Anne Greule | University of Göttingen (original) (raw)
Papers by Anne Greule
Blurring the boundaries of religious dissent: A new approach to heresy in the middle ages, 2024
This paper suggests a fresh look at the sermons of Alan of Lille, who taught arts and theology in... more This paper suggests a fresh look at the sermons of Alan of Lille, who taught arts and theology in Paris in the second half of the 12th century. It takes two concepts as a starting point: Firstly, Clare Monagle’s thesis of the “Scholastic Project”, which highlights the socially exclusive effects of scholasticism; secondly, the concept of “blurred boundaries” between ‘orthodoxy’ and ‘heresy’ that helps to emphasize the fluid character of ‘orthodoxy’. Rather than being a homogenous entity, it is equally as instable as ‘heterodoxy’, and subject to the interests of its proponents. This is of particular importance for the period considered here, when Paris masters had not yet acquired the status of theological experts that later university masters would have. Against this background, this paper argues that Alan did not only disseminate theological doctrine, but at the same time contributed to his self-fashioning as an orthodox theologian in a time of transition at the Paris schools. It becomes clear how the promotion of ‘orthodoxy’ is linked to social and personal circumstances.
Historische Anthropologie [Thema: Selbstoptimierung – transepochal] 31,3, 2023
Most research conceives of self-optimization as a phenomenon specific to modern “western” societi... more Most research conceives of self-optimization as a phenomenon specific to modern “western” societies. It is characterized by a strong focus on the individual, techniques of self-control, and purpose-oriented methods of pursuing a goal that is, by definition, unattainable. It thus seems like a serious anachronism to speak of “early medieval self-optimization”. However, used as an analytical term, it allows us to investigate premodern discourses on competition, performance and perfection. This paper aims to explore its heuristic potential, starting from the key term “athlete” as found in the sources. Based on a wide range of texts, such as hagiography, guidebooks and historiographical testimonies, it gives us first insights into the means and goals of early medieval “self-optimization”.
Curiositas, 2022
in: Curiositas, hrsg. v. Andreas Speer und Robert Maximilian Schneider, Berlin, Boston 2022 (Misc... more in: Curiositas, hrsg. v. Andreas Speer und Robert Maximilian Schneider, Berlin, Boston 2022 (Miscellanea Mediaevalia, 42), S. 267–291.
Alain of Lille († 1202/03) counts among the most important scholars in Paris at
the end of the 12th century. In his extensive oeuvre, he dealt with contemporary
problems from a variety of subject areas, such as questions of epistemology and
pastoral theology. Besides numerous sermons, the ‘Ars praedicadi’, one of the first
theoretical treatises on the art of preaching, which has survived in over a hundred
manuscripts, originates from his pastoral activities. Here, he reflected, for instance,
about how to preach about various virtues and vices. This article asks which views
on human curiosity Alain of Lille held and tried to convey in his practical theology.
On the one hand, his understanding of the term ‘curiositas’ will be examined; on
the other hand, the views expressed regarding the problem of human curiosity
that go beyond this term will be analysed. While one would expect Alain – like
his fellow masters elsewhere – to treat the vice of curiosity in sermon theory and
practice, this seems not to be the case. There are only two brief passages on
curiositas, the analysis of which also shows that the term does not stand for a
problem of knowledge, but concerns about worldly things. Therefore, it is closer
to the vice of avaritia than that of superbia. Picking up Alain’s ‘art of preaching’,
one could not hope for any suggestions for preaching against the vitium curiositatis,
since Alain probably did not consider it a priority. Conceptually, it is striking that Alain does not recognize any dishonest pursuit of knowledge – if the right method
and, more importantly, the right mindset are given
Deutsches Archiv für Erforschung des Mittelalters , 2020
For both medievalists and early modern historians, the Golden Bull of Charles IV constitutes a le... more For both medievalists and early modern historians, the Golden Bull
of Charles IV constitutes a legal document of central importance. In
striking contrast to the ample research on its provisions, however, the
poem that introduces the Bull, a hexameter panegyric to Charles IV,
has attracted little attention. The present article disputes current interpretations of the poem based purely on its content, and seeks to widen the perspective by examining the manuscript tradition. First, as to the text itself, it shows that those lines of the poem extolling Charles do
not address power relations between pope and emperor. Second, it
analyses the mise-en-page of the poem in exemplars produced for the
prince electors. The remarkably understated arrangement of the poem
in those manuscripts shows that its principal message aligns with the
broader character of the Golden Bull as a document of consensual rule.
