When I was in seminary, we learned a bit about different sorts of monasticism. I read somewhere in that study about the stylite tradition. The Stylites avoided contact with the world, not by joining monastic communities, but by sitting alone on the tops of pillars. Food and other necessities were sent up and down by way of a pulley, and you needed a very tall ladder to get up or down. People often spent years on top of pillars without coming down. I don’t recommend this particular spirituality, but it is interesting.
There is one known pillar left in the world, and it is in Jordan. I was absolutely thrilled to be able to drive out to see it for myself. We were the only people visiting the pillar. I guess not everyone is as excited about unusual monastic practices as I am. Oh, well…..
Anyway, the story of this place says that the monk on the pillar was known for his spiritual wisdom. He would allow pilgrims to climb his ladder in order to meet with him for spiritual counsel. Because people began to gather around the pillar, a small church and another building were eventually built there.
I don’t know if they looked like a playground or if we are growing archaeologists!
Many Blessings,
