Letter 7, Abelard to Heloise Summary and Analysis

The long letter that follows responds to Heloise's initial quotes about the beginnings of nun-ish practices. The letter arranges examples of women favored in the church in a haphazard fashion.

The practices of nuns and monks sought to imitate Jesus Christ and the institution existed in basic from the time of Christ's ministry. Women were a part of the practice of imitating Jesus early on as well, such as Mary Magdalene, who anointed Jesus with oil. Today, when priests are anointed, bishops strut in their vestments, but a humble woman conferred the sacrament of kingship on Jesus. In fact, women were devoted to Jesus from the very start and they were first to rejoice in His resurrection.

After Christ's resurrection, the nascent Church began to see women nuns multiply. Many women sang hymns to God...