A Review of Confessions by St. Augustine

 This small post, is not the place to discuss the intellectual and spiritual influence of the great St. Augustine of Hippo. Nor it is a place to give a debate of where he stood theologically. Last, I am not here to give details of how Augustine influenced later theologians including Anselm of Canterbury, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther,  John Calvin, or John Wesley.
 The Confessions of St. Augustine is just of the many great works of Augustine, and no doubt a good introduction to his works. It however, as profound as it is, is not my favorite work of Augustine. My favorite is the Enchiridion: On Faith, Hope and Charity. I will address this other work, more so later.
 That said, every Christian should read the Confessions. The thirteen books of the Confessions are more of Augustine's lament over his past sin, then they are theological, though some theology is contained therein as well.
The Confessions follow's some details of Augustine's gnostic path, and the strong prayer warrior, so often found in his mother, Monica. Augustine for many years had lived an immoral life, full of lustful pleasure, and Monica never ceased praying for her son. However, when Augustine did convert to Christianity, largely due to the evangelization by St. Ambrose of Milan, Augustine would never cease lamenting over his sin's offences to God.
 To often do we Christians not lament over our sin against God, which so offends the Holy Righteous Lord. God expects more from us than saying we are sorry, we must have penitent hearts, and the more penitence to God we have over our sin against Him, the closer we bring ourselves to holiness.
 For me Augustine, never ceases to be profound nor wise. His writings are timeless, and largely as relevant now as in the 5th century. To me, he is in many ways, one of my leading mentors, along with C. S. Lewis.
 The Confessions have had a profound impact on Western Civilization's literature, as well as foundations to Medieval Catholicism.
 That said, read not simply Confessions but also City of God, which I am currently reading. I plan to read all the books by this great saint.
 I love the Confessions, and it along, with the Canterbury Tales are my favorite works of Medieval Literature.

If those words don't inspire you, perhaps Augustine's full work will. 

''Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel, ''

 -Ezekiel 19: 11

A Few Recommendations of Titles of my Recent Interest

 This book maybe possibly the best book on the Middle Ages as concerns a defense of key Christian figures, and their influence on history, as concerns those times, that I have read.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the truth about the Christian Medieval West, and it's impact on our roots in Western Civilization.
The book is written quite easily, and gives a biographical account of some great Medieval Christians, both Western and Eastern.
I think it will be full of surprises to many readers, as it was to me in reading it.
 I only made a short post this Saturday, as I am currently reading the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer,  The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval and Renaissance Literature by C. S. Lewis, Purgatorio by Dante, and City of God by Augustine, along with some other works. I'd like to post on these other books in the future, but am just so busy currently reading book after book.

 The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is among my favorite works. In fact, I would consider the Canterbury Tales to be for me, my favorite work of literature, { The Bible obviously is divine, and thus beyond any comparison of books}. Chaucer is also one of my favorite writers, and I have been looking into his life more and more as I read the book.
 I read some of the Canterbury Tales back in high school, but never finished it for some reason. I do know at that time I was also reading Beowulf, a great classic all it's own.
 For those who find Middle English not an easy read like myself, I suggest getting this copy by which you can read the old version side by side with the new. I personally would like to learn Middle English, and know it thoroughly. That is another goal of mine in the recent future ahead that awaits me. The No Fear Canterbury Tales is a great way to get familiar with Chaucer's work for starters. Please, if you are interested in Chaucer, take my recommendation at starting off with this.

If I could recommend just one fictitious work of Medieval Literature, it would no doubt be the Canterbury Tales. Despite my love for Dante, and his gloomy depictions of the underworld, I enjoy the colorful and largely crooked characters that sit around at the inn in Canterbury, as they embark on a pilgrimage to see the sights of Thomas Becket. For here, in these tales, you will find some stories that you will probably never forget.
 I maybe saying something that will get the arouse of my viewers, but I prefer Chaucer to Shakespeare. In many ways I also think Shakespeare would not have been the playwright he was, if it was not for Chaucer. Perhaps more on that, I will say later.

My heart overflows with a goodly theme; 

I address my verses to the king;

my tongue is like the men of a ready scribe.

Psalm 45: 1

Best Movies about Medieval Times and the Renaissance Era which followed it

  There are so many great films of the Middle Ages, that I'm sure I will miss many personal favorites here of geeks and history lovers. I have personally seen many more than those on this list, but only decided to recommend a few to the general public. Again, many films that I have seen I have not listed here, just a few really good ones every history buff, or artist should see. Believe, I could name many more films of the Middle Ages that I have seen.

