Peter Abelard, who lived in medieval France from 1079 to 1142, was the husband of Heloise of the Paraclete. As a philosopher, theologian, logician, and poet, Abelard also has merit in his own person. Abelard was a dedicated teacher whose teaching encompassed the most important practical topic: love. Abelard loved women in general and Heloise in particular. He deeply appreciated women’s full humanity. He also understood personally the horror of castration culture. Abelard’s plantus on notable Hebrew women and men are some of the most imaginative, perceptive, and daring works concerning gender in all of literary history.
Medieval Christians understood Mary the mother of Jesus to be an unfailing advocate for equity under law, even for men facing penal injustice. … Read the post Mary merciful, unfailing advocate for medieval Christians
The social construction of misogyny obscures the reality of medieval men’s unlimited love for women. Gyno-idolatry is a real literary & public problem. … Read the post medieval men’s ardent, unlimited love for women
Women’s competition with men impedes love. Heloise engaged Abelard in competition in writing. Willing to compete in loving, Abelard preferred just to love. … Read the post women competing with men prompts men’s self-abasement & weakness
Risus paschalis is for Easter & Christmas. Abraham laughed before God; Sarah concealed laughter. They begot Isaac, figure of Jesus, who lived comic love. … Read the post risus paschalis for Christmas: laughing with Sarah, begetter of Isaac
Medieval poets re-imagined female figures of the melodious nightingale & heavenly Jerusalem to incorporate in hymns men’s interests, concerns, and hopes. … Read the post melodious nightingale & heavenly Jerusalem: medieval re-imaginings