Relztrah
Puritan Board Freshman
I am currently reading Eadmer’s The Life of St. Anselm which is fascinating. Since I began reading Meditations, I have found St. Anselm a great source of inspiration and wisdom. So I requested a copy of Eadmer’s biography from our local library.
In The Life of St. Anselm Eadmer recounts many miracles attributed to him which have the following chapter titles:
And so forth. How do I interpret these? For most miracles, Eadmer mentions that there were many witnesses. Normally I use my Western, 21st century, cessationist, skeptical perspective when reading such anecdotes, and consider them in the same category with miracle healing crusade testimonies. Is this simply medieval fan fiction? Or should I accept Eadmer’s account as factual particularly since St. Anselm wasn’t attempting to manipulate anyone and often only prayed for the miracle very reluctantly.
In The Life of St. Anselm Eadmer recounts many miracles attributed to him which have the following chapter titles:
- How a large hole was found in the ship which brought him across the sea; and how the water nevertheless did not enter.
- How two knights were cured of quartan fevers by scraps from his table at Vienne.
- How one of the barons of that district was cured of fevers and belly-aches by being present at a Mass of Anselm’s.
- How he restored a mad woman to complete health by the sign of the holy Cross which he made over her.
- How a copious rain fell at his prayer.
- How he put out a fire which fell from heaven and was consuming some houses.
And so forth. How do I interpret these? For most miracles, Eadmer mentions that there were many witnesses. Normally I use my Western, 21st century, cessationist, skeptical perspective when reading such anecdotes, and consider them in the same category with miracle healing crusade testimonies. Is this simply medieval fan fiction? Or should I accept Eadmer’s account as factual particularly since St. Anselm wasn’t attempting to manipulate anyone and often only prayed for the miracle very reluctantly.