Justo Gonzalez, Ph.D.: "History of Christianity, Vol. 1:" Ch. 15--Monast...
1.
The
Monastic Reaction, 157-172. We are told of 300 years of persecutions until Constantine.
Afterwards, we are told of laxities and luxuries which displease some while, Eusebius,
contrarily, rightly, views Constantine as a gift of divine providence. Out of this
putative and alleged discontent, fellas run to deserts and seclusion. We hear the
dreary stories of Paul and Anthony from Jerome and Athanasius, athletes of pietism
if we may. Retreats, while necessary and enjoyable, we would argue, are not to be
permanent. Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights but did not live in seclusion.
One hears of Pachomius and communal monasticism. In time, we will hear of Benedictines
retreat.
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