Five Models of Spiritual Direction in the Early Church

In late antiquity the rising number of ascetics who joined the priesthood faced a pastoral dilemma. Should they follow a traditional, demonstrably administrative, approach to pastoral care, emphasizing doctrinal instruction, the care of the poor, and the celebration of the sacraments? Or should they bring to the parish the ascetic models of spiritual direction, characterized by a more personal spiritual father/spiritual disciple relationship? Five Models of Spiritual Direction in the Early Church explores the struggles of five clerics (Athanasius, Gregory Nazianzen, Augustine of Hippo, John Cassian, and Pope Gregory I) to reconcile their ascetic idealism with the reality of pastoral responsibility. Through a close reading of Greek and Latin texts, George E. Demacopoulos explores each pastor's criteria for ordination, his supervision of subordinate clergy, and his methods of spiritual direction. He argues that the evolution in spiritual direction that occurred during this period reflected and informed broader developments in religious practices. Demacopoulos describes the way in which these authors shaped the medieval pastoral traditions of the East and the West. Each of the five struggled to balance the tension between his ascetic idealism and the realities of the lay church. Each offered distinct (and at times very different) solutions to that tension. The diversity among their models of spiritual direction demonstrates both the complexity of the problem and the variable nature of early Christianity. Scholars and students of late antiquity, the history of Christianity, and historical theology will find a great deal of interest in Five Models of Spiritual Direction in the Early Church . The book will also appeal to those who are actively engaged in Christian ministry. Five Models Of Spiritual Direction In The Early Church Explores The Struggles Of Five Clerics (athanasius, Gregory Nazianzen, Augustine Of Hippo, John Cassian, And Pope Gregory I) To Reconcile Their Ascetic Idealism With The Reality Of Pastoral Responsibility. Through A Close Reading Of Greek And Latin Texts, George E. Demacopoulos Explores Each Pastor's Criteria For Ordination, Supervision Of Subordinate Clergy, And Methods Of Spiritual Direction. He Argues That The Evolution In Spiritual Direction That Occurred During This Period Reflected And Informed Broader Developments In Religious Practices. Athanasius Of Alexandria And Ambivalence Regarding Spiritual Direction -- Gregory Nazianzen's Struggle For Synthesis -- Augustine Of Hippo And Resistance To The Ascetic Model Of Spiritual Direction -- John Cassian And The Spiritual Direction Of The Ascetic Community -- Pope Gregory I And The Asceticizing Of Spiritual Direction. George E. Demacopoulos. Based On The Author's Dissertation (ph. D.)--university Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, 2002, Entitled: A Monk In Shepherd's Clothing : Pope Gregory I And The Asceticizing Of Pastoral Direction. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 233-253) And Index. Acknowledgments ix Introduction 1 ONE Athanasius of Alexandria and Ambivalence Regarding 21 Spiritual Direction TWO Gregory Nazianzen’s Struggle for Synthesis 51 THREE Augustine of Hippo and Resistance to the Ascetic Model of 83 Spiritual Direction FOUR John Cassian and the Spiritual Direction of the Ascetic Community 107 FIVE Pope Gregory I and the Asceticizing of Spiritual Direction 127 Conclusion 165 Abbreviations 171 Notes 175 Bibliography 233 Index 255