                                                     
 The Adventures of Robin Hood maybe my personal favorite. I have watched it since I remember. The 1938 classic has everything a swashbuckling tale of Robin Hood needs. Errol Flynn is irreplaceable as Robin Hood, and Olivia de Haviland makes the perfect partner and romantic interest  of him.
 From Robin Hood and his Merry Men taking on the tyrannical rule of Prince John, and his puppet, Sir Guy of Gisborne, to the majestically return of Richard the Lionheart, this film has all the markings of a great film, and perhaps can explain it's long lasting legacy.
 Mixed with enough humor, yet not drawn out satire of dumb figures, The Adventures of Robin Hood is a need of a film as much as any film of the Middle Ages can be.

  The 1961 adaption of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, can leave you crying. Francis is as strong and holy as the stories tell. He is raised by a religious mother and a worldly father. Having turned to sin as pleasure for his appetite, Francis is called by God to serve his Creator. He thereafter, goes into the ministry and is granted an apostolic based order of friars by the authority of none other than Pope Innocent III.  Francis attracts many men into his totally committed new order of friars, as well Lady Clare of Assisi into the holy celibate life beside him. As Francis abstains from the judgement of others, he also faces criticism from many including a longtime friend  knight. He goes to the Holy Land to preach to the Saracens, and find immorality rapid with the Crusader army there. Disgusted with the lives of so many Christians, Francis then returns home, to find his order of friars having been changed into a worldly and wealthy order.  Francis dies blind, as well as confused, and shattered.
 This film has striking historical accuracy and is one of my favorite movies ever.

The Agony and the Ecstasy is an interesting film about the lives of two men, a warlike Pope Julies II, and a quiet painter/ sculptor, Michelangelo. This film also shows some of the influence the Renaissance on the world.  

Camelot is a good film, largely revolved around a middle ages King Arthur, who more loses the passion of his wife Guinevere to Lancelot. 

Guinevere and Lancelot both dislike the other early in the film, before falling into an affair that breaks not only Arthur's heart, but the once great kingdom of Camelot. 

Camelot is a good drama, with beautiful sets and sunsets. 

The ending song sung by Arthur is a good wrap up of the film. 

 First Knight is very similar in tone to Camelot, but more with some humor, and a lot of warfare. First Knight also shows much of Arthur's opponent, Malignant, and his attempt to overrun the kingdom. First Knight also takes on a more historical tone, in contrast to Camelot's more fantasy one.
 Of my less favorite aspects of the film, is the more scandalous character of Lancelot therein, that of course is played so well by Richard Gere.
 Sean Connary shines as an older King Arthur, and the best King Arthur I have ever seen.

A good old classic, The Sword in the Stone is a sweet and family warming adventure of the young prince Arthur, and his rise to the throne. Of particular important to the film, is the role of Merlin, and much magic.  

This is one of my favorite cartoons, about a silly dragon who prefer poetry rather than fighting. 

When many villagers find of a nearby dragon, they aware the old knight to go kill the beast, but it turns out that the knight and dragon more in common in reciting poems as they have a picnic, than a brawl fight.  

This a film I could watch everyday. 

It's hard to mention films about the Middle Ages without mentioning Ivanhoe. I have seen several adaptions of this film, but this one is by far the best. The 1952 version by far reflects the feel of the book, as well as being the most based off of it. 

Sir Walter Scott's tale of a heroic Crusader knight who has returned from the Third Crusade of Richard I, but finds as much troubles at home with a bewitched Templar knight, and a division between the Saxon and Norman people over who is the true king. 

 Ivanhoe best reflects knighthood, in my view, of all these films. 

Not usually big into Hallmark, but their adaption of Joan of Arc was realistic, historically accurate, and well acted. The last scenes of the movies are quite sobering, as we watch Joan put to an unfair trial that resulted in her burning at the stake. 

There have been at least four films of William Shakespeare's Henry V, and this one is no doubt among the best. Not only did it inspire many British soldiers in World War II, but the world of drama today. 

 Lawrence Olivier shines as ever with his acting, as does the battle sets behind him, even when it's obvious painted backboards. 

In my opinion, Kennath Branagh, with a great cast including Emma Thompson surpassed Olivier's work on Henry V. Olivier's may have had the beautiful sets and sleepy French king of the French courts, { I am joking about that}, but this film had so much more. 

