Why does Hildegard seemingly use feminine and even sexual imagery when describing spiritual relationship with God?
[back to contents] While it is more than noteworthy that as a female writer in a male dominated world, the depth of Hildegard’s writings (and the fact that they were preserved) provide us with an important perspective in Rhineland spiritual life in the 12th century, it is essential that modern readers understand that Hildegard was building upon an already established tradition. The influence of Honorius Augustodunensis’ (1070-1139) Commentaries on the Feast of the Assumption loomed large over the 12th century. This first Marian interpretation of the Song of Solomon kindled the flame of Marian devotion which spread throughout Western Europe. Further, the rediscovery of commentaries on the Songs by the patristic father Origen provided Bernard of Clairvaux with the inspiration for his most famous Sermons on the same subject. These works describe the soul (anima) or Church (ecclesia) as the ideal “Bride of Christ.” Speaking of virtues in the feminine was also natural among these writers as
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