Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index


  • Record Number: 4027
  • Author(s)/Creator(s): Stjerna , Kirsi.
  • Contributor(s):
  • Title: Spiritual Models of Medieval Mystics Today: Rethinking the Legacy of Birgitta of Sweden
  • Source: Studies in Spirituality 12, ( 2002): Pages 126 - 140.
  • Description:
  • Article Type: Journal Article
  • Subject (See Also): Authority Bridget of Sweden, Saint Hagiography Mystics Spirituality Theology Visions Women in Religion
  • Award Note:
  • Geographic Area: Scandinavia
  • Century: 14
  • Primary Evidence:
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  • Table:
  • Abstract: This essay reflects on the contemporary interest in 'spirituality' and the 'study of spirituality,' particularly in the Protestant context. Taking St. Birgitta of Sweden (1303-1373) as a case study, the stories and theologies of medieval women visionaries are looked at as fruitful points of connection with contemporary people's dealing with their ultimate concerns. Since spirituality involves connectedness, as in Birgitta's case, it concerns the personal religious experience of empowerment, theological reflection in finding and naming meaning in one's life, passion for the ultimate, and action and involvement in life. Although her experiences are peculiar to her late medieval world, Brigitta's story exemplifies many of the timeless facets of theological and spiritual living and gives insights to 21st century people in their redefinition of spirituality. Reproduced with permission of the Titus Brandsma Institute (The Netherlands). Copies of "Studies in Spirituality" can be ordered from the publisher: Peeters Publishers, Bondgenotenlaan 153, B-3000 Louvain (www.peeters-leuven.be).
  • Related Resources:
  • Author's Affiliation: Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, PA
  • Conference Info: - , -
  • Year of Publication: 2002.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN/ISBN: 09266453