Published in Expressing the Divine: Language, Art and Mysticism

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2002_09.pdf

This paper analyzes the calls and fellowships development thirteenth to the sixteenth century. Focusing on Köln and Neuss examples the author one side highlights the relationship between the growth of these communities prosperous and secular progressive urbanization of society, commerce, as well as the spiritual crisis triggered by repeated pests. On the other hand, addresses the criticisms of the confraternities that multiply especially since the reformation, although Reformers were not the first to advance reviews in relation to lifestyle prodigal of the members of these communities and their political influence within Church. These criticisms, ultimately, lead to a reform of the confraternities.