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On Consideration
Always a vigorous champion of papal reforms, Bernard of Clairvaux toward the end of his life saw one of his own monks raised to the papal throne as Eugene III. While acting as the new Pope's political and spiritual counsellor, the Great Cistercian abbot was tireless in advancing Eugene's policies and in defending his authority and prestige.
Both as a monk and as a strategist, Bernard realized that political astuteness needs the complement of sober and honest reflection. In Five Books on Consideration he defines 'consideration' for the Pope by examining the practical and the theological demands of the papal office.
Both as a monk and as a strategist, Bernard realized that political astuteness needs the complement of sober and honest reflection. In Five Books on Consideration he defines 'consideration' for the Pope by examining the practical and the theological demands of the papal office.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1150
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Bernard of Clairvaux
541 books113 followersborn 1090
Piety and mysticism of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux as widely known instrumental French monastic reformer and political figure condemned Peter Abélard and rallied support for the second Crusade.
This doctor of the Church, an abbot, primarily built the Cistercian order. After the death of mother, Bernard sought admission into the Cistercian order in 1112. Three years later, people sent Bernard found a new house, named Claire Vallée, "of Clairvaux," on 25 June 1115. Bernard preached that the Virgin Mary interceded in an immediate faith.
In 1128, Bernard assisted at the council of Troyes and traced the outlines of the rule of the Knights Templar, who quickly the ideal of Christian nobility.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard...
Piety and mysticism of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux as widely known instrumental French monastic reformer and political figure condemned Peter Abélard and rallied support for the second Crusade.
This doctor of the Church, an abbot, primarily built the Cistercian order. After the death of mother, Bernard sought admission into the Cistercian order in 1112. Three years later, people sent Bernard found a new house, named Claire Vallée, "of Clairvaux," on 25 June 1115. Bernard preached that the Virgin Mary interceded in an immediate faith.
In 1128, Bernard assisted at the council of Troyes and traced the outlines of the rule of the Knights Templar, who quickly the ideal of Christian nobility.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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January 19, 2020The only other thing I have read by this great saint is On Loving God or On the Love of God. As this was recommended as (one of?) his greatest works, it might be another good one to read...
November 5, 2012
De Consideratione is St. Bernard of Clairvaux's last work, a treatise addressed to Pope Eugenius III. Eugenius had been one of Bernard's Cistercian brothers before being elevated to the papacy in the mid-twelfth century, and Bernard writes this work to him as both encouragement and incitement to reform what Bernard perceived as a declining atmosphere of piety in Rome. It's central emphasis is that the Pope, despite all of his temporal cares and the demands of those around him, absolutely must make some time for individualized consideration and contemplation of himself, those he serves, and the hierarchy of divinity above him. It's a really wide ranging treatise, touching on subjects from the swelling flood of legal appeals being brought before the Pope to the management of the papal household, to the hierarchy of angels and the nature of the Trinity. It's ambitious and it's frequently lyrical. Though some of the sections can get a bit dense, it would probably work well as an introduction to lots of the currents of thoughts flying around during the 12th century.
Some of the most interesting parts are those that are only addressed obliquely. Bernard keeps coming back to the idea of the ideal pope as a shepherd, cultivator, or watchman rather than as a temporal lord, and there as hints at the perpetual struggle to precisely define the boundaries of authority between the papacy and the various lay princes and kings. There are also references to the efforts to precisely define how ecclesiastical authority worked - did episcopal power come from the pope or right from God? Could abbots skip over their local bishop and claim to be answerable to Rome alone? All very interesting stuff. Bernard also openly dislikes what he perceives to be the growing pettiness and avarice of the papal court, increasingly flooded by courtiers, flatterers, and influence-seekers.
Though only the last section deals with Bernard's patented brand of mystical theology, it does serve as a nice example of his thought. Even when he's discussing political or administrative issues, it's clear to see the emphasis on love and individuality that characterizes Bernard's theology.
Overall, very interesting read for those who like the 12th century or issues surrounding church/state relations.
Edit: Re-read this for a paper about a year later. It's fun to take another look at it now that I've learned a little bit more about the people involved - when I first read it, it read like a tract on the the papacy (which it is). But on this go-through, it seemed like a much more personal letter that Bernard was writing to his old pupil Eugene who had gotten pulled out of his monastery to become the leader of the Christian world, and who may or may not have been in a little bit over his head. In this light, it's interesting not only for illuminating the 12th century papacy but about showing the difficulties of Eugene's papacy itself.
