The ethos of a knight-monk in the context of the theology of war on the basis of The Rule of the Knights Templar and The Praise of the New Knighthood by Bernard of Clairvaux
The author analyses and interprets the ethos of a knight-monk in the context
of theology of war included in the Rule of the Knights Templar and the writings
by Bernard of Clairvaux. He refers to theological, cultural and moral aspects of
the life in the Middle Ages. His presentation of the features of a monk and a
Christian soldier shows similarities between the two lifestyles.
The Order of the Knights Templar was based on fight and obedience. These
two elements can also be found in the life of a religious. Feudal and ecclesiastical
hierarchy were based on obedience, fighting was also part of a monk’s life.
A religious was obliged to fight, however, not against ‘flesh and blood’. He was
to combat his carnal desires and be constantly alert.
The Rule of the Knights Templar combined the elements of a contemplative
and active lives, which made it a crucial document in the history of the Church.
It attempted at creating a coherent ethos of a warrior-monk. Its authors aimed
at giving the Knights Templar the tools to combine the earthly, ‘material’ and
spiritual life, putting the emphasis on temperance. It was not possible for
them to lead the life modelled upon the life of the secular knights and enjoy
its pleasures and exaggerate mortifications and the zeal in prayer.Uniwersytet Warszawsk
