Sharers in the Contemplative Virtue: Julianus Pomerius’s Carolingian Audience
Josh Timmermann
Sometime between the end of fifth century and early sixth, priest, grammarian, rhetorician Julianus Pomerius composed a hortatory guidebook for bishops entitled De vita contemplativa. In centuries following its composition, this paranetic text became erroneously attributed to Prosper Aquitaine, famous defender Augustine’s doctrine grace in mid-fifth-century Gaul. Consequently, Pomerius’s was lent discernible authority, both through Prosper’s well-known connection Augustine as well apparent Augustinianism itself. The contemplativa also often paired closely with work Gregory Great, which served further enhance importance Carolingian bishops. As article argues, contention, that not only monks, but worldly could achieve an earthly form perfection rigorous adherence their duties “watchmen,” proved remarkably appealing, useful, episcopate.
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies