My comments for a conversation with Fr. Peter Funk, OSB, Prior of the Monastery of the Holy Cross, sponsored by the Lumen Christi Institute Abstract : Many traditional Christian beliefs and teachings about spiritual realities have become unpalatable to modern sensibilities. Accounts of angelic visitations, demonic possessions, the stain of original sin, and the threat of eternal torment are today considered untrue or irrelevant by non-believers and even many Christians. Why were such “myths” so central to Christian belief and practice for so many centuries? Is there any value in understanding why ancient, medieval, and contemporary Christians believe in such things? Or does Christianity need to be demythologized in order to survive in a post-enlightenment age? In this conversation, Rachel Fulton Brown and Fr. Peter Funk, OSB, will consider the history of these “myths” and their relevance for contemporary spiritual practices. ***** How many of you believe in angels...
Brilliant work! Thank you Prof. Rachel/Prof. Fencing Bear.
ReplyDeleteVery excited about the course.
Dion
For a decade or more now I have wondered what was the name of a children's novel set in medieval times and had such fascinating details on the wool and cloth trade. Now I know. The Wool Pack! Thank you for including it in your reading list. My frustrated wonderings are satisfied.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the Cadfael books (and the TV series). Another enjoyable medieval whodunnit series has a nun as detective. The Dame Frevisse series by Margaret Frazer