Many Mansions

In the theological skies of both the Greek and the Latin Church between the seventh and the fourteenth centuries usually know as the Middle Ages, a number of remarkable men appeared. They centered their lives in Christ and searched for an understanding of the faith which they shared and which their forebears had carefully explained over the first five centuries of Christianity.

Yet in the process of trying to understand christian doctrine, the two great halves of Christendom grew apart. Differences in language and events led to differences of emphasis, teaching and practice, and sometimes to conflict.

Written for readers with no background in theology or medieval history, Many Mansions brings to life this colorful and exciting period in the history of the Church. Understandings and misunderstandings which continue into the present day are carefully treated in easily understood terms. Illustrations taken from the periods and places under discussion provide visual reinforcement to the narrative.

David N. Bell (1943-2025) was professor emeritus of religious studies and dean of theology at Queen's College, St. John's, Newfoundland, and canon theologian in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John's. He is the author of a number of books published by Cistercian Publications, including The Very Devout Meditations attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, Handmaid of the Lord: Mary, the Cistercians, and Armand-Jean de Rancé (CS293, 2021), Everyday Life at La Trappe under Armand-Jean de Rancé (CS274, 2018), and A Saint in the Sun: Praising Saint Bernard in the France of Louis XIV (CS271, 2017).