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The Vita Apostolica: Diversity or Dissent*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2009

Ernest W. McDonnell
Ernest W. McDonnell
Affiliation:
Rutgers University
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Extract

The concept vita apostolica embraced three basic principles: imitation of the primitive church, poor, simple, and penitential, with interests and activities restricted to the spiritual domain; a passionate love for souls at home and far afield; and evangelical poverty in common, either predicated on mendicancy or mitigated by the work of one's own hands. It became, during the age of Gregorian reform and after, a compelling program instinct with the fervor, spontaneity, and humanity of the first community at Jerusalem (Acts, iv, 32; cf. Luke, x, 1–12). It postulated reform and criticism in a restless age of expanding economic and geographical horizons, a more rational political system, an increasingly complex social organization, a multiplicity of divergent intellectual currents, and corresponding new spiritual needs. Such a momentous evolution of society, challenging the status quo in all its parts, demanded a reappraisal of the resources and ends of the church, the most powerful and tenacious defender of tradition.

Type
Research Article
Information
Church History , Volume 24 , Issue 1 , March 1955 , pp. 15 - 31
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Church History 1955

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