Western Monasticism and Economic Organization
J. A. Raftis
In turning from the monasticism of East historian is struck by comparative complexity institutions Western monasticism. Christian has taken many forms. At some periods and places it performed nearly all organized work church, at other times would appear as a very specialized vocation in isolation society. this sense, monastery, borrowed adapted to its needs wide range different stages development history West. While description structural fascinating though immense problem sociology religion into which we cannot enter here, there was ‘monastic period’ western Christendom that warrants comparison with East. From time breakup Roman Empire rise nation-state monastic maintained continuity unique Christianity. Although only rarely sole ecclesiastical institution, monastery most regions Europe for long dominant form organization. Accordingly, can expect find during period something common reaction problems economic
Comparative Studies in Society and History