Iusta murmuratio : The Sound of Scandal in the Early Middle Ages
Courtney M. Booker
As every medievalist knows, Benedict in his Rule repeatedly denounces and forbids murmuring by monks, as this sound was specifically understood to be a manifestation of what the monks were supposed have given up upon taking their vows—their own will. Yet, close inspection Rule, one finds that not entirely consistent denunciation murmuring. Indeed, at point (chp. 41) he even speaks making « just murmur » if commanded immoderately abbot undertake burdensome task. In article, I explore, way commentaries Gregory Great, Smaragdus St-Mihiel, Hildemar Corbie, Agobard Lyon, early medieval understanding Benedict’s allowance for complaint through iusta murmuratio. Murmuring may been chiefly Scripture an offensive act, but bishop Hincmar Reims noted, it something listen taken seriously; when king learns people are murmuring, explained Hincmar, should seek discover its cause, matter impending danger (periculo imminerent). mentioned above, allowed that, on some occasions, such demonstrative might just. To extent lenient view held outside cloister’s walls? Was multivalent open contestation? When deemed grumbling ungrateful people, collective expression conscience, signal wrong done public, scandal?
Revue Bénédictine