What are some good examples of books on christian mysticism. Society for promoting christian knowledge, for quotations from the areopagite on the divine. I approach this practice from the perspective of a christian, and from a passion for the teachings and example of jesus christ. Bernard mcginns the presence of god series is one of the most respected histories of christian mysticism in print today. Far from being silly gibberish masquerading as some higher form of intelligence, mystici sm simply admits that we can know and act on apprehensions of truth that are above human intellect. Martin offers a good working definition of the key elements involved in such practice. Foster published celebration of discipline, the path to spiritual growth. The big book of christian mysticism and answering the contemplative call. One of the greatest christian theologians of the twentieth century, karl rahner, once said the christian of. The experiences of mystics are often framed within theological approaches to god, such as quietism, pietism, etc therefore, in order to aid in the understanding of christian mysticism, this list includes some philosophers, theologians, anonymous theological books, religious groups and movements whose ideas and practices have had an influence. A journey into christian hermeticism by valentin tomberg, dark night of the soul by. All his books answer many important questions about the spiritual life and.
Jul 19, 2017 in response to some answers previously made to this question there is no need to begin to set out on the christian mystical journey by looking at other spiritual traditions. The big book of christian mysticism the essential guide to contemplative spirituality by carl mccolman a remarkable overview of the riches, wisdom, paradoxes, practices, and major figures in christian mysticism. Carl mccolman discusses his two books on the subject of mysticalcontemplative spirituality. Tozer shares with us his favorite hymns and poems that invite us into a mystical experience of god that is biblically sound and christcentered. Obviously books about mysticism are scholarly erudite tomes trying to understand the meanings of mystical experiences, captured in prose and poetry. We might begin by noting that in the early 1960s a wide. Christian mysticism by william ralph inge free ebook. It begins with an extract from the last will and testament of the late john bampton and then goes on to the lectures, which include general characteristics of mysticism, the mystical element of the bible, christian platonism, practical and devotional mysticism and. 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. His introduction to this book gives his statement as to what genuine christian mysticism is and why its a good thing to read books by christian mystics. One makes that journey with a deeply serious and widely educated guide who is able to point out the salient landmarks of the mystical tradition. Mysticism is an approach to spiritual practice focused on developing the interior life and awakening the heart to be capable of walking with god in ordinary daily life.
This clear and comprehensive anthology, culled from the vast corpus of christian mystical literature by the renowned theologian and historian bernard mcginn, presents nearly one hundred selections, from the writings of origen of alexandria in the third century to the work of twentiethcentury mystics such as thomas merton. Exposing the dangers of mysticism explained, to adopt mysticism as a legitimate way of approaching god is to reject the basis of the protestant reformation and the basis of evangelicalism. Philosophy of mysticism, raids on the ineffable is the latest of richard h. In response to some answers previously made to this question there is no need to begin to set out on the christian mystical journey by looking at other spiritual traditions. Oman says, in so far as there is use of a historical revelation and of a church, with its cult, fellowship and active service of others, the religion is not mystical. Athanasius of alexandria was thought to have said that god became human so that man could become god. Christian mysticism project gutenberg selfpublishing. This book consists of eight lectures, given at the university of oxford by william inge, as part of the bampton lectures. Series editors thomas cattoi, graduate theological union, usa bin you, minzu university, china in the series death, dying, and mysticism.
But for a variety of historical, social and political reasons, christian mysticism has always existed on the margins of the church. Christian mysticism grace bible church of gillette. Christian mystics strive for the transformation of ego so that they can be one with god. If your pastor, your professor, your children, or your friends are reading any of these books, then they are being led down a path that will take them toward a mystical, panentheistic spirituality where only deception lies in wait. Online shopping from a great selection at books store. Christian mysticism is a broad term that refers to the development of mystical practices within christianity. The readings below come from the following two online books. Find the top 100 most popular items in amazon books best sellers. Having read many books on mysticism over the past 50 years i can say that the two books mysticism and practical mysticism by evelynn underhill are by far the clearest, best researched and most profound that i have come across. Historically, christian mysticism has taught that for christians the major emphasis of mysticism concerns a spiritual transformation of the egoic self, the following of a path designed to produce more fully realized human persons, created in the image and likeness of god and as such, living in harmonious communion with god, the church, the. It looks at the life and teaching of jesus through this lens. In the catholic and eastern orthodox churches, mysticism may encompass a belief that the soul can be united transsubstanially with god or that scripture is living and literally able to promote communication between the divine and human beings. Jan 20, 2010 below is comprehensive bibliography on mysticism in the christian tradition compiled by rafael ubico, a frequent contributor here.
Biblical illumination true mysticism contends that all believers are indwelt by the holy spirit and thus are in a position to be enlightened directly by him, but that there is one complete revelation given the 66 canonical books of the bible, and that the illuminating work of the spirit will be confined to the unveiling of the scriptures to the mind and heart. Christian mysticism refers to mystical practices and theory within christianity. The crossfertilization between christianity and mysticism created something entirely newa unique belief system that is different from all other kinds of mysticism. These are some of the classical writings in this field. Dominican spiritualitycatherine of siena simon tugwell, op, 1982, early dominicans. As an introduction to christian mysticism and an exploration of why mysticism remains relevant in our time, the first part of the book explores the question of what mysticism is, examining its biblical roots, its paradoxical nature, and how christian mysticism has evolved over time.
Society of christian mystics, emeryville, california. The practice of christian mysticis m on apple book s. Free ebooks by christian mystics as of 15 april 2011. And this is where one of the great dangers of christian mysticism comes into play. One would better think of this work as a set of blaze marks to work ones way through the complex story of christian mysticism. Mysticism usually centers on practices intended to nurture those experiences. For those drawn to a deeper connection with god through mysticism in the christian tradition. This usually involves a process of introversion in which all images and memories of outer things must be set aside so that the inner eye may be opened and readied for the appearance of god. Catherine of sienna, julian of norwich, cloud of unknowing, and many others.
Uniquely organized by subject rather than by author, the essential. The way i talk about mysticism will make the most sense in a christian context even when im discussing mysticism in general. The big book of christian mysticism by carl mccolman. Whitney, defining the boundaries of evangelical spirituality. Obviously books about mysticism are scholarly erudite tomes trying to understand the meanings of mystical experiences, captured in prose and poet. The classical writings of the church fathers athanasius of alexandria, gregory of nyssa, origen, psuedodionysius, maximus the confessor. Such an approach was the fundamental frame of reference for most of humanity for thousands of years. Christian mysticism practices my metaphysical mind. The books marked with an asterisk are available in the northern colorado faith library for check out. Though there may be differences, these stages are universally accepted as the stages of christian mysticism.
Joness detailed treatment of a wide number of topics, largely argued convincingly, makes this a superb book. In this new book, bernard and patricia mcginn draw from the series to take a closer, personal look at the mystical vision of 12 great spiritual masters living before the reformation. Famous mystics have reported visions and speaking directly to god. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a page. The below books are nearly all pdf files requiring the use of acrobat reader. Read christian mysticism by william ralph inge available from rakuten kobo.
The story of a 400 year long misunderstanding and what it means for the future of christian mysticism complete book online. A quaker, richard foster, has authored one of the most influence books on christian mysticism called, celebration of discipline. Sweeney collects mertons talks to the probationers at the abbey of gethsemani where merton resided, augments the abridged lectures with a brief introduction to the context and themes of the study, and includes additional readings and questions for discussion. Christian mysticism refers to the development of mystical practices and theory within. Mysticism by evelyn underhill 1911 the classic study of the path to oneness, written by a leading student of mysticism. Mysticism is related to the heart, rather than the mind. The author asserts that evolution is the fundamental dynamic of our universe, transcending biology, to include cultural and consciousness.
Please note that the list of works by christian mystics is still being expanded. The ecstasy of the end edited by thomas cattoi and christopher m. Its origin and impact on contemporary christian thought posted by marsha west on march 10, 2016 in christian mysticism, roman catholicism 0 by zachary doppelt. Mysticism is the sense of some form of contact with the divine or transcendent, often understood in christian tradition as involving union with god. Christian mysticism, properly understood, is the single most practical approach to building your personal faith and religious practice. This informative volume will appeal to those who buy religious reference books and anyone interested in christian mysticism or western spirituality. Discover book depositorys huge selection of christian mysticism books online. Apr 15, 2011 for lenten reading, see the following free ebooks by catholic mystics, the links to which have been listed on the catholic ebooks project as of 15 april 2011.
Youtube, youtube channel, video marketing, youtuber, igtv, erika vieira, video, instagram hatecast clint taylor. Christian mystics ebook by carl mccolman rakuten kobo. Christian mysticism can be traced back to the earliest stages of christianity, including the experiences of many of the early desert fathers in the 3rd and 4th centuries c. Also, the person and work of christ his preeminence, atonement, and mediatorial work are extremely important.
New critical questions in christian contemplative practice. I wish to separate the most important writings with the realm of christian spirituality into three groups. Roots of christian mysticism reading list logos topics. The essential writings of christian mysticism modern library. Not only can christianity be a mystical faith, but in fact a mystical element of christianity has existed since the time of jesus. This book explores the christian faith from the perspective of evolutionary spirituality. This is one of those finely written books, that you actually do get a lot more than what it just says on the cover. Thomas mertons lectures to the novices at the abbey of gethsemani provide a good look at merton the scholar.
