Today Lutherans remember Hildegard of Bingen (1098 – 17 September 1179). Who? I admit Hildegard is not familiar to most Christians. Until around 35 years ago or so the only people who knew much about her were church historians who specialized in medieval Christian mysticism. I first discovered her as a composer. Here’s a sample of her music.

It sounds pretty old-fashioned, like Gregorian chant, but to people in the 12th century it would have seemed the latest modern style, maybe like progressive jazz to us. As a matter of fact, back in 1994, Richard Souther’s album “Vision: The Music Of Hildegard von Bingen” became a hit recording winning the Billboard Classical/Crossover album of the year award.

Hildegard was the  abbess of an obscure German monastery. Although she had very little formal education she became an astonishing  writer, composer, and philosopher, but it was as a visionary that she became famous. From early youth Hildegard had visions. As a nun she received permission to record the visions which she did in three large works. Modern medical analysis of her visions suggest that she suffered from migraine which produces some of the visual effects she describes.  

Here’s a quote from Hildegard: “Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things.”
The marvel of God’s creation is something to ponder.

The church has often sadly overlooked the contributions of Christian women.  Hildegard shows what a mistake that has been.

Read Psalm 19:1-6 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne