Devotio moderna

Definition

Devotio moderna is a movement that emerged in the late Middle Ages, emphasizing personal piety and a direct relationship with God, often through contemplative practices and the imitation of Christ. It sought to reform religious life by prioritizing inner spirituality and personal devotion over external rituals, appealing particularly to laypeople and women mystics who played significant roles in its development and spread.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Devotio moderna was particularly influential among women mystics, who contributed to its growth by articulating their experiences of God through writings and teachings.
2. This movement led to the establishment of communities that emphasized education, such as the Brethren of the Common Life, which helped laypeople deepen their spiritual lives.
3. Practitioners of devotio moderna engaged in practices like meditation and prayer that fostered personal encounters with God, moving away from ritualistic religion.
4. The ideas from devotio moderna influenced later reform movements in Christianity, including the Protestant Reformation, by challenging established church authority and promoting individual faith.
5. Devotio moderna also highlighted the importance of humility and service in Christian life, encouraging followers to emulate Christ’s example in their daily actions.

Review Questions

• How did the devotio moderna movement reshape the religious practices of medieval women mystics?
  • The devotio moderna movement significantly influenced medieval women mystics by allowing them to express their spirituality in a more personal and contemplative manner. This movement encouraged women to seek a direct relationship with God through practices such as meditation and prayer, moving away from strict adherence to church rituals. As a result, many women mystics became prolific writers and teachers, sharing their experiences and insights on spirituality that contributed to the broader understanding of Christian devotion.
• What role did Gerard Groote play in the development of devotio moderna and how did it impact education at that time?
  • Gerard Groote was instrumental in founding the Brethren of the Common Life, which became a central institution in promoting the ideals of devotio moderna. His work emphasized education for both clergy and laypeople, fostering a deeper understanding of personal piety and spiritual growth. This focus on education helped democratize access to spiritual resources, enabling more individuals to engage in personal devotion and contributing to a shift towards a more individualized approach to faith during this period.
• Evaluate the lasting effects of devotio moderna on Christian spirituality and its connection to later reform movements.
  • Devotio moderna had a profound impact on Christian spirituality by promoting individual faith and personal encounters with God, which set the stage for later reform movements like the Protestant Reformation. Its emphasis on inner spirituality over ritual allowed for a questioning of established church authority, leading many to seek a more authentic expression of faith. The writings and teachings from this movement continue to resonate today, highlighting the importance of personal devotion and mystical experiences in Christian practice.

Related terms

Modern Devotion: Another name for devotio moderna, highlighting its focus on individual spirituality and personal engagement with God.

Gerard Groote: A key figure in the devotio moderna movement, Groote founded the Brethren of the Common Life, promoting education and personal devotion.

Mysticism:

A spiritual practice aimed at achieving direct communion with God, often associated with women mystics during the devotio moderna period.