Hildegard of Bingen | Criticism

This literature criticism consists of approximately 9 pages of analysis & critique of Hildegard of Bingen.

Hildegard of Bingen | Criticism

This literature criticism consists of approximately 9 pages of analysis & critique of Hildegard of Bingen.
This section contains 2,672 words
(approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy the Critical Essay by Barbara J. Newman

SOURCE: Barbara J. Newman, in an introduction to Hildegard of Bingen; Scivias, translated by Mother Columba Hart and Jane Bishop, Paulist Press, 1990, pp. 9-53.

In the following excerpt, from her introduction to a translation of Hildegard's Scivias, Newman discusses "the essentially prophetic character of Hildegard's spirituality": the "blend of renunciation with privilege" which characterized the abbess 's leadership, and the nature of Hildegard's apocalyptic message.

Although Hildegard is frequently classified as a mystic, she may be more precisely identified as a visionary and prophet. Classical definitions of mysticism stress the union of the soul with God and the whole system of ascetic and contemplative disciplines that aim to facilitate that union. But Hildegard, while she certainly had a powerful sense of the divine presence, did not follow the unitive way. "Prayer" to her meant primarily petition and liturgical praise, while "the love of God" meant reverence, loyalty and...

(read more)

This section contains 2,672 words
(approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy the Critical Essay by Barbara J. Newman
Copyrights
Gale
Critical Essay by Barbara J. Newman from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.