Poets, saints, and visionaries of the Great Schism, 1378-1417

Book Description

During one of Christianity's most turbulent periods, when competing popes divided the Western Church for nearly four decades, extraordinary spiritual voices emerged from the chaos. This scholarly exploration reveals how medieval saints, poets, and visionaries responded to the Great Schism of 1378-1417, transforming ecclesiastical crisis into profound spiritual expression.

Rather than focusing solely on church politics, this study illuminates the remarkable individuals who channeled their spiritual insights into creative responses to institutional upheaval. You'll discover how revered figures like Catherine of Siena and Vincent Ferrer navigated the religious uncertainty, while politically conscious poets such as Christine de Pizan crafted literary works that addressed the crisis. Mysterious prophets and visionaries interpreted the divided Church through apocalyptic lenses, seeing in the schism signs of approaching end times.

The book examines how these spiritual leaders employed vivid imagery, describing the fractured Church as a two-headed monster or grieving widow. Their responses demonstrate what the author terms "mystical activism," showing how contemplative spirituality can engage with worldly crises. A fascinating comparison with an earlier twelfth-century schism, featuring visionaries like Hildegard of Bingen, provides additional context for understanding how spiritual communities have historically processed institutional breakdown.

For contemporary readers exploring the intersection of spirituality and social upheaval, this work offers valuable insights into how faith communities can maintain spiritual integrity during times of institutional crisis and uncertainty.