virtues directed by the beatitudes where formally replaced by ascetical theology and obedience-based discipline, which changed orientation from the gifts of the holy spirit, to that of an authority, blessed but not possessing the same happiness which was given forth by adherence and observances. medieval period spirituality and morality where used to mean synonymous or near practically the same belief system. the beatitudes were made an organizational principle since saint augustine. however, christian ethics didn't have its existence as a form of discipline until the late, middle medieval period, and along lutheranism and post-enlightenment obedience-based discipline has been the new form.