Kate R. Summary:
In this excerpt from The History of the Franks, Gregory of Tours describes the miraculous acts of two saints Hospicius and Aredius, including healing the blind, bringing water to the desert and the gift of premonition. He also describes the elaborate churches built by priests and bishops in honor of important saints. These extravagant stories and buildings conveyed the power of the Christian church to the rest of the world. Pilgrims carried these stories across the known world, impressing non-Christians with these religious accomplishments.
Critical Analysis:
Gregory refers to the ascetic Hospicius with great respect and speaks of his lifestyle, how he “wore iron chains wound close about the bare skin and over them a hair shirt” (pg 59). Later he’s described as ignoring the worms that are eating away his flesh. Inflicting this discomfort on himself shows Hospicius dedication to the Lord and Gregory speaks of this with admiration. This article also explains the “great miracles” (59) that the saint performed, such as his premonition of a Lombard invasion in which he was able to save many lives. Gregory describes many gifts that the saint possesses such as the power to heal, and also to control the movements of another man. He was also given a premonition of his own death. Aredius did not lead a life of self-infliction and was much more active within the world. He was taken in by a well-known bishop who taught him the scripture. Gregory describes him being chosen by a dove, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Like Hospicius, Gregory claims that Aredius was able to perform many miracles. Through prayer he was able to bring water to lands experiencing drought. Just like Hospicius he was said to have the gift of healing and was given a premonition of his death.
In this except Gregory of Tours also discusses the churches and basilicas that were built to honor saints. Gregory emphasizes that these buildings were constructed with great expense and craftsmanship. In the article Gregory writes about the dimensions of these buildings, “It has 42 windows: 70 columns and 8 doors” (pg 57). These numbers are meant to show how impressive and grand these structures were. The implication of their expensiveness also conveys the wealth of the Christian church.
Between these great structures and the stories of the holy gifts bestowed upon chosen Christians, many non-Christians were probably left in awe. To someone hearing Gregory’s stories Christianity must have sounded miraculous and engaging. These elaborate tales engage listeners and encourage them to learn more about the God that could grant such amazing gifts. In his article Gregory also condemns other religions. In one story a blind man is blessed with sight only to have it taken away after consulting a Jew, which Gregory refers to as sinful, “behold you are made whole; sin no more lest a worse thing befall you” (59). Gregory cites scripture to reinforce anti-Jew sentiment. By peaking curiosity in some, and fear in others, Gregory is displays multiple ways Christianity was promoted during his time.
In this excerpt from The History of the Franks, Gregory of Tours describes the miraculous acts of two saints Hospicius and Aredius, including healing the blind, bringing water to the desert and the gift of premonition. He also describes the elaborate churches built by priests and bishops in honor of important saints. These extravagant stories and buildings conveyed the power of the Christian church to the rest of the world. Pilgrims carried these stories across the known world, impressing non-Christians with these religious accomplishments.
Critical Analysis:
Gregory refers to the ascetic Hospicius with great respect and speaks of his lifestyle, how he “wore iron chains wound close about the bare skin and over them a hair shirt” (pg 59). Later he’s described as ignoring the worms that are eating away his flesh. Inflicting this discomfort on himself shows Hospicius dedication to the Lord and Gregory speaks of this with admiration. This article also explains the “great miracles” (59) that the saint performed, such as his premonition of a Lombard invasion in which he was able to save many lives. Gregory describes many gifts that the saint possesses such as the power to heal, and also to control the movements of another man. He was also given a premonition of his own death. Aredius did not lead a life of self-infliction and was much more active within the world. He was taken in by a well-known bishop who taught him the scripture. Gregory describes him being chosen by a dove, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Like Hospicius, Gregory claims that Aredius was able to perform many miracles. Through prayer he was able to bring water to lands experiencing drought. Just like Hospicius he was said to have the gift of healing and was given a premonition of his death.
In this except Gregory of Tours also discusses the churches and basilicas that were built to honor saints. Gregory emphasizes that these buildings were constructed with great expense and craftsmanship. In the article Gregory writes about the dimensions of these buildings, “It has 42 windows: 70 columns and 8 doors” (pg 57). These numbers are meant to show how impressive and grand these structures were. The implication of their expensiveness also conveys the wealth of the Christian church.
Between these great structures and the stories of the holy gifts bestowed upon chosen Christians, many non-Christians were probably left in awe. To someone hearing Gregory’s stories Christianity must have sounded miraculous and engaging. These elaborate tales engage listeners and encourage them to learn more about the God that could grant such amazing gifts. In his article Gregory also condemns other religions. In one story a blind man is blessed with sight only to have it taken away after consulting a Jew, which Gregory refers to as sinful, “behold you are made whole; sin no more lest a worse thing befall you” (59). Gregory cites scripture to reinforce anti-Jew sentiment. By peaking curiosity in some, and fear in others, Gregory is displays multiple ways Christianity was promoted during his time.