Tuesday, January 8, 2013

TSP 32: Leroy Huizenga on Hildegard of Bingen, a New Doctor of the Church


Recently, Pope Benedict XVI made headlines when he added a new name to the official list of figures given the title "Doctor of the Church": St. Hildegard of Bingen. Who was she? Why did the Holy Father choose to declare her a doctor of the Church at this time?

In this episode of The Sacred Page Podcast I am joined with Leroy Huizenga who has done a good deal of work on St. Hildegard.  At the Society of Biblical Literature last year, he presented a paper entitled, "St. Hildegard of Bingen's Premodern and Postmodern Paul." In fact, for a fantastic overview of St. Hildegard, see this excellent piece written by Leroy over at First Things. 

As you'll learn here, she fought heretics, but opposed burning them at the stake; she wrote the only surviving medical treatise of her time; she related visions of Christ. . . in short, St. Hildegard was a truly fascinating figure!

Dr. Huizenga is Professor of Scripture at the University of St. Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he also serves as the Director of the Christian Leadership Center. To learn more about him and his work, check out his website. Also, I'd encourage you to follow him on Twitter: @LHuizenga

(This podcast was recorded before Christmas. Due to some technical issues, it is only being posted today, which is an appropriate day for it to go up--January 8th is Leroy's birthday. Happy birthday, Leroy and thanks for coming on the show!)

Listen on iTunes or click the link below.

Your comments are welcome as always in the comment box. 


Friday, January 4, 2013

TSP 31: Epiphany: Who were the Magi and what was the Christmas Star?

Who were the magi (Philosophers, Persians, Arabs, Babylonians)? What was the star that guided them (comet, constellation, or angel)? What is the significance of their gifts? What connection is there between the birth of the Messiah and the arrival of Gentiles?

This podcast is completely devoted to the story of the Epiphany. What is this feast? How is related to Jesus' baptism and the wedding feast at Cana in Church tradition? Find out here.

As always, you can listen on iTunes or click the link below and, as always, your comments are welcome in the comment box below.