Verbally, the hexameters emphasize the emperor’s pre-eminence – visually, however, they seek accommodation between the monarch and
his electors. Furthermore, this paper argues that the poem was first
added to the Bohemian copy of the Golden Bull, and that it was not yet
present in its exemplar. Finally, the analysis of two further manuscript
copies of the poem demonstrates how its propagandistic potential favouring the monarch could be put to use: The Wenceslaus codex of the Golden Bull highlights, in its presentation of the poem, the claims to
power raised by the dethroned king. In contrast, a Wolfenbüttel manuscript reveals a pro-Rupertian stance by cleverly translating the Latin verses into Early New High German.
Przegląd Tomistyczny, 2019
[mit Lisa-Maria Knothe]. This essay investigates similarities and differences between two syste... more [mit Lisa-Maria Knothe].
This essay investigates similarities and differences between two systems of attaining knowledge and human perfection as presented by two medieval thinkers of the 12th and 13th century ― Alan of Lille and Albert the Great. Both of them develop theories of intellectual ascent which deal with the knowability of God and have their aim in a state of ‘deification’. Alan and Albert conceive systems which include an obligatory curriculum of learning, each with the help of the available knowledge and methods of his time. Especially the philosopher and his discipline are held in great esteem by both doctores universales. In Albert’s concept, the philosopher can reach the highest form of perfection and attain a beatific state in this life. In Alan’s thinking, he is equated with a human-spirit and therefore has come closer to the highest form of perfection. This essay does not want to reject the significant impact of Arabic-Islamic writings and philosophers on Albert in that regard, but wants to highlight the importance of a longue durée-perspective, which has been emphasized by Andreas Speer and others. Accordingly, the influence on Albert the Great by intellectual forerunners of the 12th century, like Alan of Lille, should be taken into account.
Zeitschrift für Thüringische Geschichte, 2011
Articles by Anne Greule
Dis/ability history der Vormoderne. Ein Handbuch, hrsg. von Cordula Nolte, Bianca Frohne, Uta Halle und Sonja Kerth, Affalterbach 2017, S. 268–271, 2017
Medieval church law demanded the physical integrity of candidates who wished to obtain higher ord... more Medieval church law demanded the physical integrity of candidates who wished to obtain higher ordinations. Only the pope had the right to give dispensation and allow applicants to be ordained or keep their benefice. The penitentiary o×ce responsible had to make sure that the cleric could hold service and that his impairment would not provoke ›scandal‹. Lost limbs and other physical impairments could be tolerated under specific and variable conditions. Canon law differentiated between deliberately or unwillingly received impairments. If the cleric’s physical condition led to the deformitas of the mass, it was an obstacle to his ordination or could lead to his dismissal.
Dis/ability history der Vormoderne. Ein Handbuch, hrsg. von Cordula Nolte, Bianca Frohne, Uta Halle und Sonja Kerth, Affalterbach 2017, S. 303–305, 2017
In the late Middle Ages, bodily defects of clerics were regarded as irregularities, a concept bas... more In the late Middle Ages, bodily defects of clerics were regarded as irregularities, a concept based on old testamentary ideals. In principle, these clerics could neither be ordained nor were they allowed to celebrate mass. However, canon law was flexible enough to take into regard individual situations and conditions in every single case. In late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, some exceptions from the norms were apparently made. A regular system of dispensation can only be found in the late Middle Ages. These dispensations were meant to be exceptions, but in fact seem to have been granted quite frequently.
Book Reviews by Anne Greule
Translations by Anne Greule
Veröffentlicht in: Hamburger Schlüsseldokumente zur deutsch-jüdischen Geschichte, 2018
Conference Talks by Anne Greule
Vortrag auf dem Workshop „Moyen Âge vs. Mittelalter? Deutsch-französisches Mittelalter“ von Prof.... more Vortrag auf dem Workshop „Moyen Âge vs. Mittelalter? Deutsch-französisches Mittelalter“ von Prof. Dr. Georg Jostkleigrewe und Prof. Dr. Klaus Oschema, Institut für Geschichte, Universität Halle.
