medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
To get an excellent introduction to the theme of Christ as warrior, I
recommend Gustaf Aulén's book _Christus Victor_, though there have been
some minor critical qualifications after its publication.. Although I
wrote a Harvard dissertation many years ago titled "Christ the Warrior King
in Old English literature," the fact is that the motif is widespread
throughout the early Church, both Mediterranean and Germanic. To cite but
one example (along with those already noted in this string) I call your
atttention to the mosaic in the Ravenna chapel of Christ as Emperor. He is
is in imperial Roman warrior attire, with the cross slung over his shoulder
like a spear.
GHB
Quoting [log in to unmask]:
> medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
>
> John,
>
> Many, many thanks!
>
> This hymn, which I would think like 'Christ lag
> in Todesbanden', is an Easter hymn, shows a
> pugnacious spirit identical with to of Luther's
> reworking of 'Christ lag ...', at least so far as I
> can see.
>
> This may (!!!) raise an issue of much more
> widespread interest than German hymns or
> images.
>
> The "popular" view of medieval Christianity,
> as I understand it, is as its being a passive,
> submissive religion. The hymn you quote
> and the one I cite certainly do NOT fit this
> image. These hymns speak of a God who
> actively fights evil and defeats it in detail,
> as does "Christ lag ...".
>
> Thank you for the information and the hymn.
> As one who is fascinated by the medieval
> layman's faith, your post is a tremendous
> help. We need to always bear in mind that
> the church's hymnody was the laity's
> dogmatics.
>
>
> Kindest regards,
> Frank
>
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