Differences in the practice of Asceticism across Christian denominations

[PSOL]

What are they and what do they say about each denomination?

[Associate Justice PiT]

     In the Eastern Orthodox practice, asceticism is seen as a part of the struggle to keep the commandments of God. Through that struggle, we are sanctified by the grace of His Holy Spirit and regenerated from the damage that sin has done to our souls. Asceticism has no value in itself, but rather is accorded value by virtue of being done for God in a desire to grow closer to Him.

     This idea speaks to the primacy of theosis as a concept in Orthodox soteriology. That is, salvation is not a privilege conferred for fulfilling a certain set of conditions, as it can seem in Western Christanity. Rather it is the end result of labors that align our mind and our heart with the will of God, so that we live according to how He wills us to live, not because we externally know we should, but because our will has been healed to do so instinctively.

     I am aware that asceticism, theosis, and regeneration exist as concepts in Western Christianity as well, but they are more heavily emphasized in Orthodox belief and praxis, where they go beyond the incidental and attain a central place. This forms perhaps the most important distinction between Western and Eastern Christianity, at least in my estimation of the comparison.

[PSOL]

     In the Eastern Orthodox practice, asceticism is seen as a part of the struggle to keep the commandments of God. Through that struggle, we are sanctified by the grace of His Holy Spirit and regenerated from the damage that sin has done to our souls. Asceticism has no value in itself, but rather is accorded value by virtue of being done for God in a desire to grow closer to Him.

     This idea speaks to the primacy of theosis as a concept in Orthodox soteriology. That is, salvation is not a privilege conferred for fulfilling a certain set of conditions, as it can seem in Western Christanity. Rather it is the end result of labors that align our mind and our heart with the will of God, so that we live according to how He wills us to live, not because we externally know we should, but because our will has been healed to do so instinctively.

These statements seem contradictory, no? That Asceticism is vital for closeness to god, and thus salvation, seems like a very encouraged condition to be in.

In Orthodox Christianity, how does one live an ascetic lifestyle? Is it strictly by following the commandments laid out by god?

[Associate Justice PiT]

     In the Eastern Orthodox practice, asceticism is seen as a part of the struggle to keep the commandments of God. Through that struggle, we are sanctified by the grace of His Holy Spirit and regenerated from the damage that sin has done to our souls. Asceticism has no value in itself, but rather is accorded value by virtue of being done for God in a desire to grow closer to Him.

     This idea speaks to the primacy of theosis as a concept in Orthodox soteriology. That is, salvation is not a privilege conferred for fulfilling a certain set of conditions, as it can seem in Western Christanity. Rather it is the end result of labors that align our mind and our heart with the will of God, so that we live according to how He wills us to live, not because we externally know we should, but because our will has been healed to do so instinctively.

These statements seem contradictory, no? That Asceticism is vital for closeness to god, and thus salvation, seems like a very encouraged condition to be in.

In Orthodox Christianity, how does one live an ascetic lifestyle? Is it strictly by following the commandments laid out by god?

     The point is that we see salvation more as a journey than as a destination. You don't suddenly reach a point where you are crowned, but rather it is a continual struggle onwards.

     Asceticism is realized through living in a manner that brings one closer to God. Keeping the commandments are part of it, but any activity that brings one's heart and mind in line with how God intends it to be. This is realized through such activities as charitable giving, fasting, praying, and reading the Bible. It is worth noting that this isn't to say that the physical world is evil or that we should reject material existence. Living in the world and even having a well-paying career is acceptable, so long as you do not make physical things more important to you than loving God and loving your neighbor.

[PSOL]

In Western traditions, how does asceticism differ? What does this supposed “set of conditions” look like in stated theology and in practice? Specifically in the denominations of Roman Catholicism, Baptism, Evangelicalism, Calvinism, and Lutheranism?