The Crisis of Western Monasticism, 1050–1130
Norman F. Cantor
THE second half of the eleventh century and first three decades twelfth long been regarded as an extremely critical period in development Western monasticism. Generally speaking, these eight witnessed ending Benedictine centuries, that early medieval history, stretching over a millenium, which fate not only religion but also culture civilization Europe was large part determined by work black monks. Several great scholars, among them Hauck, Sackut, Knowles, Hallinger,' made clear this central theme history. It has shown St. Benedict intended to create religious institution would be refuge for more devout Latin Christians who have lost faith will give up God, Dean Inge said mystics.2 In midst falling world, widespread pessimism encouraged conviction promised salvation could attained withdrawal from society. But succeeding centuries it became evident walls monastery effectively cut off monks life surrounding society, had intended. Early so pitifully lacking adequate leadership effective institutions, afford lose labor talents monks, nor fail enlist its service exhibited remarkable powers survival political disorganization. Consequently Carolingian had, were, come absorbed into By ninth mem-
The American Historical Review