The relevance of christian asceticism to the modern world

• Main Author: Pallasigui, Dino Boy E.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1997
• Subjects: Asceticism; Ascetics; Christian life; Spiritual life; Spiritualism (Philosophy); Christianity; Religion > Philosophy
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/1617
• Institution: De La Salle University

Throughout the history of the church, asceticism had always been regarded as relevant to a genuine Christian spirituality. The early Christians realized this fully because history is full of martyrs and saints who had lived an exemplary ascetic life. Today, however, a life that is lived in complete detachment from the world seems unreal to many. It is simply unimaginable to be detached from the world seems unreal to many. It is simply unimaginable to be detached from the world where social justice, human rights, and even the basic demands of family and jobs require on most people so much energy. Responding to these needs are far more pressing and often requires involvement to the point of absorption. These needs are real concerns today. Many cannot seem to see the relevance of detachment, which is the spirit of asceticism, to their present state of life. It is not that many people are bad rather, many are misinformed about the real value of the Christian ascetic ideal which is asked of them. Christian asceticism is borne out of a person's faith and love for God. It is his/her necessary response to a life of loving intimacy with God, which necessarily requires the freedom of spirit. This freedom of spirit is the result of a life lived out in complete detachment from the world. It is not a call to leave the world. Instead, it is a call to be truly involved while remaining free from self-seeking desires and attachments to this passing world, which, if left unchecked, can adversely color his/her many decisions and visions of truth. Modern men and women can still find Christian asceticism truly relevant in today's modern world which is full of distractions that can rob anyone of true freedom of spirit. Moreover, the modern world is not lacking in spirituality. Amidst the lure of material comfort, success, and inspiring scientific breakthroughs, are holy men and women who live the true spirit of asceticism in their Christian lives. We have Mother Teresa of Calcutta, remarkable for her ascetic life lived out among the poorest of the poor, not to mention the extraordinary zeal of non-Christian faiths like Buddhism, which has attracted many men and women today. Their presence amidst the complexities of the present time is proof enough of the relevance of asceticism, whether for Christians or non-Christians alike.