Christian Mystical Theology

Author : Louise Nelstrop,Kevin Magill
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 288 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2016-05-23
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781317166696

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Christian Mysticism by Louise Nelstrop,Kevin Magill Pdf

This book introduces students to Christian mysticism and modern critical responses to it. Christianity has a rich tradition of mystical theology that first emerged in the writings of the early church fathers, and flourished during the Middle Ages. Today Christian mysticism is increasingly recognised as an important Christian heritage relevant to today's spiritual seekers. The book sets out to provide students and other interested readers with access to the main theoretical approaches to Christian mysticism - including those propounded by William James, Steven Katz, Bernard McGinn, Michael Sells, Denys Turner and Caroline Walker-Bynum. It also explores postmodern re-readings of Christian mysticism by authors such as Jacques Derrida, Jean-Luc Marion and Jean-François Lyotard. The book first introduces students to the main themes that underpin Christian mysticism. It then reflects on how modern critics have understood each of them, demonstrating that stark delineation between the different theoretical approaches eventually collapses under the weight of the complex interaction between experience and knowledge that lies at the heart of Christian mysticism. In doing so, the book presents a deliberate challenge to a strictly perennialist reading of Christian mysticism. Anyone even remotely familiar with Christian mysticism will know that renewed interest in Christian mystical writers has created a huge array of scholarship with which students of mysticism need to familiarise themselves. This book outlines the various modern theoretical approaches in a manner easily accessible to a reader with little or no previous knowledge of this area, and offers a philosophical/theological introduction to Christian mystical writers beyond the patristic period important for the Latin Western Tradition.

Author : Louise Nelstrop,Simon D. Podmore
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 276 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 2016-05-23
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781317166658

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Christian Mysticism and Incarnational Theology by Louise Nelstrop,Simon D. Podmore Pdf

This book examines the relationship between transcendence and immanence within Christian mystical and apophatic writings. Original essays from a range of leading, established, and emerging scholars in the field focus on the roles of language, signs, and images, and consider how mystical theology might contribute to contemporary reflection on the Word incarnate. This collection of essays re-examines works from such canonical figures as Eckhart, Augustine, Plotinus, Pseudo-Dionysius, Nicolas of Cusa, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich, along with the philosophical thought of Iris Murdoch, Jacques Lacan, and Martin Heidegger, and the contemporary phenomena of the Emerging Church. Presenting new readings of key ideas in mystical theology, and renewed engagement with the visionary and the everyday, the therapeutic and the transformative, these essays question how we might think about what may lie between transcendence and immanence.

Author : Evelyn Underhill
Publisher : Library of Alexandria
Page : 1046 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 1930-01-01
Category : Fiction
ISBN : 9781465516916

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Mysticism: a study in the nature and development of man's spiritual consciousness by Evelyn Underhill Pdf

Author : Christopher C. H. Cook,Julienne McLean,Peter Tyler
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2017-09-08
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781317066187

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Mystical Theology and Contemporary Spiritual Practice by Christopher C. H. Cook,Julienne McLean,Peter Tyler Pdf

In Mystical Theology and Contemporary Spiritual Practice several leading scholars explore key themes within the Christian mystical tradition, contemporary and historical. The overall aim of the book is to demonstrate the relevance of mystical theology to contemporary spiritual practice. Attention is given to the works of Baron von Hugel, Vladimir Lossky, Margery Kempe, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Thomas Merton, and Francisco de Osuna, as well as to a wide range of spiritual practices, including pilgrimage, spiritual direction, contemplative prayer and the quotidian spirituality of the New Monasticism. Christian mystical theology is shown to be a living tradition, which has vibrant and creative new expressions in contemporary spiritual practice. It is argued that mystical theology affirms something both ordinary and extraordinary which is fundamental to the Christian experience of prayer.

Author : Edward Howells,Mark A. McIntosh
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 719 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2020-02-25
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780191034077

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The Oxford Handbook of Mystical Theology by Edward Howells,Mark A. McIntosh Pdf

The Oxford Handbook of Mystical Theology provides a guide to the mystical element of Christianity as a theological phenomenon. It differs not only from psychological and anthropological studies of mysticism, but from other theological studies, such as more practical or pastorally-oriented works that examine the patterns of spiritual progress and offer counsel for deeper understanding and spiritual development. It also differs from more explicitly historical studies tracing the theological and philosophical contexts and ideas of various key figures and schools, as well as from literary studies of the linguistic tropes and expressive forms in mystical texts. None of these perspectives is absent, but the method here is more deliberately theological, working from within the fundamental interests of Christian mystical writers to the articulation of those interests in distinctively theological forms, in order, finally, to permit a critical theological engagement with them for today. Divided into four parts, the first section introduces the approach to mystical theology and offers a historical overview. Part two attends to the concrete context of sources and practices of mystical theology. Part three moves to the fundamental conceptualities of mystical thought. The final section ends with the central contributions of mystical teaching to theology and metaphysics. Students and scholars with a variety of interests will find different pathways through the Handbook.

Author : Louise Nelstrop,Simon D. Podmore
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2016-05-23
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781317166665

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Christian Mysticism and Incarnational Theology by Louise Nelstrop,Simon D. Podmore Pdf

This book examines the relationship between transcendence and immanence within Christian mystical and apophatic writings. Original essays from a range of leading, established, and emerging scholars in the field focus on the roles of language, signs, and images, and consider how mystical theology might contribute to contemporary reflection on the Word incarnate. This collection of essays re-examines works from such canonical figures as Eckhart, Augustine, Plotinus, Pseudo-Dionysius, Nicolas of Cusa, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich, along with the philosophical thought of Iris Murdoch, Jacques Lacan, and Martin Heidegger, and the contemporary phenomena of the Emerging Church. Presenting new readings of key ideas in mystical theology, and renewed engagement with the visionary and the everyday, the therapeutic and the transformative, these essays question how we might think about what may lie between transcendence and immanence.

Author : Jason M. Baxter
Publisher : Baker Books
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2021-03-16
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781493429080

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An Introduction to Christian Mysticism by Jason M. Baxter Pdf

This brief, accessibly written volume introduces key figures, texts, and themes of the mystical tradition and shows how and why the mystics can speak to the church today. Jason Baxter, an expert educator and storyteller, explains that the mystical tradition offers a more robust understanding of God than our current shallow conceptions. Featuring engagement with primary sources and suitable for use in a variety of courses, this book argues that the mystics have much to say to contemporary Christians searching for authentic modes of spirituality.

Author : Ursula King
Publisher : Paulist Press
Page : 277 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2001
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781587680120

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Christian Mystics by Ursula King Pdf

"Ursula King's Christian Mystics offers a distinctive perspective on spirituality. The author presents the Christian mystical tradition through short biographies of its great figures, biographies which are highly readable without oversimplifying the ideas of these great figures. This is an outstanding entryway into the rich and deep world of Christian mysticism, recommended for readers of all backgrounds." - Michael Sells (Professor of Comparative Religions, Haverford College).

Author : Louise Nelstrop,Simon D. Podmore
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 281 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2016-04-15
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781317137344

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Exploring Lost Dimensions in Christian Mysticism by Louise Nelstrop,Simon D. Podmore Pdf

’Mystical theology’ has developed through a range of meanings, from the hidden dimensions of divine significance in the community’s interpretation of its scriptures to the much later ’science’ of the soul’s ascent into communion with God. The thinkers and questions addressed in this book draws us into the heart of a complicated, beautiful, and often tantalisingly unfinished conversation, continuing over centuries and often brushing allusively into parallel concerns in other religions. Raising fundamental matters of epistemology, representation, metaphysics, and divine reality, contributors approach the mystical from postmodern, feminist, sociological and historical perspectives through thinkers such as Meister Eckhart, Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola, William James, Evelyn Underhill, Ernst Troeltsch, Rudolf Otto, Jacques Derrida, Jean-Luc Marion and Jean-Louis Chrétien. Medieval and early modern radical prophetic approaches are also explored. This book includes new essays by Sarah Apetrei, Tina Beattie, Raphel Cadenhead, Oliver Davies, Philip Endean, Brian FitzGerald, Ann Loades, George Pattison, Simon D. Podmore, Joel D.S. Rasmussen, and Johannes Zachhuber.

Author : Patricia F. Frisch A Married Christian Mystic
Publisher : Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
Page : 116 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2023-11-17
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 9798889431060

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Christian Mystical Theology by Patricia F. Frisch A Married Christian Mystic Pdf

Christian Mystical Theology: A Way of Life. Mystical theology as a way of life is Bible based. It includes single and married laypeople and the religious who were mystics known throughout centuries up to contemporary times. Mystics are messengers into the Christian and human communities from their divine encounter with Jesus. In chapter 1, "Committed Eros," Patricia writes about her dual marriages--her human marriage to Richard F. Frisch, fifty-three years, and her mystical marriage with Jesus, thirty-five years. "Committed Eros" shows her longing for faithful community development. Part 1 chapters also explain mystical theology, the language of the mystics, references for the enrichment, and in-depth exploration of mystics from the Bible up to contemporary mystics and the development of the Trinity. Part 2 flows from part 1 with examples from the Gospels and the Christian history of committed mystical friendships through the presence of Jesus. A unique understanding of Jesus and his mother's relationship to the incarnation becomes the basis for the following chapters regarding committed mystical, agape friendships. Church leadership, intellectual pursuits, and everyday life are finding balance and harmony. Harmony is rising through the mystics, contemplatives, and ordinary people who enjoy peace through prayerful participation in contemporary mystical theology. The book ends with the hope that everyone finds ways to share their prayer journey with the communities. 1

