Guibert Of Nogent Analysis

Guibert of Nogent summarizes the lives of his close family as well as himself in his work Monodies. Guibert, the deeply religious monk, conceptualizes his family's role in society as well as their faith. Before understanding the lives of Guibert and his family, the religious climate of the twelfth century must first be understood. The reforming spirituality of the twelfth century created a new lifestyle for the everyday Christian. In the twelfth century many reformers were hard at work altering the lives of Christians throughout Europe. From Pope Gregory VII to Anselm of Canterbury, each leader brought about change and new ideas. The lives of monastics as well as the lives of the nonsecular were greatly influenced by these reforms. An end …show more content…
While speaking of giving up wealth to live in poverty and serve Christ, he addresses a concept that was common belief during his time. The poor who live in poverty do not live any more pious lives, because they do not choose this life of poverty. To live in poverty because of social standing, to fast because there is no food, does not make one more religious, Guibert explains. Only the wealthy can experience “frugality.” While Guibert disassociates the poor from religious life, he defends a teacher of his that does not appear to be the Christian …show more content…
Guibert has a dream that he is called to the teacher by God and they accept one another as their only student and teacher. Guibert claims that his teacher was concerned most with Guibert’s soul, and preparing him for his destiny. The teacher was not a smart man, he knew little but was honest and humble, which was more important to Guibert. The teacher taught Guibert a life of obedience preparing him for the monastic life he would take up when he was older. The teacher instilled values on Guibert, rather than learning. This lifestyle instilled Guibert’s belief that he was destined to serve God in the monastic order. Though the teacher was later dismissed after beating Guibert brutally into submission, his lasting impact on Guibert’s life is important to note when analyzing how Guibert views himself.
Guibert, himself claims that he is also a sinner. Regardless of how he tries, he finds himself sinning. He opens the work with a repentance of his sins. Being born into a life of sin and evil, the devil can take hold of you at any time. Besides being flawed Guibert knew that serving God was his calling. His devotion to his work grew, he missed meals and refused to stop learning in pursuit of his destiny. Eventually Guibert takes up monastic life, and though he struggles with his urge to sin, he always repents to God. Guibert considers himself worthy of God’s forgiveness because of his