Suffering and Innocence in Latin Sermons for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, c. 400-800
Paul Antony Hayward
It has long been recognized that medieval representations of the Holy Innocents are much concerned with horrendous cruelty their passion. They often cited as evidence Church, putting a high priority on loving parenthood, attempted to raise standard Christian child-care, and it is indeed clear rhetoric depends upon degree sympathy for suffering children. This paper aims suggest, however, history this theme shows how construction sanctity was influenced by changing place childhood in matters theology spirituality. will show, I hope, emphasis Innocents’ needs be seen context Origenist controversy, there an erosion theme’s importance later infants, shift reflected desire part monastic authors adapt now established cult new-found spiritual needs.
Studies in Church History