HILDEGARD OF BINGEN: A Saint for Our Times: Unleashing Her Power in the 21st Century

I was unfamiliar with Hildegard of Bingen prior to reading this beautifully crafted work in which the author (no relation in spite of the fact we share the same surname) compares various teachings of this incredible nun who lived centuries ago with numerous modern-day discoveries and philosophies. She was not swayed by the prevailing attitudes of her time regardless of who they hailed from but instead sought her own truth through inspiration. Her insights have fascinating ties to discoveries in modern times which are noted and compared in a reverent manner that brings further honor to this amazing woman. If you have an interest in metaphysics and mysticism as it relates to modern scientific discoveries you are very likely to enjoy this book tremendously. Likewise if you're a proponent for the return of the Divine Feminine and its importance in a world gone awry amidst patriarchal rule and greed at all levels of society.I share her view that science and spirituality should not be at odds. Truth is truth and supposedly both sides seek it, albeit through differing paths, yet often resist it when it stares them in the face. Through the centuries both have made serious mistakes, only backing down when proven wrong by a process that often took centuries. The collateral damage caused is a matter of history and sad testimonial to the ignorance and arrogance of mankind generally. Truth remains such forever and it's amazing that Hildegard's teaching still resonate today whether it relates to environmental issues and our treatment of our planet, the fundamental source of disease or scientific views that fail to take a holistic approach. As a professional astrologer my niche is condemned by both science and religion these days yet at one time it was inherent in both, perhaps even the bond between them. Like Hildegard, I believe they will yet meet again as we learn more about quantum physics, something I dare say since I also have a bachelor's degree in physics. Once proven scientifically it doesn't take too long for most religions to bring their dogma into submission to well-proven discoveries except for those who turn their backs on truth or those that embraced it all along and are not impressed. I could have some very interesting and stimulating conversations with Hildegard based on what I learned about her in this beautifully written book. It was inspiring to me that someone who lived so long ago could share so many of my own views.I was greatly inspired by this woman's willingness to speak out on controversial issues and wrongdoing regardless of consequences. Her integrity and dedication to truth are well represented in the various excerpts from her work which are integrated with those of modern day individuals from various walks of life from poets to scientists. While the work is not a biography, it reveals enough about her that it definitely motivates me to learn more about her life and specific teachings. This book has served as a literary appetizer to seek out more information about this amazing woman.

Matthew Fox set out “to render Hildegard useful,” and in doing so, wrote a book that is not at all useful for learning about her. In the chapter “Who is Hildegard?”, he ruminates for five to six pages with a litany of sentences beginning “who is this woman who…?” Hildegard is more interesting than Matthew Fox’s soupy, tangential thoughts about her. He would have done better to stand aside and let Hildegard come forward and speak for herself, without trying to “render her useful.” She already was and is relevant and inspiring. If you want to know more about her, rather than Matthew Fox, this is not the book for you.

HILDEGARD OF BINGEN: A Saint for Our Times: Unleashing Her Power in the 21st Century [Paperback] Matthew Fox , Namaste: Vancouver. 2012In Matthew Fox, we have a friend of Hildegard, a friend of mystics, prophets, and thinkers. This newest book on Hildegard offers a creative view of the woman from 1000 years ago. Imagine a conversation between Hildegard and Einstein, Hildegard and poet Mary Oliver, Hildegard and Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Hildegard and the Curia. While reading this lively and clear description of the woman, her philosophy, her interests and her achievements, I wondered whether and how she might help me to enrich my own spirituality. Calling Hildegard a "Wild Woman" in the style of Clarissa Pinkola Estes was a striking image.According to Fox, a prophet is one who interferes. A mystic is one who lives the mysteries. A fully-developed person is like a mosaic -an elegant interaction among music, art, thought, leadership, dance, discourse, preaching, letter-writing, in-your-face directives, gentle "as a feather on the breath of God." Kings, popes, abbots, and bishops sought Hildegard for advice, and she went ahead and confronted them whether they asked for help or not. A follower of Martin Luther called her "the first Protestant" because she knew the church needed reform.As a writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, abbess, healer, artist, feminist, and student of science, Hildegard seemed to be ahead of her time. Hildegard was a wounded woman as well. She alluded to her suffering, which is, after all, the lot of humanity, but did not dwell on it. It appears that she put the painful experiences into the mix of her life ... something else to ponder, to sing about, to build up her courage, to keep her focus.Finally, I love the author's suggestion that Hildegard had "greening power." The Holy Spirit is green and "we are like trees, she says, and the Holy Spirit is the capacity for juiciness, greenness, and moistness. The only sin is drying up."(Matthew Fox, Hildegard of Bingen, Namaste: Vancouver, 2012). I highly recommend this book to all, and particularly to people who are looking to awaken their spiritual journey.

Love this book have now leant it to others would highly recommend.

I love the way Mathew Fox brings together contemporary poets,authors, storytellersto journey alongside Hildegard. Very enlightening.

Beautifully written, compelling, scholarly account of one of the mostremarkable women who ever lived and her total relevance to thesituation on the planet today.

A thought provoking book which really got me thinking. Hildegard was an incredible person who can still relevant today. Mathew Fox puts this into context in a simple yet deep way.

Really well written book.