Questions for reflection: Hildegard

1. How did feudalism in medieval Europe work (see “Did you know?”), and how was this system instrumental in the trajectory of Hildegard’s life (pp. 6–10)?

2. What is the difference between an abbess and a prioress? Which position did Hildegard actually hold, and why? (“Did you know?” and pp. 12–15)

3. Why is Hildegard referred to as a “Renaissance woman” (pp. 6–10)?

4. What is child oblation, and why did medieval families participate in it (p. 11)? What other features of medieval life discussed in this issue were different from life today?

5. What education and experiences contributed to Hildegard’s monastic leadership (pp. 12–15)? What challenges did Hildegard face as magistra?

6. Consider the letters Hildegard wrote to rebuke clerics and even the emperor on page 16. Do you think her strong words were justified? 

7. After reading “Humors and conditions” (pp. 17–20), do you believe Hildegard was likely the author of Physica and Causae et curae? Why or why not? 

8. How was Hildegard’s interest in healing and the natural world connected to her faith and theology? 

9. How does Hildegard’s natural philosophy differ from modern scientific approaches (p. 21)? What, if anything, can we apply from her ideas today?

10. Who were the Cathars (p. 24), and why did Hildegard consider their movement heretical? 

11. What were the titles of Hildegard’s three major visions, and what was each about? (pp. 25–29)? 

12. What themes stand out as most important in these visions, and what do they tell us about Hildegard’s theology? 

13. Consider the debate concerning women preaching and Hildegard’s spoken admonitions to mixed audiences on page 30. Was Hildegard preaching? Why or why not? 

14. How does Hildegard’s sacred music reflect the theology of her visions (pp. 31–34)? What is one example of her unique creativity in these compositions?

15. The excerpt from Hildegard’s Ordo virtutum (p. 35) personifies the Virtues. How do the Virtues contrast with the Devil and help the troubled Soul? 

16. Consider the gallery of Hildegard’s contemporaries on pages 36 to 39. Which figures were the most influential on Hildegard’s life and spiritual journey? Why?

17. What did you learn about the continuing legacy of Hildegard in CH’s interview with Annette Esser (pp. 40–41)?

18. How is Hildegard of Bingen important for Christians today?

CH