Historia Crítica (Jul 2021)
A graça manifestada e a pregação na Castela dos séculos xiv e xv
Abstract
Objective/Context: Ecclesiastical production in Castilian language at the transition from the fourteenth to the fifteenth century, as well as in other vernacular languages of the period, highlighted the need to create teaching parameters for clerics and to prepare them in a better way to instruct the faithful in the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures. As theological and pastoral works were produced mostly in Latin until that time, it became essential to write treaties that were intelligible to the humblest clergymen. Based on a systematic review of works destined to the initiation of clerics in their duties in the Crown of Castile, this study examines the regulation of the conduct of clergymen, emphasizing the strategies adopted to guide preachers in recognizing the action of grace in their words. The importance of focusing this work on sermons reserved for clerics arises from the richness of this material to teach habits and values considered virtuous for all types of parishioners. Methodology: In order to examine the edifying role of preaching by instructed members of the Catholic Church, the first step consisted in systematizing instructions contained in sermon collections and manuscripts written by bishops that clearly defined the benefits of the preached word. Next, the means to naturalize such recommendations were questioned, highlighting the textual supports transmitted to the clergy. Originality: This study seeks to differentiate itself from other works on the training of clergy by addressing the role attributed to divine grace in stimulating words and inspiring the laity. Conclusions: Divine grace was considered not only the source of inspiration for clergymen to produce sermons, but also the channel through which the sacred word managed to stimulate the faithful to put into practice the teaching communicated to them.
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