Vortrag in der Session 1028 “Blurred Boundaries and Religious Dissent, I: Contradictions, Grey Ar... more Vortrag in der Session 1028 “Blurred Boundaries and Religious Dissent, I: Contradictions, Grey Areas, and Ambiguity in the Construction of Religious 'Otherness'”, Leeds International Medieval Congress.
The Parisian Master Alan of Lille (ca. 1120 – 1202/03) is not only famous for his poetry and works of speculative theology, but also for an apologetic treatise against ‘heretics’, mainly against Cathars and Waldensians. The treatise “De fide catholica/ Contra hereticos” originated in the end of the 12th century when Alan was staying in Southern France, probably teaching in Montpellier. Scholars such as Marie-Thérèse d’Alverny hence assumed that Alan might have been part of Cistercian preaching activities against the Cathars. Jessalynn Bird, among others, has pointed to the contributions of Paris masters in the fight for doctrinal orthodoxy. These have long been neglected in research, due to its focus on the mendicant orders as the eminent fighters against heterodox movements. She put special emphasis on the masters’ sermons, in which they mainly followed three strategies in order to combat heresies: On the level of religious content, they tried to teach essential theological doctrines to wider audiences, thereby adopting different techniques of communication. Furthermore, they promoted self-inquiry and penance as a means of religious control. Lastly, by admonishing and criticizing monks and clergy, they aimed at fostering ecclesiastical discipline, the lack of which was seen as a main reason for the believers’ doubts. As a consequence, many sermons of Paris masters can be interpreted against this background, even when they do not explicitly mention their apologetic intention. The sermons of Alan of Lille make no exception here, but they are far less well-known than his aforementioned works. In my paper I want to concentrate on the link between religious instruction and inner-ecclesiastical reform in the process of negotiating orthodoxy. My paper will therefore discuss how Alan tried to combat the heterodox ideas of his time in his sermons, on the one hand by teaching theological contents to less learnt audiences, on the other hand by heavily criticizing his fellow clerics for their intellectual and moral failure.
Blurring the boundaries of religious dissent: A new approach to heresy in the middle ages, 2024
This paper suggests a fresh look at the sermons of Alan of Lille, who taught arts and theology in... more This paper suggests a fresh look at the sermons of Alan of Lille, who taught arts and theology in Paris in the second half of the 12th century. It takes two concepts as a starting point: Firstly, Clare Monagle’s thesis of the “Scholastic Project”, which highlights the socially exclusive effects of scholasticism; secondly, the concept of “blurred boundaries” between ‘orthodoxy’ and ‘heresy’ that helps to emphasize the fluid character of ‘orthodoxy’. Rather than being a homogenous entity, it is equally as instable as ‘heterodoxy’, and subject to the interests of its proponents. This is of particular importance for the period considered here, when Paris masters had not yet acquired the status of theological experts that later university masters would have. Against this background, this paper argues that Alan did not only disseminate theological doctrine, but at the same time contributed to his self-fashioning as an orthodox theologian in a time of transition at the Paris schools. It becomes clear how the promotion of ‘orthodoxy’ is linked to social and personal circumstances.
Historische Anthropologie [Thema: Selbstoptimierung – transepochal] 31,3, 2023
Most research conceives of self-optimization as a phenomenon specific to modern “western” societi... more Most research conceives of self-optimization as a phenomenon specific to modern “western” societies. It is characterized by a strong focus on the individual, techniques of self-control, and purpose-oriented methods of pursuing a goal that is, by definition, unattainable. It thus seems like a serious anachronism to speak of “early medieval self-optimization”. However, used as an analytical term, it allows us to investigate premodern discourses on competition, performance and perfection. This paper aims to explore its heuristic potential, starting from the key term “athlete” as found in the sources. Based on a wide range of texts, such as hagiography, guidebooks and historiographical testimonies, it gives us first insights into the means and goals of early medieval “self-optimization”.
Curiositas, 2022
in: Curiositas, hrsg. v. Andreas Speer und Robert Maximilian Schneider, Berlin, Boston 2022 (Misc... more in: Curiositas, hrsg. v. Andreas Speer und Robert Maximilian Schneider, Berlin, Boston 2022 (Miscellanea Mediaevalia, 42), S. 267–291.
