saint in the sun, A
Book Description
This scholarly collection opens a fascinating window into how one of Christianity's most influential mystics was understood and celebrated in seventeenth-century France. David N. Bell presents English translations of sixteen powerful sermons honoring Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, delivered by some of history's most renowned French orators during the reign of Louis XIV.
These panegyrics reveal how Bernard's spiritual legacy was interpreted, adapted, and sometimes manipulated to serve the religious and political needs of the Sun King's era. The volume captures a pivotal moment when Bernard's mystical teachings became entangled in the heated Quietist controversy that divided French Catholicism.
Readers will encounter the eloquent voices of legendary preachers including Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, François Fénelon, and Jean-Baptiste Massillon, each offering their unique perspective on Bernard's enduring significance. Bell provides essential historical context through three introductory chapters, helping modern readers understand the complex religious landscape these sermons addressed.
The extensive annotations illuminate the theological subtleties and historical references that shaped these orations. For those drawn to mystical spirituality, this collection offers rare insight into how transformative spiritual figures continue to inspire across centuries, even as their messages are reinterpreted for new audiences and circumstances.
This work serves both scholars and spiritual seekers interested in the evolution of Christian mysticism and the enduring power of saintly example.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~16 hours)
📄 Length: 588 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Translations into English
- ✓ Explore Religion, Politics & State
- ✓ Explore Saints & Sainthood
- ✓ Explore Biography
- ✓ Explore Politics and government
- ✓ Explore Orators
- ✓ Explore Eulogies
