Women and mystical experience in the Middle Ages
Choice Reviews Online May 1, 1993 DOI: 10.5860/choice.30-4951 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe text traces a lineage of medieval Christian mystics—Hildegard of Bingen, Mechtild of Magdeburg, Richard Rolle, the Yorkshire nuns, and Julian of Norwich—suggesting a progression in mystical expression from a combative, martial spirituality to a more intimate, loving relationship with the divine. It implies that these figures represent a historical and literary development in how mystical experience was articulated, moving from warrior-like imagery to that of lover and beloved.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Medieval Christian mystics |
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Middle ages Ancient history Art Literature |
| Citations | 51 |
| Key finding | Medieval mystical writing evolved from depicting the soul as a warrior to portraying it as a lover, as seen in the works of Hildegard of Bingen, Mechtild of Magdeburg, Richard Rolle, and Julian of Norwich. |
Abstract
Hildegard of Bingen from warrior to lover Mechtild of Magdeburg Richard Rolle and the Yorksire nuns Julian of Norwich.