Margery Kempe's Mysticism Explored

Abstract

My goal was to investigate Margery Kempe and other female mystics, or contemplatives, of the Middle Ages and discover what the practices and beliefs of these women were. And further, based on these findings, to determine if Kempe, author of The Book of Margery Kempe, can be considered a genuine mystic, a madwoman, or a fraud. I found that mysticism is not religion in itself, but an aspect of many different religions. During mystical contemplation an individual attempts to become as close to God as possible. Most mystics live a life of seclusion, celibacy, and self denial in order to spend the maximum amount of time contemplating Christ's sacrificial death. I found that although Margery Kempe had many experiences in common with other female mystics of her time, she was unique in at least one aspect, that of her uncontrollable weeping episodes upon thinking of Christ's death. It was found that all of Kempe's visions, actions, and experiences fall into the category of mystical experiences. I determined that Kempe was an authentic mystic based on her devotion to a mystical lifestyle even in the face of ridicule and hardship, and because of her determination to live her life devoted to Christ.