Heresy and Dissent in the Carolingian Empire: The Case of Gottschalk of Orbais by Matthew Bryan Gillis
Owen M. Phelan
Reviewed by: Heresy and Dissent in the Carolingian Empire: The Case of Gottschalk Orbais by Matthew Bryan Gillis Owen M. Phelan Orbais. By Gillis. (New York: Oxford University Press. 2017. Pp. x, 277. $99.00. ISBN 978-0-19-879758-6.) Gillis' offers a microhistorical analysis career (808-867) order to illumine coercive exclusive dimensions reform correctio ninth-century Frankish World. book proceeds chronologically through major conflicts Gottschalk's life. uses evidence from canonical theological controversies get at social political tensions sometimes overlooked more recent scholarship on culture society. voice is heard mainly surviving poems hymns, treatises, statements faith, which reads against other contemporary sources sketch vivid portrait dissenter. Chapter one addresses criticism his own oblation as he squares off abbot, Hrabanus Maurus, legal force freedom stake practice child oblation. second chapter subtle self-positioning aftermath patron's fall power. three recounts genesis most explosive proposal, double predestination, during time missionary. fourth chronicles experience scrutiny doctrines resistance correction ecclesiastical civil superiors. five describes how severity defeat not only steeled resolve resist, but also activated networks sympathy continued cultivated teachings. sixth traces growing sophistication dissent renewed controversy stirred when [End Page 353] leaders refocused their attention upon him. seven reviews significant sympathetic contacts across world allowed continue up end Rather than appearing an antagonist well-studied lives luminaries like Maurus Hincmar Reims, powerful, influential, prolific archbishops are presented almost solely perspective look very different typical scholarly portraits. Similarly, rather analyzing reasoning disputes involving Gottschalk, remains squarely manipulation all parties attempts find ways seizing power disputes. Throughout, takes apologetic approach possible. This leads number subjunctive constructions connects admittedly difficult sparse sources. It pushes discussion into some surprising corners, such lionizes demand be subjected particularly violent gruesome judicial ordeals, occasioned question sanity. effort welcome addition expanding understanding early medieval world. Particularly impressive thought-provoking placing individual, center story, much larger, wider, deeper emerges has been appreciated antagonists, host engaged wrangle over just disagreements, manage dissension, interpret consequences recalcitrance, what fitting responses insubordination, exacerbating or extenuating circumstances like. paints effective complicated, heated, aspects Renewal. Mount Saint Mary's Copyright © 2019 Catholic America Press
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