Saints and Their Miracles in Late Antique Gaul.
Thomas Head|Raymond Van Dam
Saints' cults, with their focus on miraculous healings and pilgrimages, were not only a distinctive feature of Christian religion in fifth-and sixth-century Gaul but also vital force political social life. Here Raymond Van Dam uses accounts miracles performed by SS. Martin, Julian, Hilary to provide vivid comprehensive depiction some the most influential saints' cults. Viewed within context ongoing tensions between paganism Christianity Frankish kings bishops, these cults tell much about struggle for authority, forming communities, concept sin redemption late Roman Gaul.Van begins describing origins three discusses career Bishop Gregory Tours, who benefited from support various patron saints turn promoted He then treats religious dimensions healing miracles--including relation Catholic theology use bishops challenge royal authority--and pilgrimages shrines. The miracle stories, collected mainly appear first complete English translations.
The American Historical Review