A group of experts from a range of different disciplines set out to explore questions about the spiritual and material economies in northern and western Christendom during the High Middle Ages using the classic format of 45 minutes for lectures and generous time for discussions. The more we discuss these questions, the more complex the medieval past becomes.
However, we are closing in on issues that are at the heart of the relationship between the spiritual and material in Christian contexts: the moment when the money-offerings left the hands of the devout, the symbolic connections between communion wafers and coins, concepts of economy and economia and in different forms how materiality was transformed into spiritual wealth, both in theory and practice.
Papers with highly original perspectives on the issues were followed by some excellent discussions. Three days of academic joy accompanied by memorable social events at the Durham Castle and Hatfield College.
Many thanks to Giles for organising such a splendid and important conference.