Vocabularies and Narratives of Reform

What is it about?

The chapter gives a chronological overview of the language used to explain and justify institutional change in monasteries and other major churches in north-western Europe between the ninth century and the middle of the twelfth century, taking note also of narratives about change. This allows examination of developments in the use of the Latin term reformare itself, often starting with the idea of rebuilding, but also other metaphorical language suggestive of spiritual growth. Interest in this language is particularly monastic and 'reform' terminology is closely linked to Benedictines.

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