Ray yungen and the editors at lighthouse trails have put together our top 50 christian contemplative books a not recommended reading list. The big book of christian mysticism explores this rich tradition and shows how it can be a powerful tool for transformation and the experience of the divine. Mysticism is not so much a doctrine as a method of thought. List of books and articles about mysticism online research. Selected writings, new york, paulist press, classics of western spirituality series. An silent retreat will do, where there is no talking, no books, no tv, no internet, and no phones.
Spiritual stages of christian mysticism, union with god. The big book of christian mysticism does just that. After all, this is a book about christian mysticism. Mysticism, christian and buddhist by daisetz teitaro suzuki. Lyddon succeeds in communicating not only johns wisdom, but also his gentleness, common sense, and humanity. Focusing on 25 christian writers mainly pre18th century, this has both a general introduction and individual brief discussions of each mystic included. Booktopia buy christian mysticism books online from australias leading online bookstore. 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. Discover the best mysticism christian theology in best sellers. That has the added atmosphere of bringing out the egomind to reveal itself, so that it may be.
Smashwords the practice of christian mysticism a book. It has often been connected to mystical theology, especially in the roman catholic and orthodox christianity both the eastern orthodox and oriental orthodox traditions. These book on topic mysticism highly popular among the readers worldwide. Mysticism is at the heart of all the great religions. Accordingly part i of this work brings together for the first time in brief compass, an historical analysis of the specific method of christian mysticism from its beginnings in plato to its golden age in the late medieval period. The hidden tradition of christian mysticism carl mccolman. Joness numerous philosophical studies of mysticism. Mysticism played an important role in the history of christian religion and emerged as a. Classical mysticism was virtually unknown in evangelical circles until 1978, when quaker minister richard j. It seems most books, websites, magazines, blogs, etc either focus on some form of eastern meditation hindu, buddha, etc or very general in content. Christianity stages of christian mysticism britannica. The practice of meditation and contemplative prayer, leading to ecstasy, is typical of christian and other varieties of theistic mysticism. Modern christian mysticism july 2005 by gary gilley.
Both beginners and those more familiar with john will appreciate this presentation of johns mysticism for everyday life. The book is the result of ten years of work of the early jewish and christian mysticism unit of the society of biblical literature. Larger questions about the relationship between hermeneutics and experience, as well as the relationship between mysticism and apocalypticism are also discussed, and a substantial bibliography of the field is provided. This is a breathtaking work that explores a form of spirituality that has. We share christian mystical experiences, beliefs, and universal pathways to the enlightenment of. Likewise, christian mysticism is not the same thing as basic christianity. In turn, the church eventually reconciled the rather murky debate between authentic, christian mysticism and pagan, heretical mysticism by succinctly proclaiming that humanity can only come to reach god through analytical knowledge, and yet what man cannot know by natural reason, he can know through revelation and faith. Part one examines the preparation for encountering god through biblical interpretation and prayer. This is the aim which i have kept in view in preparing this volume. Uniquely organized by subject rather than by author, the essential writings of christian mysticism explores how human life is transformed through the search for direct contact with god. But even within a specifically christian framework, mysticism has an unnerving tendency to contradict itself and deconstruct itself in bewildering and playful ways. Big book of christian mysticism fran and carl mccolman. Christian mysticism is a concept unto itselfnot just a flavor of some generic mystic philosophy. More far from being silly gibberish masquerading as some higher form of intelligence, mysticism simply admits that we can know and act on apprehensions of truth that are above human intellect.
Also, care must be taken when using the word gnosticism. But it is written as a contribution to an understanding of spirituality that is both deep as in deeplyrooted in the christian path and inclusive open to the wisdom of others. Christian mysticism seeks to describe an experienced, direct, nonabstract, unmediated, loving knowledge of god, a knowing or seeing so direct as to. The book was written in 1978 and has sold over a million copies. Although christian mysticism especially of late has many wellinformed critics and authorities, it has few historians. Jan 04, 2005 free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by project gutenberg. Hailed by christianity today as one of the ten best books of the twentieth century, and voted by the readers. Christian mysticism an introduction to christian mysticism. The best books on mysticism come in two categories. I say this because i decided, after some hesitation, to adopt a historical framework for the lectures, and this arrangement may cause my object to.
911 1023 1348 309 1504 197 33 590 744 121 1096 734 1276 295 757 1356 17 1139 379 799 1244 1016 1093 917 1124 1282 883 583 474 617 437 649 1410 1069 1130 873 671 383 626 1488 518 946 735 129