What is hagiography?

Answer

A hagiography is a biography of a saint or ecclesiastical leader that focuses on their life, deeds, accomplishments, miracles, and, when appropriate, martyrdom. Hagiographies are prevalent in all religious traditions. In Christendom, hagiographies typically recount the lives of saints canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Anglican Church. The term “hagiography” is sometimes used pejoratively or as a slur to criticize any biographical writing, whether religious or secular, that unrealistically idealizes its subject with folklore or embellished tradition.

Hagiography can be seen as a literary form of iconography. Iconography utilizes images and symbols to convey specific meanings or concepts related to the faith; for example, a dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and a lamb represents Jesus. The Catholic Encyclopedia categorizes hagiographies into three groups: historical memoirs, literary compositions, and liturgical texts. Hagiographies often mark significant anniversaries such as a saint’s feast day or martyrdom.

Notable examples of hagiographies include “History of the Martyrs in Palestine” by Eusebius, “Life of St. Martin of Tours” by Severus, and “Dialogues,” a collection of stories about Saint Benedict and other sixth-century monks by Pope Gregory I.

Since authors of hagiographical works tend to lack criticism of their subjects, readers are often presented with an “idealized” version of the individual’s life. These one-dimensional and unrealistic accounts may blend truth with legend, thereby compromising the accuracy of these portrayals. Ultimately, sound scholarship relies on facts rather than imagination.

While hagiographies can offer hope and moral improvement, no saint should be revered on the same level as the Lord Jesus Christ, who is described as the “author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.”e shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” , (Hebrews 12:2). Readers captivated by lofty memories of a seemingly flawless, larger-than-life saint may fall into the trap of idolizing. Idolizing can lead to idolatry, a sin that is repeatedly denounced in Scripture. In a caution to God’s people, the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:3-6;ESV). A hagiography is a literary representation or likeness that may lead to idolatry.

A genuine “hero of the faith” would never seek honor or glory that belongs to God. This truth was demonstrated by Paul and Barnabas in an account documented in the book of Acts: “Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on your feet.’ And he sprang up and began walking. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’ Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas a

When Paul and Barnabas heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations, he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without a witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them” (Acts 14:8-18;ESV).

Again, biographies of notable Christians can be a source of inspiration and encouragement, but readers should always give glory to God. Apart from Jesus, the renowned saints could have accomplished nothing, and, apart from Him, neither can we “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”, (John 15:5).