Medieval Christianity in Practice provides readers with a sweeping look at the religious practices of the European Middle Ages. Comprising forty-two selections from primary source materials—each translated with an introduction and commentary by a specialist in the field—the collection illustrates the religious cycles, rituals, and experiences that gave meaning to medieval Christian individuals and communities.
This volume of Princeton Readings in Religions assembles sources reflecting different genres, regions, and styles, including prayer books, chronicles, diaries, liturgical books, sermons, hagiography, and handbooks for the laity and clergy. The texts represent the practices through which Christians conducted their individual, family, and community lives, and explores such life-cycle events as birth, confirmation, marriage, sickness, death, and burial. The texts also document religious practices related to themes of work, parish life, and devotions, as well as power and authority. Enriched by expert analysis and suggestions for further reading, Medieval Christianity in Practice gives students and general readers alike the necessary background and foundations for an appreciation of the creativity and multiplicity of medieval Christian religious culture.
Awards and Recognition
- One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2010
"Editor Rubin and contributors offer a richly textured presentation of the practice of medieval Christianity from about 600 to 1500 CE. Each of the 42 sections comprises excerpts from medieval texts, selected, translated, and commented upon by specialists in the field."—Choice
"[T]his volume lends itself to use in undergraduate courses that deal with medieval religious practice, including western civilization and medieval surveys, as well as religious studies courses. Graduate students also will gain insights into the range of sources that can be deployed for the investigation of religious practice in medieval Europe."—David Stewart Bachrach, H-Net Reviews
"[This book] may be especially useful in graduate seminars or as an aid to graduate training where the emphasis on manuscript sources may enrich the experience of students. . . . [I]n consideration of the fine group of contributors, it deserves serious consideration."—James M. Powell, Catholic Historical Review
"Whether the reader is a long-term student of the Middle Ages or a novice in the field, he or she will find this a unique and informative book, one which stimulates the mind and the imagination with the complexity and richness of medieval religious practice."—Sarah Adams, Christianity and Literature
"This book is a valuable collection of small studies. It is well-prepared and well-edited, designed for use in courses or seminars. It is full of anecdotes, rituals, and insights that are interesting in themselves and that cumulatively give a sense of the variety and richness of medieval Christian life."—Michael G. Witczak, Worship
"A very useful scholarly resource."—International Review of Biblical Studies
"The volume provides an excellent introduction to the wide variety of Western medieval religious practice."—Margaret Cormack, Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture
"This unique book re-creates the practical and imaginative experiences of medieval parishioners, from cradle to grave. This is of compelling interest to historians, religious specialists, and students of literature, for we see here multifarious attempts to reach ordinary people through their own language. We also see the church at work all across Europe, celebrating its saints, discouraging dissidence, and providing for those who would live perfectly. Highly recommended."—David Wallace, University of Pennsylvania
"This book offers a unique presentation of the actual practices of medieval Christianity. It will greatly interest medieval religion scholars and serve as a marvelous supplement for courses on the Middle Ages or medieval religion. General readers will find the documents and scholarly discussions fascinating glimpses into the everyday workings of the period."—Steven Fanning, University of Illinois, Chicago
"The variety of informative texts and the expertise of the people commenting on them give this stimulating anthology great authority. There is no rival collection that gathers so many experts on medieval religion in one place."—John Shinners, Saint Mary's College
"The organization of this collection and the underlying approach are innovative and judicious. This book provides an insightful and interconnected vision of medieval religious practices."—Teofilo F. Ruiz, University of California, Los Angeles
