 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
Preview first page |
Document Details : Title: Spiritual Models of Medieval Mystics Today Subtitle: Rethinking the Legacy of Birgitta of Sweden Author(s): STJERNA, Kirsi Journal: Studies in Spirituality Volume: 12 Date: 2002 Pages: 126-140 DOI: 10.2143/SIS.12.0.505315 Abstract : This essay reflects on the contemporary interest in 'spirituality' and the 'study of spirituality', particularly in a Protestant context. Taking St. Birgitta of Sweden (1303-1373) as a case study, the stories and theologies of medieval women visionaries are looked at as fruitful points of connection with contemporary people's dealing with their ultimate concerns. Since spirituality involves connectedness, as in Birgitta's case, it concerns the personal religious experience of empowerment, theological reflection in finding and naming meanings in one's life, passion for the ultimate, and action and involvement in life. Although her experiences are peculiar to her late mediaeval world, Birgitta's story exemplifies many of the timeless facets of theological and spiritual living and gives insights to 2?" century people in their redefinition of spirituality. |
|