Author : Thomas Merton
Publisher : Liturgical Press
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2017-07-27
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780814645338

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A Course in Christian Mysticism by Thomas Merton Pdf

Thomas Merton's lectures to the young monastics at the Abbey of Gethsemani provide a good look at Merton the scholar. A Course in Christian Mysticism gathers together, for the first time, the best of these talks into a spiritual, historical, and theological survey of Christian mysticism—from St. John's gospel to St. John of the Cross. Sixteen centuries are covered over thirteen lectures. A general introduction sets the scene for when and how the talks were prepared and for the perennial themes one finds in them, making them relevant for spiritual seekers today. This compact volume allows anyone to learn from one of the twentieth century's greatest Catholic spiritual teachers. The study materials at the back of the book, including additional primary source readings and thoughtful questions for reflection and discussion, make this an essential text for any student of Christian mysticism.

Author : Louise Nelstrop,Simon D. Podmore
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 242 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2016-04-15
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781317137351

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Exploring Lost Dimensions in Christian Mysticism by Louise Nelstrop,Simon D. Podmore Pdf

’Mystical theology’ has developed through a range of meanings, from the hidden dimensions of divine significance in the community’s interpretation of its scriptures to the much later ’science’ of the soul’s ascent into communion with God. The thinkers and questions addressed in this book draws us into the heart of a complicated, beautiful, and often tantalisingly unfinished conversation, continuing over centuries and often brushing allusively into parallel concerns in other religions. Raising fundamental matters of epistemology, representation, metaphysics, and divine reality, contributors approach the mystical from postmodern, feminist, sociological and historical perspectives through thinkers such as Meister Eckhart, Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola, William James, Evelyn Underhill, Ernst Troeltsch, Rudolf Otto, Jacques Derrida, Jean-Luc Marion and Jean-Louis Chrétien. Medieval and early modern radical prophetic approaches are also explored. This book includes new essays by Sarah Apetrei, Tina Beattie, Raphel Cadenhead, Oliver Davies, Philip Endean, Brian FitzGerald, Ann Loades, George Pattison, Simon D. Podmore, Joel D.S. Rasmussen, and Johannes Zachhuber.

Author : Carl McColman
Publisher : Broadleaf Books
Page : 322 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 2021-11-16
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781506485768

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The Big Book of Christian Mysticism by Carl McColman Pdf

In popular usage, "mysticism" typically refers to New Age or Eastern forms of spirituality. However, the mystical tradition is also an important component of the Christian tradition. At its heart--and much like its expression in other faith traditions--Christian mysticism is an ancient practice that incorporates meditation, contemplation, worship, philosophy, the quest for personal enlightenment, and the experience of Divine presence. This volume is a comprehensive introduction and guide to Christian mysticism. It is a big book about a big possibility: the hope of achieving real, blissful, experiential unison with God. Among the topics covered here are a general introduction to mysticism, the Bible and mysticism, the history and types of Christian mysticism, biographical sketches of leading Christian mystics, and practical instructions about practicing mysticism today. This is a breathtaking work that explores a form of spirituality that has changed lives over the course of 2,000 years. Learning about Christian mysticism and how it has been articulated through the centuries will prove inspirational for today's seekers, regardless of the faith tradition. "The mystic is not a special kind of person; every person is a special kind of mytic." --William McNamara

Author : Andrew Louth
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 246 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 1983
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 0198266685

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The Origins of the Christian Mystical Tradition by Andrew Louth Pdf

Scholars of the patristic era have paid more attention to the dogmatic tradition in their period than to the development of Christian mystical theology. Andrew Louth aims to redress the balance. Recognizing that the intellectual form of this tradition was decisively influenced by Platonic ideas of the soul's relationship to God, Louth begins with an examination of Plato and Platonism. The discussion of the Fathers which follows shows how the mystical tradition is at the heart of their thought and how the dogmatic tradition both moulds and is the reflection of mystical insights and concerns. This new edition of a classic study of the diverse influences upon Christian spirituality includes a new Afterword which brings the text completely up to date. Book jacket.

Author : Carl McColman
Publisher : Broadleaf Books
Page : 306 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2021-11-16
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781506485782

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The Little Book of Christian Mysticism by Carl McColman Pdf

With over 300 quotations, this book invites the reader to delve into the writings of the great contemplatives and mystics of the past two thousand years. The Little Book of Christian Mysticism provides a user-friendly, insightful, and potentially life-changing introduction to the essential teachings of the greatest mystics in the western wisdom traditions, past and present, including Francis of Assisi, Hildegard of Bingen, Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill, Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Julian of Norwich. Readers can use this book to initiate themselves into this visionary and ecstatic spiritual lineage, and they can also use it as a book of daily meditations. Small enough to fit in one's pocket or handbag, this is truly a user-friendly introduction to this venerable body of wisdom.