Christian History Home > Issue 93 > Illuminating Europe
Illuminating Europe
Under Charlemagne's influence, the monasteries shaped the future of Western education, trade, and even handwriting.
Thomas O. Kay with Jennifer Trafton | posted 1/01/2007 08:55AM
With the best of intentions, a Christian congregation throws its energy and resources into obeying Jesus' command to be salt and light in society. Its members feed the hungry, care for the sick, and strive for social reform. They have scholars and teachers of the highest caliber and even publish their own literature for the wider community. Their spiritual reputation and social connections have earned them the ear of the leaders of the land and a foot in the door of powerful government offices.
They are eager to serve the world, but the world bites them back. Their activities become more and more shaped by society's agendas. Their leader is hardly more than a political pawn, his eyes set more on money and prestige than on spiritual matters. Are they transforming the culture, or is the culture transforming them? Have they gained the world only to lose their souls?
The situation sounds remarkably contemporary, but this tension has recurred throughout history—and it was the tension faced by ... To view this item, you must be a member of ChristianHistory.net.
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