholic monk and the probable author of The Imitation of Christ, which is one of the best known Christian books on devotion. His name means, "Thomas of Kempen", his home town and in German he is known as Thomas von Kempen...
(d. 1471), a Brother of the Common Life, outlines the concepts of Modern Devotion, based on personal connection to God and the active showing of love towards Him (e.g., in the Blessed Sacrament
Blessed Sacrament
The Blessed Sacrament, or the Body and Blood of Christ, is a devotional name used in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Churches, Old Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, to refer to the Host after it has been consecrated in the sacrament of the Eucharist...
of the altar or during mass
Mass (liturgy)
"Mass" is one of the names by which the sacrament of the Eucharist is called in the Roman Catholic Church: others are "Eucharist", the "Lord's Supper", the "Breaking of Bread", the "Eucharistic assembly ", the "memorial of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection", the "Holy Sacrifice", the "Holy and...
). It influenced a number of Saints such as Thérèse of Lisieux.
See also
- Brothers of the Common Life
- Christian HumanismChristian humanismChristian humanism is the position that universal human dignity and individual freedom are essential and principal components of, or are at least compatible with, Christian doctrine and practice. It is a philosophical union of Christian and humanist principles.- Origins :Christian humanism may have...
- Christian meditationChristian meditationChristian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. The word meditation comes from the Latin word meditārī, which has a range of meanings including to reflect on, to study and to practice...
- Imitation of ChristImitation of ChristIn Christian theology, the Imitation of Christ is the practice of following the example of Jesus. In Eastern Christianity the term Life in Christ is sometimes used for the same concept....
(ideal) - The Imitation of Christ (book)