From the Monastery to the City: Hildegard of Bingen and Francis of Assisi

This volume combines texts from Hildegard of Bingen and Francis of Assisi to explore religious spirituality after the Gregorian Reform and the formation of universities in Western Europe. Hildegard embodies monastic theology and spirituality, while Francis promotes a more literal following of Christ in penitence and poverty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Fordham University Press

This remarkable volume brings together the writings of two influential figures from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries: Hildegard of Bingen and Francis of Assisi. Hildegard, a renowned monastic theologian and spiritualist, represents the religious spirituality that emerged after the Gregorian Reform and just prior to or simultaneously with the formation of universities in Western Europe. Her profound understanding of monastic theology and spirituality sets her apart from the new theological discourse emerging in the Aristotelian idiom of the universities. In contrast to the Benedictine Hildegard, the thirteenth century witnessed a renewed enthusiasm for a more literal following of Christ in a life of penitence and poverty. This movement, led by Francis, sought dependence not on a superior and enclosed community but on the compassion of society at large.

Francis would join this movement on his own terms, attracting a following, and gradually formulating a spirituality that sent signals of the need to reform individual lives and the institutions of the Church. While these two authors may not share any obvious similarities, their writings serve as a valuable illustration of two distinct spiritualities that animated the vibrant European twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Hildegard's emphasis on monasticism and spirituality within the confines of a religious community contrasts with Francis's emphasis on a more personal and societal approach to faith. Together, their works highlight the rich diversity of religious thought and practice during this period, contributing to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of medieval spirituality.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531506018