Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)

Question 1

Contribution - Writings

Answer 1

• Wrote 2 scientific works:
  
  • Physica - Natural History
  • De Operatione Dei - Book of Divine Works
• First body of work was Scivias - “Know the Ways of the Lord” - wrote her visions
• Discussed the writings of the gospels of the other Holy Men:
  
  • Gospel of Matthew “… sick and you cared for me.” - established infirmaries and shelter for the homeless and elder women
• Wrote religious and other texts, as an expression of her world views

Question 2

Contribution - Music/Art

Answer 2

• Composed 72 pieces of music including a play set of music called ‘Ordo Virtum’ (Play of Virtue)
• Often referred to as “divine praise” and are to express her devotion to God and for healing of the soul
• Music was considered “the highest form of human activity” and thus her dedication to her music was just an extension of her desire to express her devotion to God
• Her writings, music and art all reflect a profound sense of oneness with creation and an immense respect for the work of the creator.

Question 3

Contribution - Forerunner of Feminism

Answer 3

• She has been embraced by feminists due to her refusal to let her plans be ignored
• Defied stereotypes and defended her sisters against discrimination
• ‘Man cannot be man without woman, just as woman cannot be woman without man.” - demonstrates their equality and mutual dependence
• Insisted that the nuns have their own community run by women, not under the jurisdictino of monks
• Travelled widely undertaking 4 preaching tours
• Through her preaching tours and wide travels, she illustrated the possibilities that a woman as a leader in Christian communities could achieve in her time
• Therefore becoming a forerunner for feminism.

Question 4

General Impact

Answer 4

• Has had a long-lasting impact - recognised as a saint, and called “perennially relevant” by Pope Benedict
• Visionary and intellectual achievements, as well as her courage to overcome obstacles, and her great love for the Church exemplified in her long preaching tours - these at the core of her impact

Question 5

Impact - Writings

Answer 5

• Many have found her visions to speak to many modern concerns such as; discrimination
• Wrote extensively about the natural word as God’s creation, entrusted in our care, not to be mangled or destroyed - teaches people how to care for the environment, making the world a better place
• At a time when few women wrote, she produced many major works of technology and visionary writing

Question 6

Impact - Music/Art

Answer 6

Her music is still popular today

Question 7

Impact - Forerunner of Feminism

Answer 7

• She was the forerunner of feminism, increasingly women are being accepted as spiritual directors and prayer guides
• Through her preachings, writings and correspondence, she actively influenced the decision and policies of religious and political leaders of her day.