IMC 2005: Sessions

Session 1523: Constructions of Humanity in Devotio Moderna

Thursday 14 July 2005, 09.00-10.30

Sponsor:	Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Organisers:	Mathilde van Dijk, Faculteit der Godgeleerdheid en Godsdienstwetenschap, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Suzan Folkerts, Faculteit der Letteren, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Moderator/Chair:	Ineke van 't Spijker, Clare Hall, University of Cambridge
Paper 1523-a	Choosing the Religious Life: Grace and Free Will in Devotio Moderna (Language: English) Mathilde van Dijk, Faculteit der Godgeleerdheid en Godsdienstwetenschap, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Index terms: Gender Studies, Historiography - Medieval, Religious Life, Theology
Paper 1523-b	Models from the Past: Mary of Oignies and the Devotio Moderna (Language: English) Suzan Folkerts, Faculteit der Letteren, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Index terms: Gender Studies, Hagiography, Lay Piety, Religious Life
Paper 1523-c	The Founding of Monasteries and the Recreation of Mankind (Language: English) Koen Goudriaan, Opleiding Geschiedenis, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Index terms: Historiography - Medieval, Monasticism, Religious Life
Abstract	The adherents of Devotio Moderna had a clear view of humankind's mission in this life. It was to regain the original perfection of Adam before the Fall. A complete reconstruction of the personality was needed to clean the soul from all carnal desires as to make it ready for the necessary all-encompassing desire for God. The purpose of this session is to look at Devotio Moderna constructions of humankind. How were men and women described in biographies, saints' lives, treatises and other edicational literature? The focus is on humankind's relationship with God, particularly on the balance between human action and God's grace.