Articles
The Credible Witness: Bede's Response to Doubt
Author:
Stephen C. Sharman
Dr Stephen Sharman is an independent scholar with a life-long interest in the Venerable Bede. His PhD dissertation (University of Wales, Trinity Saint David) is entitled 'Visions of Light in the Writings of the Venerable Bede'. He lives in retirement in the City of Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada, CA
About Stephen
Dr Stephen Sharman is an independent scholar with a life-long interest in the Venerable Bede. His PhD dissertation (University of Wales, Trinity Saint David) is entitled 'Visions of Light in the Writings of the Venerable Bede'. He lives in retirement in the City of Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada
Abstract
This paper focuses on miracle accounts in Bede’s Ecclesiastical History, especially accounts of visions of divine light, and argues that in order to understand the meaning and rationale of such accounts Bede’s understanding of the reliability and trustworthiness of his witnesses also needs to be considered. The paper argues that Bede attributes to those witnesses whom he perceives as credible in these matters not only rational and moral but also certain religious qualifications, which enable them to perceive and understand the spiritual meaning of the events which they relate and thus underpin their credibility.
How to Cite:
Sharman, S.C., (2016). The Credible Witness: Bede's Response to Doubt. Journal for Late Antique Religion and Culture. 10, pp.1–11. DOI: http://doi.org/10.18573/j.2016.10114
Published on 24 Nov 2016.
Peer Reviewed
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