The past and monastic debate in the time of Bernard of Clairvaux
Christopher Holdsworth
The period from the earlier decades of eleventh century to middle twelfth is characterized by a number great debates on subjects which arose out some most significant aspects institutions time. There was struggle, that between kingdoms and priesthood, or empire papacy as it has sometimes misleadingly been called, reflected in huge folio volumes simply entitled Libelli de Lite . At rather rarer, theological level, there argument about sacraments, particularly Eucharist, had implications both for status clergy (in particular their links with lay patrons), relations those churches looked Rome guidance which, if they focused anywhere, Constantinople. Somewhat these two levels, people argued right relationship secular regular clergy, while within monastic family dispute best way men, much lesser degree women, could make route heavenwards. A deal no doubt said all issues at time now evaporated, but written down, residue survives making up series sustained discussions West any kind subject since controversies fourth fifth centuries.
Studies in Church History