Out of sight, but not out of mind: A Middle Dutch religious allegory as guide towards the absent Christ

Abstract

The Daughter Zion allegory has previously been interpreted as a failed allegory for mystical union, both because it relies on personification allegory and because some versions do not actually portray intimate union between the soul and God. Focusing on the Middle Dutch incunable Vander dochtere van syon een deuoet exercitie (A Devout Exercise on the Daughter of Zion), printed by Gheraert Leeu in 1492, I will offer a different interpretation that is based on what the narrative does, rather than on what it does not do. By creating complex characters with inner lives and by fuelling speculation about their motivations, the text creates potent candidates for an intense, mediated relationship with the divine that is similar to parasocial relationships with fictional characters. The text helps the (likely female) reader to develop the devotional skills that will aid her in her spiritual progress.

Antecedents and service contact in an observational study of 242 suicide deaths in middle-aged men in England, Scotland and Wales, 2017

“…These are all factors identified in the suicide deaths of several of the men in our study. Men who are unemployed or experiencing financial difficulties are also known to be at greater risk of relationship breakup, alcohol misuse and social isolation 36 and this is confirmed by our findings. Addressing isolation and enabling men to strengthen their social relationships, not only with significant others but more broadly with friends and the wider community, is therefore key to suicide prevention in this group.…”

“…There is limited evidence that support services offering men an opportunity to contribute or cofacilitate, that focus on a shared goal, offer peer support, or are community based having been developed by men themselves or by the voluntary sector (eg, Men's Sheds) are key to keeping men engaged, although these insights need further investigation. 36…”