Alain of Lille († 1202/03) counts among the most important scholars in Paris at
the end of the 12th century. In his extensive oeuvre, he dealt with contemporary
problems from a variety of subject areas, such as questions of epistemology and
pastoral theology. Besides numerous sermons, the ‘Ars praedicadi’, one of the first
theoretical treatises on the art of preaching, which has survived in over a hundred
manuscripts, originates from his pastoral activities. Here, he reflected, for instance,
about how to preach about various virtues and vices. This article asks which views
on human curiosity Alain of Lille held and tried to convey in his practical theology.
On the one hand, his understanding of the term ‘curiositas’ will be examined; on
the other hand, the views expressed regarding the problem of human curiosity
that go beyond this term will be analysed. While one would expect Alain – like
his fellow masters elsewhere – to treat the vice of curiosity in sermon theory and
practice, this seems not to be the case. There are only two brief passages on
curiositas, the analysis of which also shows that the term does not stand for a
problem of knowledge, but concerns about worldly things. Therefore, it is closer
to the vice of avaritia than that of superbia. Picking up Alain’s ‘art of preaching’,
one could not hope for any suggestions for preaching against the vitium curiositatis,
since Alain probably did not consider it a priority. Conceptually, it is striking that Alain does not recognize any dishonest pursuit of knowledge – if the right method
and, more importantly, the right mindset are given
Deutsches Archiv für Erforschung des Mittelalters , 2020
For both medievalists and early modern historians, the Golden Bull of Charles IV constitutes a le... more For both medievalists and early modern historians, the Golden Bull
of Charles IV constitutes a legal document of central importance. In
striking contrast to the ample research on its provisions, however, the
poem that introduces the Bull, a hexameter panegyric to Charles IV,
has attracted little attention. The present article disputes current interpretations of the poem based purely on its content, and seeks to widen the perspective by examining the manuscript tradition. First, as to the text itself, it shows that those lines of the poem extolling Charles do
not address power relations between pope and emperor. Second, it
analyses the mise-en-page of the poem in exemplars produced for the
prince electors. The remarkably understated arrangement of the poem
in those manuscripts shows that its principal message aligns with the
broader character of the Golden Bull as a document of consensual rule.
Verbally, the hexameters emphasize the emperor’s pre-eminence – visually, however, they seek accommodation between the monarch and
his electors. Furthermore, this paper argues that the poem was first
added to the Bohemian copy of the Golden Bull, and that it was not yet
present in its exemplar. Finally, the analysis of two further manuscript
copies of the poem demonstrates how its propagandistic potential favouring the monarch could be put to use: The Wenceslaus codex of the Golden Bull highlights, in its presentation of the poem, the claims to
power raised by the dethroned king. In contrast, a Wolfenbüttel manuscript reveals a pro-Rupertian stance by cleverly translating the Latin verses into Early New High German.
Przegląd Tomistyczny, 2019
[mit Lisa-Maria Knothe]. This essay investigates similarities and differences between two syste... more [mit Lisa-Maria Knothe].
This essay investigates similarities and differences between two systems of attaining knowledge and human perfection as presented by two medieval thinkers of the 12th and 13th century ― Alan of Lille and Albert the Great. Both of them develop theories of intellectual ascent which deal with the knowability of God and have their aim in a state of ‘deification’. Alan and Albert conceive systems which include an obligatory curriculum of learning, each with the help of the available knowledge and methods of his time. Especially the philosopher and his discipline are held in great esteem by both doctores universales. In Albert’s concept, the philosopher can reach the highest form of perfection and attain a beatific state in this life. In Alan’s thinking, he is equated with a human-spirit and therefore has come closer to the highest form of perfection. This essay does not want to reject the significant impact of Arabic-Islamic writings and philosophers on Albert in that regard, but wants to highlight the importance of a longue durée-perspective, which has been emphasized by Andreas Speer and others. Accordingly, the influence on Albert the Great by intellectual forerunners of the 12th century, like Alan of Lille, should be taken into account.
