GERSON, JEAN
(Jean Charlier; 1363–1429). Theologian, scholar, teacher, translator, poet, mystic, and
humanist, Gerson was one of the most illustrious and prolific writers of the late Middle
Ages. One of twelve children, he grew up in a pious household in Champagne, the son of
an educated artisan. Three of his brothers became monks and another a priest. Although
his sisters did not enter religious orders, they formed among themselves an informal
religious group devoted to prayer and spiritual exercises. Gerson entered the University
of Paris in 1377 and received an arts degree in 1381 from the Collège de Navarre.
Subsequently, he studied theology and obtained the doctorate in 1392. Tailoring his
sermons to his audience, Gerson gained fame as an orator who could preach with
eloquence to both kings and the laity at large. He succeeded his friend and mentor Pierre
d’Ailly as chancellor of the university in 1395, taking over the duties in the midst of the
Great Schism (1378–1417). Although Gerson opposed the withdrawal of French
obedience from the Avignon pope, Benedict XIII, and worked to restore it in 1403, he
nevertheless sought a reconciliation between the two contending popes by suggesting that
both claimants resign. In 1407, the Roman pope, Gregory XII, indicated a willingness to
meet with Benedict and discuss mutual resignation. Gerson was chosen to head the
French delegation and facilitate the meeting, which was, however, a failure. With the aim
of restoring church unity, Gerson supported a move to resolve the conflict through a
church council. The Council of Pisa, held in 1409, was not successful. Although it elected
a new pope, Alexander V, this strategy served only to introduce a third contender. The
Council of Constance (1415–18) finally put an end to the Schism with the election of
Martin V. Writing numerous treatises to justify the work of the council, Gerson was an
outspoken proponent of conciliarism, setting out the limitations of papal authority.
Gerson was also strenuous in efforts to eradicate heresy. Critical of the writings of
Wyclif and Hus, Gerson was an adviser to Pierre d’Ailly, who served on the commission
that condemned Hus to death. Also interested in secular affairs, Gerson openly opposed
the Burgundian assassination of the duke of Orléans in 1407, attacking and condemning
Jean Petit’s Apologia for favoring tyrannicide in justification of the Burgundian deed. His
position so angered the duke of Burgundy, who had previously been one of Gerson’s
strongest protectors, that he was prevented from returning to Paris after the Council of
Constance. Gerson retired to Lyon, living first at a Celestine monastery where his
youngest brother, also named Jean, who became his copyist and editor, was prior, and
then at the church of Saint-Paul. During his exile, however, Gerson continued to write as
he had before on such subjects as spiritual renewal, church reform, Christian education,
and the integration of mystical and speculative theology. His writings have not received
extensive attention from historians, although they offer insights into the culture of the late
Middle Ages. His work, for example, on the Christian education of the young provides
important information on medieval attitudes on children and childhood.
Gerson was also a Latin poet of notable talent and skill. Influenced by Petrarch, his
eclogue on the Schism is perhaps the first humanist work produced in France. Other
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