The Christian Hermits
The Christian Hermits, Desert Theology and Eremitical Monasticism
Traditionally - and by definition - a hermit is one who chooses to live in seclusion or isolation from general society. Christian hermits are those who select to live outside of normal society due to their religious beliefs or convictions. In the Bible, this is most aptly demonstrated in Number 13:3 and Numbers 13:26; these passages describe wandering around the desert for forty years. This isolation was meant to induce a change of heart and provide a religious revelation of sorts to those who sought out such a separation from society.
The earliest form of eremitic life - the term that is used to refer to those who live as hermits - was basically what later became monastic living. Many of the same principles found in monastic life derived from the eremitic life. Indeed, the primary text of monastic life - The Rule Of St. Benedict - listed hermits among the four different kinds of monks.
Much of the life of the Christian hermit is devoted to the Desert Theology of the Bible's Old Testament. Essentially, the Desert Theology is the belief that God calls his loyal followers out to wander the desert in order to seek changes of heart. He may do so repeatedly throughout the centuries, in order that his followers may accept Him as their Creator and their Lord - and prove themselves to be obedient to Him.
The ideals most fervently adhered to by Christian hermits throughout history - and into modern times - are those involving praise of God and service to humanity. These goals can be accomplished in many ways, but dedication and adherence to these sets of ideals are key to the eremitic life and universal among all true Christian hermits. Indeed, service to humanity is vital; otherwise, a hermit's isolation would serve no true purpose.
Paul of Thebes is traditionally considered to be the first Christian hermit; he is often referred to as "Saint Paul the first hermit". The eremitic life of those earliest days then spread amongst various sects and followers, often through disciples who can all be traced eventually back to Paul of Thebes. Old time Christian hermits usually lived in isolated cells - also known as hermitages - off in the desert or deep in the woods.
These hermitages provided Christian hermits with the proper atmosphere with which to practice their ideals and the Desert Theology. From these earliest incarnations, the eremitic life wove itself deeply into the monastic lifestyle as well. Much of the ideology and beliefs on the dedication of these individuals became a part of what is known as eremitical monasticism.
To this day, many modern monasteries continue to model themselves off of the earliest examples of hermitages. Indeed, eremitical monasticism is still very much alive in the world; many feel that its ideologies would do much good for the world at large. Adherents to the eremitic life - and modern Christian hermits - tend to eschew the politics that are often so rampant in various religious bodies, and boil down the Desert Theology to its most effective essentials: devotion to God and service to humanity.
The Sayings Of The Desert Fathers
As Christianity was made legal in Egypt in 313, the Desert Fathers - hermits, monks and other individuals who sought isolation from society for spiritual reasons - became highly sought after by the citizenry for their wisdom and incredible knowledge. Indeed, the eremitic life seemed to provide the Desert Fathers with amazing insights and profound philosophies. Many of the Desert Fathers went on to become important in the Church, due to their wisdom and spirituality.
It seemed that, by eschewing traditional society and seeking solitude out in the desert, these men were able to more clearly understand the word of God. During this time, many significant texts were composed by such men, which to this day provide great insights for modern people of all religious backgrounds. Indeed, these sayings are universal in scope, as they focus not on the religious body but more upon individual devotion to God and how each man can contribute to humanity.
Apophthegmata Patrum once wrote, "Even if an angel should indeed appear to you, do not receive him but humiliate yourself, saying, 'I am not worthy to see an angel, for I am a sinner." This is a great example of the kinds of sayings that the Desert Fathers are so prized for. It encapsulates the hermits' belief that what the individual man wants is not of importance; how he can best serve God and humanity is. Considering the many problems that can develop from a mindless adherence to a particular religious body, many people would be wise to consider sayings like these and using them in their daily lives.
Another great saying by a Desert Father comes to us from St. Callistus Xanthopoulos, and it quite short but very succinct: "Prove your love and zeal for wisdom in actual deeds." Again, this reiterates the Desert Fathers' - and Christian hermits' - general belief in service to humanity. They naturally viewed their solitude and isolation as a form of this - performing an act rather than blindly saying meaningless words. As ancient as they are, the sayings of the Desert Fathers continue to resonate to this day, and Christian hermits turn to them often even in modern times.
