Brethren of the Common Life

Definition

The Brethren of the Common Life was a religious community founded in the late 14th century in the Netherlands, emphasizing communal living, education, and personal piety. This movement sought to bring about a more profound spiritual life through shared resources, simple living, and a focus on internal devotion rather than strict adherence to established religious rituals, connecting deeply with the broader currents of Christian mysticism and spiritual renewal during its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brethren of the Common Life originated in Deventer, Netherlands, around 1380 and was founded by Gerard Groote.
2. Members lived in communities focused on prayer, education, and charitable works, often attracting both clergy and laypeople.
3. The movement placed a strong emphasis on education, establishing schools that educated both boys and girls in Christian values and literacy.
4. The Brethren encouraged a personal relationship with God over formalized church practices, fostering an environment for mysticism and inner spirituality.
5. This community influenced later Protestant reformers by laying groundwork for individual interpretation of faith and direct engagement with spiritual life.

Review Questions

• How did the Brethren of the Common Life contribute to educational reforms during their time?
  • The Brethren of the Common Life played a pivotal role in educational reforms by establishing schools that focused on teaching Christian values alongside basic literacy. They believed that education was essential for fostering personal piety and understanding of faith. Their commitment to providing accessible education for both boys and girls represented a significant shift toward a more inclusive approach to learning in medieval Christianity.
• Discuss how the principles of the Brethren of the Common Life align with those of mysticism in Christianity.
  • The principles of the Brethren of the Common Life align closely with Christian mysticism as both emphasize personal experience and internal spirituality over external rituals. The community encouraged individuals to cultivate a direct relationship with God through contemplative practices and inner devotion. This mystical approach resonated with broader spiritual movements of the time, which sought deeper connections with the divine beyond traditional church structures.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Brethren of the Common Life on Protestant reform movements in Europe.
  • The Brethren of the Common Life had a lasting impact on Protestant reform movements by promoting ideas such as personal faith and direct engagement with scripture. Their emphasis on individual interpretation laid groundwork for later reformers like Martin Luther. Additionally, their educational initiatives helped disseminate new theological ideas among broader populations, significantly contributing to shifts in religious thought during the Reformation period.

Related terms

Thomas à Kempis: A prominent member of the Brethren of the Common Life, known for his spiritual writings, particularly 'The Imitation of Christ', which emphasizes humility and devotion.

Devotio Moderna: A movement within late medieval Christianity that stressed personal piety and direct relationships with God, closely associated with the Brethren of the Common Life.

Mysticism: A spiritual practice that seeks a direct experience of God through contemplation and meditation, often emphasized by groups like the Brethren of the Common Life.