Bernard must have been rough to have around as your adviser. You never get the benefit of the doubt.
Some of the most interesting parts are those that are only addressed obliquely. Bernard keeps coming back to the idea of the ideal pope as a shepherd, cultivator, or watchman rather than as a temporal lord, and there as hints at the perpetual struggle to precisely define the boundaries of authority between the papacy and the various lay princes and kings. There are also references to the efforts to precisely define how ecclesiastical authority worked - did episcopal power come from the pope or right from God? Could abbots skip over their local bishop and claim to be answerable to Rome alone? All very interesting stuff. Bernard also openly dislikes what he perceives to be the growing pettiness and avarice of the papal court, increasingly flooded by courtiers, flatterers, and influence-seekers.
Though only the last section deals with Bernard's patented brand of mystical theology, it does serve as a nice example of his thought. Even when he's discussing political or administrative issues, it's clear to see the emphasis on love and individuality that characterizes Bernard's theology.
Overall, very interesting read for those who like the 12th century or issues surrounding church/state relations.
Edit: Re-read this for a paper about a year later. It's fun to take another look at it now that I've learned a little bit more about the people involved - when I first read it, it read like a tract on the the papacy (which it is). But on this go-through, it seemed like a much more personal letter that Bernard was writing to his old pupil Eugene who had gotten pulled out of his monastery to become the leader of the Christian world, and who may or may not have been in a little bit over his head. In this light, it's interesting not only for illuminating the 12th century papacy but about showing the difficulties of Eugene's papacy itself.
Bernard must have been rough to have around as your adviser. You never get the benefit of the doubt.
April 14, 2025
Poderosa lección de liderazgo.
Autocuidado, humildad, servicio, elegir al equipo, delegar, poner por encima unos valores superiores. Me encantó.
Autocuidado, humildad, servicio, elegir al equipo, delegar, poner por encima unos valores superiores. Me encantó.
December 16, 2021
Excellent. Was going to give this a four-star: Good book, good advice, definitely worth reading. But then Book Five soars above the rest in reminding Eugene of those things above him, namely God and the hierarchies of angels that each reflect his splendor. Evagrius many centuries ago recommended turning the mind to spiritual realities as a mode of overcoming vice. Bernard puts some meat on that suggesting with the sort of contemplation present here. Whereas many would contrast Thomas' scholastic theology with the monastic theology of Bernard, here it appears plainly that Thomas took inspiration from Bernard in the order of his considerations, even if he doesn't always reach the same conclusion. A beautiful work written by someone with love for the eternal soul of another.
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June 18, 2019„Dacă împrăştii şi risipeşti din faţa consideraţiei tale toate acestea, ca pe nişte nori ai zorilor ce cutreieră repede şi îndată trec dintr‑o parte în cealaltă, ţi se va arăta omul gol şi sărac şi jalnic şi vrednic de milă; omul ce suferă că este om, care se ruşinează că este gol, care plânge pentru că s‑a născut, care crâcneşte că este; omul născut pentru trudă, nu pentru onoare; omul născut din femeie şi din aceasta cauză cu păcat; care trăieşte doar pentru scurtă vreme şi de aceea cu teamă; care este plin de amărăciune, şi pentru aceea cu jale.”
„Toate îi lipsesc celui care crede că nu îi lipseşte nimic.”
„Toate îi lipsesc celui care crede că nu îi lipseşte nimic.”
November 29, 2024
I need a copy! I don't know whether to thank the translator or Bernard himself for creating such a wonderful piece of literature. Some really beautiful passages in here, not necessarily exclusive to be taken as papal advice depending on the angle it's read I suppose. There's a really goregous passage on Bernard's perfect man, rather high standards, quite like Aristotle's, but if we had somebody like that to plonk on a seat with all the power, I don't think anyone would be too upset objectively. Sadly that will probably never happen; if Bernard couldn't convince Eugene to pull himself together with this work, I'm not sure what else can be done.
February 28, 2022
Bernard writes to advise one his former monks now elevated to Pope of the Church. Bernard reminds him that he must remember to find time for contemplation and prayer. The 'Pope' must be mindful of the needs of the poor as well as the rich.
Bernard raises thoughts about the plight of the common man, the needs of the church and how one man represents all of society.
It is an intense book, not all that 'entertaining' if that is what you are seeking. But a good reflection on Life in the 12th century.
Bernard raises thoughts about the plight of the common man, the needs of the church and how one man represents all of society.
It is an intense book, not all that 'entertaining' if that is what you are seeking. But a good reflection on Life in the 12th century.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews