Monasticism in the Lives and Writings of Heloise and Abelard
By David Luscombe
Monastic Studies: The Continuity of Tradition, ed. J. Loades (1990)
Synopsis: To discover what Abelard and Heloise tried to say about monasticism, as well as to attempt to assess this historically, it may be helpful to organise some observations around a few themes. Firstly, we may ask what were Abelard’s views about monastic tradition, about the origins and purpose of monasticism, both male and female. Secondly, what did he say about monasticism as it existed in his own time? Thirdly, what are we to make of the efforts of this separated couple to live the monastic life, and especially what are we to think of Abelard for all that hopping in and out of religious houses over much of France? And finally what did Abelard do for Heloise and the convent of the Paraclete and what did Heloise think of that?
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Tags: France, Monasticism
