Devotio Moderna and the Medieval University : Cultures of Devotion and Learning

Devotio Moderna and the Medieval University explores the origins and intellectual legacy of the Devotio Moderna, a Christian movement born from Geert Grote’s transformative rejection of worldly learning, which went on to inspire key figures of the Reformation, including Erasmus, Ignatius of Loyola, Luther, and Calvin.

Devotio Moderna and the Medieval University explores the origins and intellectual legacy of the Devotio Moderna, a Christian movement born from Geert Grote’s transformative rejection of worldly learning, which went on to inspire key figures of the Reformation, including Erasmus, Ignatius of Loyola, Luther, and Calvin. Through an analysis of its Augustinian foundations and its disruptive stance against university culture, the book offers a fresh perspective on the movement’s theoretical and historical significance, challenging modern scholarly assumptions. Thus, readers will gain insight into the Devotio Moderna’s paradoxical relationship with knowledge – its rejection of scholastic universities alongside its profound influence on education and intellectual thought. This book is intended for scholars, students, and informed readers interested in the history of Christianity, Reformation studies, intellectual history, and the intersection of devotion and knowledge. It is particularly relevant for those studying theology, philosophy, medieval and early modern history, and the legacy of educational institutions.