The true Christian is a monk and a monk is a true Christian : a reappraisal of Basil of Caesarea’s ideals for an authentic Christian life

Abstract

Basil of Caesarea (330-379), a great Father of the Church and an outstanding figure in the history of monasticism has left us invaluable teaching and guidelines for Christian living. This dissertation brings to the fore his ideals for an authentic Christian life as it presents spiritual practices from the monastic tradition to Christian seekers as support for commitment to spiritual growth. Basil’s spirituality is founded on the double commandment of love. As it discusses the two essential aspects of action and contemplation in the Christian life this study shows how the love of neighbour expressed in a life of service is to be inspired by the love of God. Furthermore, this study highlights the character of the Christian disciple as a monk at heart who is distinguished by the constant readiness to put on Christ by keeping his commandments, giving God a pure and undivided heart. Ultimately an authentic Christian life is a response to the Baptismal call. Hence, on a final note this study calls for a rethinking of Basil of Caesarea’s view on the Baptismal call placing it both in theology and in praxis at the centre of the Christian life.