Discipline, compassion and monastic ideals of community, c.950–1250
Katherine Allen Smith
Those who are not flogged here on earth received as sons there in heaven […] and will be alongside the devil for eternity. Ambrose of Milan1 1 De interpellatione Iob et David, 3.3.9, Patrologiae cursus completus, series latina, ed. J.-P. Migne, 221 vols (Paris, 1841–64) [hereafter PL], vol. 14, 841: qui autem hic non flagellantur, ibi suscipiuntur ut filii perpetuum cum diabolo flagellentur. This essay examines intersections discipline, compassion community a selection monastic texts from late tenth through to mid-thirteenth centuries, focusing disciplinary rituals involving punitive flogging or flagellation. Although members all major religious orders viewed necessary method correction needing little no justification, evidenced by customaries, letters, even miracle collections, few scholars have examined role this practice shaping culture. suggests that served number related functions within coenobitic monasticism: they reinforced hierarchies communities, tested individuals' mastery virtues humility obedience, expressed superiors' love their subordinates, reminded penitents spectators alike Christ's bodily suffering. These conclusions further supported close reading Peter Venerable's vita Cluniac prior Matthew Albano, text which depicts violence synthetic element life, well ritual means promoting spiritual growth individuals entire communities.
Journal of Medieval History