Summary Of The Cult Of Saints Peter Brown

When interested in the religious culture of medieval Europe in late antiquity, “The Cult of Saints” by Peter Brown is a magnificent source to turn to. Among receiving honorary degrees, prizes and book awards, Brown is also a historian at Princeton University who focuses on social and religious aspects of medieval Europe. Brown critically analysis the significance of saints and their holy remains to the people of Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire. These sacred figures in Christianity heavily influenced many aspects of society. His writing style is dense and one may encounter a few words in Latin throughout the book. However, the book is supported with a range of sources from the bible to other authors themselves which can be found at the notes section at the very back of the book. Brown highlights his intentions for the book in his updated, Preface to the 2014 Edition, here he includes the title of each chapter and gives a brief overview of what to expect in them. In reviewing Peter Brown's work, he exemplifies the role of the cult of Saints and relics and their contribution to development of medieval Europe among other concepts; while thriving in addressing modern ideas such as the “two-tiered” model that commonly misrepresents the true nature of the cult of saints.
In Brown's first
Brown portrays how the martyrs were devoted members of Christianity who died in the name of their religion. “Unlike rebel angels, these beings would link men to God by being equally his servants. The cult of Martyrs, therefore presented a paradox that enabled Augustine to invert traditional hierarchy of the universe”. Brown supports an idea of the hierarchy of the universe by stating that because of their devotion to Christianity, their status was superior to an ordinary human and even angels. Therefore, bringing its believers closer to god when in contact with the holy