BRETHREN OF THE FREE SPIRIT Meaning and
Definition
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Brethren of the Free Spirit refers to a religious movement that emerged in the late Middle Ages, primarily in the Low Countries and Germany. This group was characterized by their mystical and radical beliefs, advocating for a state of spiritual enlightenment and inner freedom.
The term "brethren" refers to a collective community, implying that this movement consisted of both men and women. The "free spirit" aspect signifies their belief in achieving a state of liberation from societal norms, conventional religious practices, and moral constraints. They aimed to experience a direct communion with God and claimed to possess divine knowledge and understanding.
The Brethren of the Free Spirit embraced a pantheistic philosophy, seeing God in all aspects of the world and denying the necessity of an intermediary religious hierarchy. They rejected the authority of the Church, describing it as corrupt and unnecessary for spiritual enlightenment. Instead, they espoused radical concepts such as the annihilation of the self and the attainment of a God-like state within humanity, a concept known as Deificatio or Divinization.
This movement gained popularity among the dissatisfied lower classes and intellectuals during the late 13th and 14th centuries but faced strong opposition from the Church and secular authorities. Due to their subversive beliefs and practices, the Brethren of the Free Spirit were often condemned as heretics and faced persecution. Over time, the movement waned in influence, but it left a lasting impact on Christian mysticism and influenced subsequent religious and philosophical movements.
