Memorials of Human Superstition being a paraphrase and commentary on the Historia Flagellantium of the Abbé Boileau, Doctor of the Sorbonne

About this book

"Memorials of Human Superstition" by Jean Louis de Lolme is a historical account written in the late 18th century. This work serves as a paraphrase and commentary on the "Historia Flagellantium" by Abbé Boileau, exploring the subject of self-flagellation practices within Christianity, as well as their roots in pagan traditions. The book aims to illuminate the entangled history of religious motivations behind flagellation, critiquing the irrationality of such superstitious customs. At the start of the book, the author provides an introduction detailing his motivations for compiling the information regarding flagellation practices, which were expected to be of interest to contemporary and future audiences. He discusses the Abbé Boileau's original work and how it failed to deliver a coherent history of the Flagellants, instead presenting a mishmash of anecdotes and practices that the author aims to clarify. The opening outlines the arguments he intends to make against the historical usage of flagellation among Christians and outlines the moral implications and consequences of such practices, as well as their historical data tracing back to pagan societies.