Zeitschrift für Thüringische Geschichte, 2011
Dis/ability history der Vormoderne. Ein Handbuch, hrsg. von Cordula Nolte, Bianca Frohne, Uta Halle und Sonja Kerth, Affalterbach 2017, S. 268–271, 2017
Medieval church law demanded the physical integrity of candidates who wished to obtain higher ord... more Medieval church law demanded the physical integrity of candidates who wished to obtain higher ordinations. Only the pope had the right to give dispensation and allow applicants to be ordained or keep their benefice. The penitentiary o×ce responsible had to make sure that the cleric could hold service and that his impairment would not provoke ›scandal‹. Lost limbs and other physical impairments could be tolerated under specific and variable conditions. Canon law differentiated between deliberately or unwillingly received impairments. If the cleric’s physical condition led to the deformitas of the mass, it was an obstacle to his ordination or could lead to his dismissal.
Dis/ability history der Vormoderne. Ein Handbuch, hrsg. von Cordula Nolte, Bianca Frohne, Uta Halle und Sonja Kerth, Affalterbach 2017, S. 303–305, 2017
In the late Middle Ages, bodily defects of clerics were regarded as irregularities, a concept bas... more In the late Middle Ages, bodily defects of clerics were regarded as irregularities, a concept based on old testamentary ideals. In principle, these clerics could neither be ordained nor were they allowed to celebrate mass. However, canon law was flexible enough to take into regard individual situations and conditions in every single case. In late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, some exceptions from the norms were apparently made. A regular system of dispensation can only be found in the late Middle Ages. These dispensations were meant to be exceptions, but in fact seem to have been granted quite frequently.
Vortrag auf dem Workshop „Moyen Âge vs. Mittelalter? Deutsch-französisches Mittelalter“ von Prof.... more Vortrag auf dem Workshop „Moyen Âge vs. Mittelalter? Deutsch-französisches Mittelalter“ von Prof. Dr. Georg Jostkleigrewe und Prof. Dr. Klaus Oschema, Institut für Geschichte, Universität Halle.
Vortrag in der Session 1028 “Blurred Boundaries and Religious Dissent, I: Contradictions, Grey Ar... more Vortrag in der Session 1028 “Blurred Boundaries and Religious Dissent, I: Contradictions, Grey Areas, and Ambiguity in the Construction of Religious 'Otherness'”, Leeds International Medieval Congress.
The Parisian Master Alan of Lille (ca. 1120 – 1202/03) is not only famous for his poetry and works of speculative theology, but also for an apologetic treatise against ‘heretics’, mainly against Cathars and Waldensians. The treatise “De fide catholica/ Contra hereticos” originated in the end of the 12th century when Alan was staying in Southern France, probably teaching in Montpellier. Scholars such as Marie-Thérèse d’Alverny hence assumed that Alan might have been part of Cistercian preaching activities against the Cathars. Jessalynn Bird, among others, has pointed to the contributions of Paris masters in the fight for doctrinal orthodoxy. These have long been neglected in research, due to its focus on the mendicant orders as the eminent fighters against heterodox movements. She put special emphasis on the masters’ sermons, in which they mainly followed three strategies in order to combat heresies: On the level of religious content, they tried to teach essential theological doctrines to wider audiences, thereby adopting different techniques of communication. Furthermore, they promoted self-inquiry and penance as a means of religious control. Lastly, by admonishing and criticizing monks and clergy, they aimed at fostering ecclesiastical discipline, the lack of which was seen as a main reason for the believers’ doubts. As a consequence, many sermons of Paris masters can be interpreted against this background, even when they do not explicitly mention their apologetic intention. The sermons of Alan of Lille make no exception here, but they are far less well-known than his aforementioned works. In my paper I want to concentrate on the link between religious instruction and inner-ecclesiastical reform in the process of negotiating orthodoxy. My paper will therefore discuss how Alan tried to combat the heterodox ideas of his time in his sermons, on the one hand by teaching theological contents to less learnt audiences, on the other hand by heavily criticizing his fellow clerics for their intellectual and moral failure.
Vortrag im Kolloquium der Hessisch-Mittelrheinischen Sektion des Konstanzer Arbeitskreises für Mi... more Vortrag im Kolloquium der Hessisch-Mittelrheinischen Sektion des Konstanzer Arbeitskreises für Mittelalterliche Geschichte e. V.
