Page "Hildegard of Bingen" Paragraph 39

In recent years, Hildegard has become of particular interest to feminist scholars.

Her reference to herself as a member of the " weaker sex " and her rather constant belittling of women, though at first seemingly problematic, must be considered within the context of the patriarchal church hierarchy.

Hildegard frequently referred to herself as an unlearned woman, completely incapable of Biblical exegesis.

Such a statement on her part, however, worked to her advantage because it made her statements that all of her writings and music came from visions of the Divine more believable, therefore giving Hildegard the authority to speak in a time and place where few women were permitted a voice.

Hildegard used her voice to condemn church practices she disagreed with, in particular simony.