Mysticism - History, Mysticism - Christian, General & Miscellaneous German History, Spirituality - Roman Catholic, Mysticism - General & Miscellaneous, Religious Inspiration - General, General & Miscellaneous Medieval History, Fortune Telling & Divination

Mechthild Von Magdeburg : A Medieval Mystic in Modern Eyes

Name: Mechthild Von Magdeburg : A Medieval Mystic in Modern Eyes
Author: Frank J. Tobin
ISBN: 9781571130013

by Frank J. Tobin

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Overview

Mechthild von Magdeburg, the thirteenth-century mystic and visionary, adopted the position of holy woman favoured by God to record her visions, ecstacies, and religious teachings, in her single book, the Flowing Light of the Godhead. It deploys a rich array of literary strategies, from erotic lyricism to stern prophetic tones, to express her intimate experiences of God, her visions of Heaven, Hell and the coming millenium, and her criticism of the religious establishment. Since her rediscovery in the mid-nineteenth century, Mechthild has enjoyed increasing scholarly interest; interpretations of her work range from the strictly orthodox writings of nineteenth century theologians to those of modern feminist historians. In particular, the flood of critical response in the last decade attests to her contemporary relevance. This survey of the critical literature devoted to Mechthild offers a thorough analysis of reactions from the medieval period to the present day, and shows how differing preoccupations and concerns have coloured attitudes to her work.

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Tobin (German, U. of Nevada) provides a critical survey of the literature on Mechthild, a 13th-century visionary and mystic who recorded her visions and religious teachings in her book, The Flowing Light of the Godhead. He offers an analysis of critical reactions to the book from the medieval period to the present, and discusses the rediscovery of German mystics, Mechthild and Dante's Matelda, and feminist criticism and Mechthild. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)