The 1989 version of Shakespeare's classic depicts the bloody warfare of Agincourt and a little of King Harry's past lust, that Shakespeare illustrates elsewhere in Henry IV. 

 This is my favorite Shakespeare adaption on film. 

Lawrence Olivier plays the perfect villain in Shakespeare's Richard III. I prefer this over Oliver's Henry V. The film has quite a good ending battle I should also mention. 

 ''A horse, a horse, I'd give a kingdom for a horse!'' 

Perhaps not close to Victor Hugo's original story, but Disney again shown their talent in filming by this breaking film.  

Quosimodtto is the perfect  protagnanist, and Frollo the perfect antaganist. Phoebus and Esmeralda are also worthy supporting characters, but this film really is more about ''What makes a monster, and what makes a man'' more than anything else. 

But the Hunchback of Notre Dame is much more than just a good morale story, though it is that too. It is breathtaking by it's visual arts of the church and the streets of Paris that surrounds it.  The Hunchback is as emotionally pulling as it's genre as the cartoon can go, without also losing it's childish humor. 

I have seen many films of the Protestant Reformation, but this one is the most visually stunning, if not, also least historically accurate. 

Despite lacking in many of the chief areas of the Reformation, such as the specific figures of the past who influenced Luther, as well as not mentioned the Five Solas of the Reformation in the film, all in all, this film is a good introduction to those who want to learn more on this topic. I would argue the film has a Protestant bias, though not nearly as much as in some films I have seen. 

A Man of All Seasons is a good reflection of the Reformation from the Catholic point of view in Thomas Moore. Centering on the larger then life figures, Henry VIII of England, and Thomas Wolsley, and of course, Thomas Moore, I conclude this article with this film. Perhaps later, I will add more films. 

I hope you enjoyed my list, comment your favorite I mentioned or missed in the comment section down below. 

And to end with a Medieval quote. 

And then a passage of Holy Scripture. ''And whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart.'' 

-Colossians 3: 23

Some brief facts of Women in Medieval Times

 Women have had a prominent role in the history of civilization. What is not always known to many modern readers, is the role women played as so influential in Medieval Times. The following article is only meant to clear up a few misunderstandings that many many modern people have of Medieval Women, and the culture, that they influenced.
 I have only covered in this post three common objections about Medieval Western Christian women that are simply not true. I may write more about these issues, or others, on this blog in the future.

                                                          In Medieval and Renaissance Art,
                                                          the virgin Mary, Mother of God is
                                                          often depicted with red hair, as is her
                                                          Son, Jesus.



       1. False Claim:  The Catholic Church put Joan of Arc to death
       1: Objection responded

 The Catholic Church never put Joan of Arc to death. The English clergy gave her an unfair trial, including molesting her, forbidding her from the Sacraments, and forbidding her to write the pope. The pope in fact, took her side when he found out what happened, sadly Joan of Arc had already been taken to the burning stake when this was realized. St. Joan died in the flames, holding her crucifix, and calling out, ''Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.''

 Source for the above: Positively Medieval, the Surprising dynamic Heroic Church of the Middle Ages by Jamie Blosser, pages 131-140.

                                                                   St. Joan of Arc




2. False Claim: Women were undermined in the Middle Ages
2. Objection responded

This second objection is so vague and typical of leftist propaganda, that it is sad that so many people have come to believe it. If by women being undermined, it means the church protected women from sexual acts outside of marriage, and birth control, then thank God.
 The truth for the matter is, is that women in many ways were more valued in Western culture of the Middle Ages then they are today. In fact, the greatest impact of women on history, has been by bearing offspring and raising  children, a distinct gift that has been undermined by feminist of this age. In this way then, as applied to the family and production of children, it could be easily argued and proven, that Medieval Women were more influential on their age, then women are today.
 Sex outside of marriage, and illegitimate children despite being common in all ages of history, are more common now than ever. One thing how leftist media avoids, is the physiological role sin plays on humanity, and in this case, since it is the topic of this post, women.
 Women weren't expected to defend men in battle, something that many women today are no longer protected from.
 Although it was less so than boys, there were cases when girls could also read and write, such as Christine de Pisan, from 15th century France.
 An important also to remember, is that ladies of castles often managed affairs of their local lands and strongholds. This was quite common for example, when her husband was gone away, in war for instance.
 As far as education is concerned, while  noble men were mostly trained from an early age to be clergy, or knights, women were trained in arts such as spinning, sewing, and music. The opposing roles are not rivals, but reflect the Biblical nature of men and women being much different, and having much different roles in society.
 Women did not serve in many professions as they do today, but many of them that lived in towns could run their own business. Some women were even writers and artist, as well as craftswomen and tradeswomen.

