Brethren of the Common Life

Definition

The Brethren of the Common Life was a religious community founded in the late 14th century in the Low Countries, emphasizing a practical, personal approach to Christianity through education and piety. This movement sought to promote a devout lifestyle that combined spiritual reflection with active participation in society, marking a significant response to the growing disconnect between the church and laypeople during the late medieval period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brethren of the Common Life was founded by Gerard Groote in the late 14th century as a response to the perceived corruption within the church.
2. They established schools that promoted literacy and education for laypeople, significantly impacting religious education during this period.
3. The community practiced a form of communal living, emphasizing shared resources and mutual support among members.
4. Their teachings advocated for a direct relationship with God, encouraging personal devotion over reliance on traditional church structures.
5. The influence of the Brethren contributed to later Reformation ideas by promoting critical thinking and individual interpretation of scripture.

Review Questions

• How did the Brethren of the Common Life challenge traditional religious practices during their time?
  • The Brethren of the Common Life challenged traditional religious practices by promoting a more personal and direct relationship with God, rather than relying solely on clerical mediation. They emphasized education and literacy for laypeople, which allowed individuals to engage more deeply with their faith. By advocating for practical piety over institutional rituals, they sought to reconnect everyday believers with spiritual practices that felt authentic and meaningful.
• In what ways did Thomas à Kempis contribute to the legacy of the Brethren of the Common Life?
  • Thomas à Kempis significantly contributed to the legacy of the Brethren of the Common Life through his influential work, 'The Imitation of Christ'. This text encapsulated many principles of the Devotio Moderna movement, promoting themes such as humility, inner spirituality, and personal devotion. His writings inspired countless individuals across Europe, reinforcing the community's emphasis on personal faith and making lasting impacts on Christian thought leading up to the Reformation.
• Evaluate how the educational initiatives of the Brethren of the Common Life reflected broader cultural changes in Europe during their existence.
  • The educational initiatives of the Brethren of the Common Life reflected broader cultural changes in Europe by promoting literacy and critical thinking at a time when humanism was gaining traction. Their focus on education for laypeople democratized knowledge and encouraged a more personal engagement with scripture and spirituality. This shift towards valuing individual interpretation aligned with emerging Renaissance ideas, laying groundwork for later reform movements that sought to challenge traditional authority within both church and society.

Related terms

Devotio Moderna: A reform movement within the late medieval church that emphasized personal piety, inner spirituality, and devotion to Christ, closely associated with the teachings of the Brethren of the Common Life.

Thomas à Kempis: A prominent member of the Brethren of the Common Life, he is best known for writing 'The Imitation of Christ', which remains one of the most influential Christian devotional works.

Humanism: An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that focused on human potential and achievements, often intersecting with the educational goals of the Brethren of the Common Life.