Bernard of Clairvaux

Definition

Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot and key figure in the Cistercian monastic reform movement during the 12th century. He is known for his influential role in promoting pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, encouraging spiritual devotion, and emphasizing the importance of monastic life as a means to connect with God. His writings and preaching significantly impacted medieval Christianity, particularly regarding the significance of pilgrimage as both a physical journey and a spiritual quest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bernard founded the Abbey of Clairvaux in 1115, which became a center for Cistercian reforms and attracted many followers.
2. He advocated for the Second Crusade (1147-1149), viewing it as a necessary pilgrimage to reclaim Jerusalem and support fellow Christians in the Holy Lands.
3. His writings, especially 'On Loving God,' emphasized personal piety and the transformative power of love for God, influencing medieval spirituality.
4. Bernard’s sermons and letters promoted the idea of pilgrimage not only as an outward journey but also as an inward spiritual quest for divine union.
5. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting later medieval thought about monastic life and pilgrimage practices throughout Europe.

Review Questions

• How did Bernard of Clairvaux contribute to the Cistercian reform movement and its relationship with pilgrimage?
  • Bernard of Clairvaux was instrumental in shaping the Cistercian reform movement by emphasizing a return to simplicity and a more devout monastic lifestyle. His promotion of pilgrimage as a means to deepen spiritual devotion aligned with Cistercian values. Through his teachings, he encouraged monks and laypeople alike to engage in pilgrimages as both acts of faith and opportunities for personal transformation, making pilgrimage an integral part of Cistercian identity.
• Discuss the significance of Bernard's advocacy for the Second Crusade and its connection to pilgrimage.
  • Bernard's advocacy for the Second Crusade highlighted his belief that military action could serve a dual purpose: reclaiming sacred territory and fulfilling the spiritual quest of pilgrimage. He framed the Crusade as a holy mission that would benefit Christians seeking to visit Jerusalem. This connection between warfare and pilgrimage exemplified how Bernard viewed physical journeys as critical to faith, blending religious devotion with contemporary political aspirations.
• Evaluate Bernard of Clairvaux's lasting impact on medieval Christianity regarding pilgrimage and monastic life.
  • Bernard's influence on medieval Christianity is evident in how he transformed perceptions of pilgrimage and monasticism. By advocating for the importance of internal spiritual journeys alongside external ones, he shaped a holistic view that resonated with many Christians. His teachings laid groundwork for future religious movements that valued personal spirituality, which ultimately contributed to evolving practices surrounding pilgrimage, inspiring countless individuals to seek deeper connections with God through both travel and contemplation.

Related terms

Cistercians: A reformist monastic order founded in the late 11th century that emphasized simplicity, manual labor, and a return to strict observance of the Rule of St. Benedict.

Pilgrimage: A journey undertaken by individuals to sacred sites or places of religious significance, often seen as an act of devotion or penance.

Crusades: Military expeditions sanctioned by the Church during the medieval period aimed at reclaiming the Holy Lands from Muslim rule, often intertwined with pilgrimage motivations.