Bernard of Clairvaux - influence on Christianity then and now.

Bernard of Clairvaux, considered by some to be the last of the church Fathers , is most notably known for his church reform through poverty and austerity. He encouraged reform of the entire church including the papacy. He was an astute scholar and a prolific writer. He had tremendous charisma that drew many people to follow him as evidence early in his life when he entered monastic life with 30 friends and relatives following behind. His influence …

…Christian faiths today. This concept has undergirded the idea that although God is capable of forgiving, He must follow His own righteousness and justice to redeem man back from Satan. This doctrine is so closely linked to the doctrine of the image of God in man and sin that it is difficult to speak of one without mentioning the others. These doctrines that Bernard helped develop during the early reformation have lasted until the present.