                                       
                                         An illustration of a Medieval lady, accompanied by her ladies in waiting.  Notice, that the woman is actually reading from the photo.

 The Biblical role of women is of course quite clear in 1 Peter 3: 7

 '' Likewise you husbands, live considerately with your wives, bestowing honor on the woman as the weaker sex, since you are joint errs of the grace of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered. ''

  But perhaps more interesting than of the points mentioned earlier of Medieval women's roles in the town, or in the home, and certainly less well known, is that Medieval Women frequently went on Crusades, by their own choice. Some even led such quests, such as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, whom went with her husband on the Second Crusade, 1147-1149. Just like many men and children, Medieval Women were fascinated by the Holy Places, and also fearful of displeasing God.




 Some further reading of sources to the above information:  Castles by Philip Steele pages 38-39, The Big Golden Book of Knights and Castles by Barbara Weisberg, Damsels not in Distress: The true Story of Women in Medieval Times by Andrea Hopkins, pages 6-8, The Second Crusade by Jonathan Phillips, page 118.

 I will not say any of Medieval Chivalry, and Courtly Love here, or how men treated women in Medieval Times, as that will addressed in a future post.




3. False Claim: The East Treated Women better than the West
3. Objection refuted

                                   
                                           A painting of Muslim Medieval Women.


 This is a common objection by leftist, and Moslems, that the Christian West treated women with less dignity than the east did. Nothing could be further from the truth


 Polygamy is just one example of the inferior view towards women believed by many Muslim men through the Middle Eastern and North African regions.
 It is a well known fact that Islam allows this. In Koran 4: 3-4, it allows polygamy.
 ''And if you feel you will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four, and if ye fear that you cannot do justice { to so many} then one {only} or {the captives} that your right hand possesses. Thus it is more likely that you will not do injustice. ''
 So speaks the book deemed holy by the Moslems.
 I'm not bringing up this issue for the purpose of a theological debate of what marriage is. All I'm illustrating by the facts, is that Medieval Christian West valued women much more than the Medieval Islamic East.
 The stunning killing of baby girls, was quite common to Muslim society. So much for the idea that Muslims treated women better than Christians did.
 Further reading on this issue:
 http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/print/opr/t243/e370


 As always to end with a Medieval Quote:
 '' The Joy of late love is like green firewood when set aflame; for the longer the wait in lightning, the greater heat it yields and the longer it's force last.''
 -Chretian de Troyes,






 

Why more people should read the Inferno by Dante

       

                                                             
                                                       The great Italian poet, Dante Alighieri.

  Today, I decided to write a post on one of my favorite classics from Medieval Literature: The Inferno, by Dante. For those of you that are not aware, Medieval Literature is only writings from Medieval Times, not about it. Thus Robin Hood by Howard Pyle, or Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott, as much as I like them, are not Medieval Literature.
 I intend to write future posts about other great writings from Medieval Times, such as the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, which is another favorite of mine.
When most people think of Medieval Literature they think of the Arthurian Romances, including Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Le Morte d' Arthur by Sir Thomas Malroy, Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, The Divine Comedy by Dante, Ecclesiastical History of the English people by Bede, The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth, The Song of Roland, among many other classics. The Confessions by St. Augustine, and the City of God by this blessed saint, no doubt should also qualify to this list, those some may debate whether Augustine was Ancient or Medieval. While I prefer that Augustine was the latter, that is not the purpose of today's post.  In contrast to Augustine, The Summary of Theology by Thomas Aquinas, would also be within the latter end of the middle ages, and a huge work during the 13th century Renaissance.
 Okay, now that I said just a few things about the great works of Medieval Literature, I proceed to the topic of this post.
    As many of you are aware, the Inferno is the first of the Divine Comedy Trilogy by Dante. The story focuses on Dante being led down to the pit of hell practically, as well seeing the limbo of the unbaptized infants.
 The story no doubt has strange elements, as it should. I mean what do you expect of a story about hell? This is no longer romantic tales of knights saving fair maidens from dragons, or wizards training young boys to be future warriors. No, the Inferno is much more, much deeper, and much more solemn.
 I read the Inferno some years ago, and plan to read it's sequels soon. These books have had a prominent role on Medieval Literature, if not also all quite controversial at times.
 From describing certain sinners in different levels hell, to even some popes being present there, The Inferno, literally hell in Latin,  is quite an adventure through the world of eternal death for Dante and his guide, the great poet, Virgil.
 The characters experience other interesting occurrences, like seeing Saladin the Wise in the Limbo of the just pagans. Some sinners, including murderers are further down in hell than those guilty of other sins.
 All in all, Inferno truly is a classic of the greatest kind.
 Along with all that said, I always thoroughly enjoyed it.  Dante's depiction of hell is as real as one's description in this universe of it may ever get. I especially find Gustave Dore's paintings of the subject quite illuminating, to all that Dante so well describes in his poetry of eternal dearth.
 The story while an adventure, is perhaps also quite haunting as Dante experiences first hand the eternal torment of the damned, and the grip reality of God giving man over to his sinful passions forever and ever.

