Bernard of Clairvaux: Theologian of the Cross (Cistercian Studies Series Book 248)

Anthony Lane has written one of the most definitive and captivating studies on the work of Bernard of Clairvaux as it pertains to the Cross of Christ.He starts by reminding the reader that most people tend to think of Bernard as simply a monk or mystic.. but not theologian. And yet, as Lane points out, Bernard made close to 700 references to the cross in his writings. Although Bernard himself didn't care for the word "theology," Lane clearly shows that he was a firm theologian of the cross by examining some of his sermons and his actual teaching on the cross.Part 3 of the book, TEACHING OF THE CROSS, is the longest and most detailed, and chapter 10 of that section, CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS, is for me the best and most thorough.Lane points out that Bernard didn't care for Abelard's teaching on the cross, but he's also honest to admit that Bernard flat out falsely accused Abelard of denying that Christ died to set sinners free.Ultimately, Lane shows the reader that for Bernard, known primarily as a monk and mystic, the importance of the cross is seen.."precisely by the way he mentions it so often." (pg.50)Anyone wanting to become more familiar with the writings and sermons of Bernard of Clairvaux will not be disappointed with this excellent resource.

I have chosen St Bernard as my patron for the papacy of Pope Francis. I remember reading a book once that said that the Cistercians were the Jesuits of the c12.There are many similarities between st Bernard's time and our own.There was a problem with errors (for example abelard) and also there was councils to counteract the errors.We are in the strange situation that a Council was the source of errors (I.e Vat 2). It is providential that two of the bishops of the SSPX are called after st Bernard. Also 2014 will be the centeniary of the death of Pope St PiusX, A pope who died on the feast of st Bernard and was very devoted to the spirituality of that saint (Eg, he highly recommended 'The soul of the apostolate'.)Finally my home town of Abbeyfeale (Republiic of Ireland) had a cistercian monastery for nearly four centuries, from c12 to the reformation and supression of the monasteries in c16.God blessDan.