The gospel of voluntary poverty drew its strength from a deep and widespread resentment of a corrupt and neglectful priesthood. The back-to-the-apostles movement was often allied with political and economic restlessness in a rapidly changing and expanding society. But at its heart was the spiritual hunger of people. At a time when it was desperately needed, pastoral care was a lost art. Robert Grosseteste, the able bishop of Lincoln, England (1235–1253) decried the covetousness, greed, and immorality of the clergy.