                                              An illustration by Gustave Dore, from the Inferno




       So speaks the Psalmist: ''But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of the lambs: they shall consume, into smoke shall they consume away.''
 So wisely speaks the Holy Scriptures of the firm reality that the lake of fire exist, and that it is the wicked's end.



So get out and buy a copy of the Divine Comedy, or at least the Inferno by Dante. I assure you, this is a work you will never forget.

                               An example of a copy you might find at your local bookstore.


And as always to end with a quote, one from the Inferno, though I have but only typed up a short excerpt. :




'' The Time was the beginning of the morning,
And up the sun was mounting with those stars,
That with him were, what time the Love Divine
At first in motion set the beauteous things,
So were to me occasion of good hope,
The variegated skin of that wild beast,
The hour of time, and the delicious season,
But not so much, that did not give me fear,
 a lion's aspect which appeared to me. ''

About this Blog

 Greetings lords and ladies of the far lands! Greetings kings, princes, and nobles all! Sit at your tables to drink fresh wine, and eat the hunted stag! Behold, the minstrel with his timbrel enters to sing a song and tell of long ago!
 Seriously, greetings my fellow modern readers. I made this blog to posts about anything of the Middle Ages, and the ushering Renaissance, which so followed it.
 I am a Medievalist in that I have studied the Middle Ages my whole life. I have researched intensely into Medieval theology, knighthood, Vikings, Anglo-Normans, and chivalry, Castles, as well as Crusading. I have also studied the Renaissance, with a particular knowledge of the Reformation that went on during it. I am a lover of Medieval Literature, especially the Divine Comedy by Dante, and the Arthurian legends. I am also a student of St. Augustine's writings, and crave down his words like for my mind, as one does good food for the stomach. I also have an appreciation for Medieval Art, and illuminated manuscripts.
 My personal love for knighthood since a young age, has inspired me since the age of fourteen to write a series of books on the Crusades that I am still working on called Kings and Crusaders. It a series about the days of Richard I of England and Saladin of Syria. The books are a series of novels, yet novels that were based on heavy historical research.
 My books, my thoughts, and my drawings , and maps are all things I probably will discuss on this blog. Many of my posts will be on a particular subjects, and hopefully not to long of posts, but just enough to inspire my readers into the Medieval Mind. Thus this blog's posts will surface and discuss a variety of Medieval subjects.
 All that said, I am currently, as this post is being written, earning credit to gain B. S. in History. When that is achieved, I hope to enter a Medieval Studies program for an M. A. in that subject.
 Along the way, I hope to learn Latin by self study and some help from a good curriculum. I learned some of it in high school, but that has been sometime ago, and my knowledge of that subject is certainly not scholarly.
 On the other hand, I do plan to back up the references in my posts to the sources I got the information of that particular subject. That is not a discipline I have commonly held to in blogging elsewhere.
 The Medievalist of course, is not just my posts, but for a community of people who love and study the middle ages, or who aspire to come to know more about it. Your comments and likes will certainly help this blog reach others, and are most appreciated.
 The main author is Joshua Dotson, though other authors may write posts for this blog in the days to come. I plan to write a post on this blog every Saturday.
 Last, every post will end with a quote from Medieval Times.




''The greatest scholars, are not usually the wisest of people.''
 -Geoffrey Chaucer

 A manuscript of Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. A book of poetry, it is essential to Medieval Literature with it's comedic tales of various people and animals from that era.