Jean Gerson
Jean Gerson (1363-1429) was a prominent French theologian and scholar, known for his significant contributions to Christian spirituality and ecclesiastical reform during a tumultuous period in the church's history. Born in a large family in Champagne, Gerson received his early education at a Benedictine priory and later at the Abbey of Saint Remy in Rheims before advancing to the University of Paris, where he earned degrees in theology. He became chancellor of the University of Paris in 1395 and held that position until his death, gaining recognition as a gifted preacher.
Gerson's work centered on mystical theology, advocating for personal experiences of God and the education of clergy to teach these concepts to the laity. He wrote influential texts in the vernacular French to make mysticism more accessible, including "La Montaigne de la contemplation" and "La Mendicité spirituelle." Additionally, he was deeply invested in resolving the Great Schism of the church, which had persisted since 1378, and authored tracts aimed at restoring unity within the Christian community. Gerson's writings remain vital for understanding the spiritual traditions of early 15th-century Christianity and reflect his commitment to both theological education and ecclesiastical unity.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Jean Gerson
Theologian
- Born: December 14, 1363
- Birthplace: Gerson, Reims, Champagne, France
- Died: July 12, 1429
- Place of death: Lyon, France
Biography
Jean Gerson was born on December 14, 1363, in the village of Gerson in Champagne, France. He came from a large family of seven sisters and four brothers. His father, Arnould, supported the family by working as a tenant farmer on the lands of the Benedictine priory of Rethel. Gerson was first educated at the priory, then at the Abbey of Saint Remy in Rheims. At the age of fourteen he was sent to Paris to study at the university, and he received his bachelor of arts degree from the Collège de Navarre in 1381. He served as proctor of France from 1383 to1384.
Gerson was awarded a bachelor of theology degree in 1387 and earned his doctorate of theology in 1394. By this time, he had built a reputation as an exceptionally talented preacher. In 1395, he became chancellor of the University of Paris, a position he held until his death on July 12, 1429. Gerson was particularly concerned with curriculum reform; he believed in a mystical theology which led to a personal experience of God and felt that it was essential to educate the clergy in this direction.
Many of his writings explain his concept of mysticism and propose programs of training for clergy to enable them to teach mysticism to the laity. He wrote two treatises in the vernacular French, La Montaigne de la contemplation (c. 1400), and La Mendicité spirituelle (c. 1405), and also preached in the vernacular in an effort to spread mysticism among the laity. Gerson’s other area of endeavor was his work to end the Great Schism. Pope Gregory XI had died in 1378, and from that time the church had two popes, a situation that was extremely harmful to the authority of the church. Gerson believed one unified church under Christ was essential. He wrote a series of tracts in an effort to bring about the end of the schism and to once again bring peaceful unification to the church. His works are considered to be among the most important theological writings of the early years of the fifteenth century. His treatises and sermons represent one of the best sources for understanding the tradition of Christian spirituality.