Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Monasticism

Saint Scholastica: Role Model for Holy Assertiveness

February 10, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Christians celebrate the memory of St. Scholastica today. She’s remembered primarily for the moment captured in this painting from the monastery at Subiaco. She was the sister of St. Benedict (the “Father of Western Monasticism”). Both died a bit after 540. He was a monk. She was a nun. Rules prevented them from getting out much. They could meet […]

Filed Under: Monasticism, Prayer, Saints Tagged With: St. Benedict of Nursia, St. Scholastica

St. Boniface: Monk, Missionary, Martyr

June 5, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Today the Church remembers St. Boniface who died at the hands of a violent mob on this day in 754. He is called the “Apostle to the Germans” for his work as a missionary bishop. I want to highlight three things worth learning from his life today. First, Boniface shows us the counter-intuitive power of medieval […]

Filed Under: Community, Monasticism, Saints Tagged With: Apostle to the Germans, Missionary Strategy, Oak of Jupiter, Oak of Thor, Saint Boniface

How to Really Enjoy Your Summer Vacation: Advice from a Fourth Century Monk

May 13, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Did you get to the end of vacation last year and wonder why you were disappointed? Big expectations of adventure and rest swallowed up by Angry Birds and email? Time think ahead, even though Memorial Day is weeks away. Classes are over for the semester (though a two-week Doctor of Ministry intensive is looming). Time to think about Summer before […]

Filed Under: Monasticism, Prayer, Saints, Theology Tagged With: Accidie, Desert Fathers, Monasticism, Redeeming the time, Rhythm, Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Self-management, St. Anthony, Vacation

Three Cheers for St. Brigit of Kildare!

January 31, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen 11 Comments

If St. Brigit were here she’d pour you a pint of her own good ale while you read about her. February 1 is her feast day and I wanted to celebrate three fine qualities of this second patron of Ireland. First Cheer: To a Remarkable Leader of the Church Brigit (ca. 454 – ca. 524; […]

Filed Under: Monasticism, Saints, Theology Tagged With: Beer Brigit, Bishop Brigit, Brigid of Ireland, Brigid of Kildare, Brigit of Ireland, Brigit of Kildare, Church Brigit, Ireland, St Brigid, St. Brigit, women in Church history

Want a Simple, Focused Christian Life? — St. Anthony of Egypt

January 17, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen 1 Comment

Today is the memorial of St. Anthony of Egypt (c. 251-356), aka “Anthony the Great,” the prototypical “desert father.” I wanted to share a story about him that shows his character and priorities. Someone asked Abba Anthony, ‘What must one do in order to please God?’ The old man replied, ‘Pay attention to what I […]

Filed Under: Monasticism, Prayer, Saints, Theology Tagged With: Abba Anthony, Antony the Great, Benedicta Ward, desert father, Desert Fathers, Monasticism, Sayings of the Desert Fathers, St. Anthony

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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