You Couldn't Handle Medieval Catholicism

In today's video, we dive deep into the intense discipline of medieval religious life, far beyond cold plunges and bullet journals. Discover how medieval Catholics practiced moral discipline, physical self-denial, and communal fasting, and why their spiritual habits still matter today. We'll explore:

• The reality of medieval confession and penance
• How Catholic monks, anchoresses, and even kings used fasting, self-flagellation, and hair shirts
• Why discipline was a communal act, not just a personal one

This is not just about monks in robes — it’s about how the medieval Church shaped culture, identity, and everyday life through a relentless focus on spiritual discipline. Sources include the Fourth Lateran Council, Ancrene Wisse, The Lay Folks’ Catechism, writings of Margery Kempe, and historians like Jean-Baptiste Molin. Timestamps: 0:00 – Why Modern Discipline Is Soft Compared to Medieval Catholicism 0:39 – What Was Moral Discipline in the Middle Ages? 1:04 – How Confession Worked in Medieval Catholic Life 2:00 – Margery Kempe and Daily Confession 2:36 – Confession as Social Accountability 3:56 – Physical Discipline: Fasting, Hair Shirts, and Flagellation 4:28 – Ancrene Wisse and the Discipline of Anchoresses 5:10 – Why Medieval Catholics Believed in Moderation 5:36 – Pious Nobles: St. Margaret of Scotland and Louis IX 6:22 – How Laypeople Practiced Monastic Austerity 6:50 – Community Discipline: Worship and Fasting Together 7:31 – Liturgical Calendar and Year-Round Fasting 8:03 – How Fasting Changed Village Life and Food Practices 8:56 – The Lost Art of Shared Spiritual Accountability 9:43 – Can Medieval Discipline Save the Modern Soul?