Giselle de Nie
Ashgate Variorum
Hardback
390
2003
Focusing on the works of bishop Gregory of Tours (539-594) and the poet Venantius Fortunatus (540-c.604) in later life bishop of Poitiers Dr de Nie gives in these innovative studies a new understanding of the miracle stories that populate their writing but are so often dismissed as of little worth. Their perceptions of miracles - and their renderings of the human self-awareness through which miracles are perceived and happen - are analysed as attempts mostly rooted in models from the Bible to adjust the early Christian tradition so as to make sense of and protect themselves in the highly insecure environment of 6th-century Gaul. Drawing on modern anthropological and psychological studies notably in the area of spiritual healing practices she demonstrates how these can be used to throw fresh light on the world of Late Antiquity exploring attitudes towards sanctity power and authority along with questions such as the perception of bodily purity and the status of women. The volume include five essays not previously published in English.
Ashgate Variorum
Hardback
390
2003
Focusing on the works of bishop Gregory of Tours (539-594) and the poet Venantius Fortunatus (540-c.604) in later life bishop of Poitiers Dr de Nie gives in these innovative studies a new understanding of the miracle stories that populate their writing but are so often dismissed as of little worth. Their perceptions of miracles - and their renderings of the human self-awareness through which miracles are perceived and happen - are analysed as attempts mostly rooted in models from the Bible to adjust the early Christian tradition so as to make sense of and protect themselves in the highly insecure environment of 6th-century Gaul. Drawing on modern anthropological and psychological studies notably in the area of spiritual healing practices she demonstrates how these can be used to throw fresh light on the world of Late Antiquity exploring attitudes towards sanctity power and authority along with questions such as the perception of bodily purity and the status of women. The volume include five essays not previously published in English.