Publication Date
Fall 2014
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
Advisor
John Bernhardt
Keywords
Bingen, Hildegard, Mystic
Subject Areas
Religion; History
Abstract
Hildegard of Bingen has a storied past and, as such, has been called many things. Among these are Sybil of the Rhine, Doctor of the Church, and mystic. This last title has given some pause, most notably Caroline Walker Bynum and Barbara Newman, who deny her the title in their preface and introduction to Hildegard's flagship work, Scivias. Scholars such as these fail to analyze Hildegard and her works on their own merits, instead comparing her to other female mystics rather than mystics in general. Although Hildegard does not experience the physical union that is the hallmark of the false construct of `feminine mysticism,' she does not embrace union as the theme of Scivias. When analyzing Hildegard's work with a clear definition of mysticism at hand, one can confidently declare her a mystic.
Recommended Citation
Young, Zachary Jordan, "Hildegard of Bingen: Mystic of the Rhine" (2014). Master's Theses. 4522.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.mr5n-gca5
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/4522