Vortrag auf der 42. Kölner Mediaevistentagung zu Curiositas
Vortrag in der Sektion 1337 “Materialities of Reign: Charters as Proxies for Political Negotiatio... more Vortrag in der Sektion 1337 “Materialities of Reign: Charters as Proxies for Political Negotiation Processes in Central and 'Peripheral' Regions of Latin Europe II”, International Medieval Congress Leeds.
Vortrag auf der Konferenz „Altiora te ne quaesieris (Sir. 3, 22): The Medieval Pursuit of Wisdom“... more Vortrag auf der Konferenz „Altiora te ne quaesieris (Sir. 3, 22): The Medieval Pursuit of Wisdom“ (Internationale Gesellschaft für Theologische Mediävistik - University of Warsaw - University of Silesia in Katowice) [mit Lisa-Maria Knothe].
Albert the Great was the first university master of the thirteenth century to comment the works of Aristotle and his Greco-Arabic interpreters as a whole. By doing so, he developed a didactic, curricular system of intellectual ascent which has its aim in the felicitas contemplativa. According to Albert, this kind of contemplative beatitude is a state (status adeptionis) which can be reached even in this life (in hac vita). In his commentary on Aristotle’s De anima he first describes the ontological properties and functions of the intellects (intellectus agens and intellectus possibilis). They create a connection (continuatio) between each other and generate a process of cognition. Within this system, the intellectus adeptus is the perfection of an intellectual progress in which the human being can become godlike (similis quodammodo deo). The doctor universalis gives a new interpretation of the hitherto misconceived Aristotelian concept of eudaimonia and confirms the possibility of its existence in this life for all those doing philosophy. He opposes this kind of contemplative lifestyle, which is rooted in autonomous study and self-cognition, to mystical vision and celestial beatitude (beatitudo in patria).
Whereas we do not dispute the fact that Albert’s concept of temporal felicity is mainly shaped by his continuous work on the Aristotelian theories, we still want to suggest an alternative approach which emphasizes the intellectual tradition of the twelfth century. As an example, we refer to Alan of Lille: In his systematic theological works as well as in his sermons, the doctor universalis of the twelfth century invented a system of knowledge leading likewise to perfection and ‘deification’. It is therefore possible to ask whether Alan proposes a concept of temporal felicity as well. Even though in Alan’s thought there are more elements of mystical vision, and the influence of neo-platonic theories seems to be stronger in this regard, we nevertheless find passages which describe a concept of curricular intellectual ascent in which ratio and philosophy achieve high status in the process of attaining perfection. In our paper we examine these similarities and differences between the two influential thinkers. Furthermore, we discuss the question if the intellectual tradition of the twelfth century, the longue durée of which has been emphasized by Andreas Speer and others, can help us in understanding Albert’s philosophy.
Vortrag auf dem „21st Biennial Symposium of the International Medieval Sermon Studies Society in ... more Vortrag auf dem „21st Biennial Symposium of the International Medieval Sermon Studies Society in memory of Phyllis Roberts: Medieval monks, nuns and monastic life“.
Alan of Lille is not only well-known as the author of one of the first Artes Praedicandi, but also for his efforts in promoting pastoral care. In his handbook on preaching he gives an example of how to make self-contempt the central topic of a sermon by providing a model sermon (Migne PL 210, coll. 116C-119A). In my paper I examine how Alan of Lille made use of it and put his theoretical reflections into practice when preaching to claustrales. By comparing several of his sermons on self-contempt, I try to show that in Alan’s thinking, self-contempt has its ends in the knowledge of one’s self and ultimately in the knowledge of God. I put special emphasis on the question if we can distinguish different approaches towards a monastic and a scholarly audience in this regard. The paper will comprises the analysis of an unedited sermon.
Vortrag auf dem Workshop „Dis/ability and Law in Pre-Modern Societies. Schnittfelder von Rechtsge... more Vortrag auf dem Workshop
„Dis/ability and Law in Pre-Modern Societies.
Schnittfelder von Rechtsgeschichte und Dis/ability History“
unter der Leitung von
Prof. Dr. Cordula Nolte (Universität Bremen) und
Prof. Dr. Wendy Turner (Georgia Regents University, Augusta)
31. Jan./01. Feb. 2014