Devotio Moderna

The spiritual movement known as Devotio Moderna ("modern devotion") arose in the Netherlands in the late 1300s. Its followers aimed to imitate Christ by living a simple and humble life. The movement also stressed quiet reflection and spiritual self-knowledge. The German theologian* Thomas á Kempis expressed these ideals in the early 1400s in his famous treatise* On the Imitation of Christ. Followers of Devotio Moderna formed religious societies and opened schools to promote Christian education.

Devotio Moderna arose out of the ideas of Geert Grote (1340–1384), a preacher in the town of Deventer. Grote began his career as a scholar, studying subjects such as philosophy and church law. Many years after obtaining a master's degree from the University of Paris, Grote decided to devote his life to God. In 1374 he converted his parents' former house into a home for women who wanted to serve God. He received a church position that allowed him to preach in public and spent four years traveling around, converting many people. However, Grote's bishop took away his preaching license when he became too harsh in his criticisms of priests who lived with women.

Grote and his followers established several communities based on the ideas of Devotio Moderna. Around 1381 Grote's friend, the priest Florentius Radewyns, made his house in Deventer the home of a group called the Brethren of the Common Life. Members pooled their earnings, gained mostly through writing, to support their community. They obeyed a chosen leader but, unlike monks, they did not take holy vows. Communities of this type spread throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Women formed similar groups, calling themselves the Sisters of the Common Life.

In 1387, after Grote's death, Radewyns gave the Brethren a more traditional role in the church by founding a monastery in Windesheim. This body followed monastic* rules, but remained dedicated to Grote's principles. The congregation grew as many established monasteries joined. Similar convents for women arose in several areas.

The Brethren founded schools in many northern cities. Several prominent thinkers of the time studied at them, including Desiderius ERASMUS and Martin LUTHER. The Brethren's school system influenced educational practices throughout Europe.