Etos mnicha wojownika w kontekście teologii wojny na podstawie Reguły Templariuszy i Pochwały Nowego Rycerstwa św. Bernarda z Clairvaux

Abstract

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.