Medieval Christianity in Practice

"Medieval Christianity in Practice" provides readers with a sweeping look at the religious practices of the European Middle Ages. Comprising forty-two selections from primary source materials - each translated with an introduction and commentary by a specialist in the field - the collection illustrates the religious cycles, rituals, and experiences that gave meaning to medieval Christian individuals and communities. This volume of "Princeton Readings in Religions" assembles sources reflecting different genres, regions, and styles, including prayer books, chronicles, diaries, liturgical books, sermons, hagiography, and handbooks for the laity and clergy. The texts represent the practices through which Christians conducted their individual, family, and community lives, and explores such life-cycle events as birth, confirmation, marriage, sickness, death, and burial. The texts also document religious practices related to themes of work, parish life, and devotions, as well as power and authority. Enriched by expert analysis and suggestions for further reading, "Medieval Christianity in Practice" gives students and general readers alike the necessary background and foundations for an appreciation of the creativity and multiplicity of medieval Christian religious culture.