Charisma, Medieval and Modern

Abstract

Abstract:Popularized by the mass media, Max Weber's sociological concept of charisma now has a demotic meaning far from what Weber had in mind. Weberian charismatic leaders have followers, not fans, although, exceptionally, fans mutate into followers. This essay aims to trace some of the dimensions of Weberian charismatic religious leadership in comparative perspective, medieval and modern. Examples include: preachers, -double charisma,‖ professors, -collective charisma,‖ religious radicals, the economy of charisma, transgressive sexuality, demagogues, living saints.

Charisma and Counterculture: Allen Ginsberg as a Prophet for a New Generation

“…Such occurrences were not unknown among Jews of his generation. 4 While he was uncomfortable with some aspects of his being, such as his homosexual desires, the aspiring poet did not pretend to be someone he was not, and his openness about himself was, at times, striking. 5 Likewise, as he ventured beyond parochial constraints to obtain wider recognition, he did not befriend contacts for their money or political power, but rather for their creative and outstanding personalities or their positions in the world of arts and letters, as well as their sexual appeal and good looks.…”

“…56-77). Gary Dickson brings up to date the meaning of charisma, pointing out that since the 1960s the word has been applied not only to political or religious leaders, but also to cultural icons ( [4], pp. 3-4).…”

“…As a rule, Ginsberg avoided petty skirmishes with fellow writers and did not break relationships. He was in the habit of making new friends, while careful not to 4 Tobias Wolff's father was one of many such Jews who "crossed" at that time [10]. 5 See, for example, Ginsberg's letter to Wilhelm Reich, March 11, 1947 ([11], pp.…”

“…This essay explores the charismatic nature of Ginsberg's personality and career, as exemplified by his blazing new paths and offering new choices to individuals in late 20th century America. The article will follow Gary Dickson's essay "Charisma, Medieval and Modern," which appears in this journal, in offering an example of analyzing charismatic figures in relation to Weber's thesis, without slavishly adhering to Weber's ideas [4]. Among other things, the article grapples with the concept of charisma in relation to the Beat Generation and the counterculture, while exploring Ginsberg's central standing within his literary, artistic, and spiritual circles, as well as his influential cultural role and outstanding persona.…”

Saint Anselm of Canterbury and Charismatic Authority

“…182, 184). As Weber originally borrowed the term from religiousindeed monastic-history and the work of Rudolf Sohm, it seems appropriate to apply it to the career of one of the most prominent ecclesiastical figures of the eleventh century ( [15], p. 328; [16], p. 764 and n. 3; [17], pp. 185-97).…”