This week in Christian history: Aelred dies, Albert Schweitzer born, Spanish Protestant leader

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Twitter

Aelred of Rievaulx dies – January 12, 1167

A nineteenth century image of Aelred of Rievaulx (c.1110-1167), a notable abbot and author of the devotional work 'Spiritual Friendship.'
A nineteenth century image of Aelred of Rievaulx (c.1110-1167), a notable abbot and author of the devotional work "Spiritual Friendship." | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, a notable Medieval writer and abbot in the Cistercian order of monks, passed away.

A native of England whose name is also spelled Ailred, Aethelred, or Ethelred, he is best known for his devotional book De spirituali amicitia, or “Spiritual Friendship” in English.

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“As a young man Aelred was very influenced by Cicero’s De amicitia and quotes from it admiringly in his own work; but he makes the distinction between Christian and pagan friendship very clear,” noted a review by Theotokos Books.

“Aelred insists, following his divine Master, that love should remain even when the friendship is destroyed, for we must continue to will the ultimate good of our erstwhile friends, viz. their salvation.”

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