“My Temple Should Be a House of Prayer”: The Use and Misuse of Carolingian Churches
Dana M. Polanichka
This essay explores eighth- and early ninth-century Frankish understandings experiences of churches as holy spaces, arguing that myriad textual genres demonstrate the widespread Carolingian belief in highly sacred spaces well significant variations specifics execution belief. The first part article details how legislation worked to define, recognize, maintain space by insisting upon specific, respectful behaviors within them. central portion considers epistolary hagiographical texts describe and, at times, accept transgressions these laws, including an elite member court. contends not all misbehavior misuse defiled them; rather, inappropriate often highlighted or activated sanctity a way could not. essay, triangulating legislative, hagiographical, texts, opens window onto views laity regarding spaces. Ultimately, it raises questions about extent (and limits) beliefs spatial sacrality, reach reform efforts, nature lay religiosity.
Church History