medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
I have to agree wholly with your thoughts here. Mythologizing of the past takes on both positive and negative elements and it is always important to open
up pre-conditioned students to the real history/culture/experience of the times under consideration.
Well said and points well taken!
Thanks
George R. Hoelzeman
On Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:17:16 -0500, katherine french wrote:
>medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
>In my survey class, I teach the story of the woman taking the baby Jesus and
>the legend of St. Nicholas (among other things in the readings chapter) in a
>discussion on "popular religion" I try to get the students understanding the
>relationship that medieval people had with their saints. There was very much a
>sense of quid pro quo, but also faith that the saints could, if property
>inspired do great things. In the same chapter there is a bit from St.
>Bridget's vision of the Nativity. While I appreciate there is the fear that
>these stories can make the ordinary medieval person look superstitious, I try
>and show them that this is actually a very active (as opposed to passive)
>involvement in religion. Since most of my students insist on thinking of
>medieval people in the grip of an all-powerful and often cruel Church, I find
>this a good counter point.
>It isn't a perfect solution, but it does challenge my students vision of
>religious practice.
>Katherine
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