Abstract

In christianism, the Carthusians have for a long time embodied the most rigorous monastic discipline in matters of food, but other religious orders has also observed severe abstinence from food. In the 17th century, the order of the Minims has acquired much of its austere reputation in catholicity by the observance of severe food deprivations. The interpretations that could be given to the food discipline of the Minims in the 17th century reveal very clearly different doctrinal choices in matters of moral theology. When they talk about the vow of quadragesimal life, the modern casuists, whether Minims or not, contribute to reinforcing and emphasizing its fundamental role in creating the Minim monastic identity.