Dreams and Visions in the Early Middle Ages: The Reception and Use of Patristic Ideas, 400–900 by Jesse Keskiaho
Doru Costache
Reviewed by: Dreams and Visions in the Early Middle Ages: The Reception Use of Patristic Ideas, 400–900 by Jesse Keskiaho Doru Costache Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015 Pp. x + 329. $102.80. Against backdrop an already solid scholarship dreams visions, Keskiaho’s work produces a pleasant surprise. book interest addresses reception patristic views on visions western Christianity up until tenth century. In particular, it examines contexts within which have been established authoritative Christian teachings dreams, how processes involved were part broader phenomenon, namely, emerging medieval culture. analyzed sources include writings Augustine Hippo Gregory Great, hagiographies, works Carolingian theologians. Methodologically interesting is that these are considered both from viewpoint their content rapport, regard to manuscript tradition, illustrates circulation thus contribution formation new argument therefore well-rounded ingeniously substantiated. brief epilogue completes picture showing early developments impacted continental insular culture later centuries. Of equal importance that, alongside tradition relevant writings, hagiography as recontextualization earlier historical cultural contexts. Thus, presents process popularization ideas. Compared with compartmentalized approaches date, draw sharp line between good thought fabulous realms hagiography, this significant contribution. It true recent years has become field its own right bias against increasingly dissipates, but my knowledge bridges erected patristics [End Page 145] still few weak. illustrating interdisciplinary approach, pushes forward scholarly reappraisal providing insights into complex worldview Christians. particular central point—that popularized through narrative or hagiographical analyzed. so doing, reiterates largely forgotten aspect experience, wisdom was not about academic exercises, permeated ecclesial body. As much grassroots experience object many educated writers, proven practical matters main witnesses discussed, Gregory, latter’s input recirculated via influenced public. advice dreaming handled centuries, shows there two discernible approaches. There rigorous speculative treatment theological writing, narrative, pragmatically oriented approach hagiography. difference them related literature favored Gregory’s pastoral dealing whereas theologians Augustine’s Neoplatonic convictions theoretical handling matters. common denominator because being given increasing attention, they treated older discretionarily, according interests time—more ways speaking than absolute authorities such (219). “Authoritative opinions versatile” (12). Regarding appraisal literature, noteworthy observation “early discussions never simply dreams. A discussion ideas saints, angels, ordinary dead, afterlife, biblical religious images, soul, orthopraxy sanctity, among other things” (221). This consistent overall book, collects across spectrum, thought, theology. Correspondingly, exotic phenomena, separation lives, aspirations, worldviews holistic perhaps most important provides perceptions Christians...
Journal of Early Christian Studies