Scivias
Wisse die Wege : eine Schau von Gott und Mensch in Schöpfung und Zeit
📘 About This Book
1. vollständige deutsche Übersetzung von "Sci vias, wisse die Wege", dem theologisch-visionären Erstlings- und Hauptwerk der "Posaune Gottes" Hildegard von Bingen (1097-1179), 1990 nach einer Studienausgabe von 1989 veröffentlicht, gegründet auf die lateinische textkritische Ausgabe von 1978. Das Werk gliedert sich in 3 Bücher mit insgesamt 26 Kapiteln, "Visionen": Das Mysterium des Dreieinigen Gottes und seiner Schöpfung (I), die Erlösung und das Geheimnis der Kirche (II), das Mitwirken des Menschen am Heilswerk und dessen Vollendung (III). Illustriert durch 35 Schwarzweißreproduktionen von Tafel des Rupertsberger Kodex. Vom Leser wird ein intensives Eintauchen in die mystische, auch Elemente prophetischer Apokalypse enthaltende Schau Hildegards erwartet, sonst keine besonderen Vorkenntnisse. (3) (Friedrich Andrae)
📖 Summary
Scivias, translating to Know the Ways, stands as the visionary and theological masterpiece of the twelfth-century mystic Hildegard of Bingen, often celebrated as the trumpet of God. Published in its complete form in 1997 based on critical Latin source editions, this monumental text spans three distinct books comprising twenty-six deeply symbolic chapters of visionary literature. The work captures the sweeping cosmic and spiritual architecture experienced by Hildegard, demanding that the reader plunge completely into a realm of rich mysticism and prophetic apocalypse. The first book delves into the grand mystery of the triune God and the vast expanse of creation. In these pages, Hildegard outlines the divine ordering of the universe, exploring the relationship between the Creator and the created world through striking, luminous visions that bridge the earthly and the celestial. Moving into the second book, the focus shifts toward human redemption and the profound mystery of the Church. Here, the visionary text examines how salvation unfolds through divine grace and ecclesiastical structures, illuminating the spiritual forces that guide humanity away from darkness and toward eternal light. The third and final book addresses the active participation of human beings in the divine work of salvation and its ultimate, cosmic completion. It contemplates the intricate interplay between human free will, moral choice, and the unfolding of sacred history toward its final end. Enhanced by thirty-five black-and-white reproductions from the historic Rupertsberger Codex, Scivias offers a rare window into a medieval visionary universe where theology, art, and divine revelation merge seamlessly. Though it requires an immersive and dedicated reading experience to fully appreciate its complex layers, the text rewards seekers with an enduring exploration of the divine pathways available to humankind.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Offers a complete and authentic translation of a foundational mystical text.
Features historical illustrations from the Rupertsberger Codex.
Provides deep insight into medieval theological and apocalyptic thought.
Organized systematically into three distinct and thematic books.
⚠️ Cons
Demands an intensive and highly focused reading commitment.
Contains complex mystical and prophetic imagery that can be challenging to interpret.
❓ FAQ
What does the title Scivias mean? +
It is an abbreviation of Sci vias, which translates from Latin as know the ways.
Who is the author of Scivias? +
The work was written by Hildegard of Bingen, a prominent twelfth-century mystic and abbess.
How is the book structured? +
The book is divided into three distinct books containing a total of twenty-six visionary chapters.
What topics are covered in the three books? +
They cover the mystery of the triune God and creation, redemption and the Church, and human participation in salvation.
Are there illustrations included in the text? +
Yes, the work features thirty-five black-and-white reproductions of plates from the Rupertsberger Codex.
