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Mysticism And Vocation
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Book Synopsis Mysticism and Vocation by : James R. Horne
Download or read book Mysticism and Vocation written by James R. Horne and published by Wilfrid Laurier Univ. Press. This book was released on 2006-01-01 with total page 121 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We tend to think that a person who is both reasonable and moral can have a good life. What constitutes a life that is not only good but superlative, or even “marvellous” or “holy”? Those who have such lives are called sages, heroes or saints, and their lives can display great integrity as well as integration with a transformative “Spiritual Presence.” Does it follow that saints are perfect people? Is there a common vision that impels them to seek holiness? In a controversial interpretation of mysticism Horne suggests that there is no single formula for the meaning of life and no one story that displays it to us. Mysticism, rather than being just a visionary perception, then becomes a problem-solving process that brings about a creative transformation of the personality at a critical stage in life. He suggests also that saints may be imperfect morally and describes true saints as double-minded: they are serious in a playful way. Mysticism and Vocation illuminates our understanding of saintly lives by explicating their mystical characteristics and extending discussions of mysticism to explain its role in active lives. In discussing important decisions that go beyond conventional morality, it adds to recent philosophical arguments by Charles Taylor, Alasdair MacIntyre, Iris Murdoch, Bernard Williams and others to the effect that morality should be defined more broadly to deal with the human condition. This book will be of interest to students of philosophy and religious studies, in both graduate and undergraduate programs.
Book Synopsis The Big Book of Christian Mysticism by : Carl McColman
Download or read book The Big Book of Christian Mysticism written by Carl McColman and published by Broadleaf Books . This book was released on 2021-11-16 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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
Book Synopsis The Roots of Christian Mysticism by : Olivier Clément
Download or read book The Roots of Christian Mysticism written by Olivier Clément and published by . This book was released on 1995 with total page 402 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Some books on mysticism offer New Age syncretism. Others propose simplistic methods of producing spiritual experiences. Still others deconstruct religious experience. The Roots of Christian Mysticism by Oliver Clement, however, avoids these pitfalls. Clement presents the mysticism of the early fathers themselves, from whose writings he offers exceptionally rich selections that are not readily available. In so doing, he introduces the reader to Christian mysticism through the words of those who were “drunk with God,” but whose religious experience was firmly rooted in Christ. Most importantly, given the modern propensity for bogus spirituality, Clement shows the indissoluble unity between mysticism and doctrine. The Fathers speak doctrine in voices radiant with the dark vision of God and their doctrine is both the fruit of prayer and the form of spirituality. From this perspective, the ChurchÂ’s teachings about God, Christ, Church, Sacrament and Christian vocation become the objects of contemplation and the personal quest for God finds its way within, not apart from the Church, ecclesia. Christian mysticism, therefore, always occurs within the womb of the Church, particularly within the locus of the liturgy and thus, is prevented at the outset from becoming merely a freewheeling and self-authenticating form of emotional exuberance. Mysticism, thus firmly rooted, is considered the normal spiritual life of all Christians. All the faithful are called to realize fully the grace of their baptism, that is, to fulfill their humanity by being divinized through grace. These words might be disconcerting or raise the specter of “enthusiasm,” but some proper understanding of this calling, however embryonic, is indispensable to spiritual growth, to the life of the Church and to the transformation of culture. Why, for example, when so many Americans claim to be Christian does their faith have so little impact on our culture? Or why are the ChurchÂ’s moral teachings found to be so excessively burdensome? Perhaps Christians have seldom been directed toward a spirituality that would open them to a fuller vision of their true destiny in Christ. A recent classroom experience illustrates the point. A young Christian father of two vigorously proposed many practical reasons for using contraception. His understanding of fatherhood operated on a purely naturalistic level; his concern to provide for his children likewise revolved around material goods. But once he glimpsed the ultimate destiny in Christ to which he and his children were called, he saw his fatherhood as a participation in a sacred mission and trust. Only then did the ChurchÂ’s teaching and the sacrifices it entails make sense enough to follow. Such illumination is an essential component in the birth of mystical life from which, for the fathers, the moral life flows. To use ClementÂ’s terms, “only when the beauty-goodness of the truth captures the spirit-heart is the person able to engage in Christian praxis and to make the sacrifices necessary not merely to be good but to be transformed into Christ.” This transformation entails strenuous spiritual combat with a fallen human nature that the Fathers understand with exquisite perception. But even here the patristic thrust is basically positive, an attraction to the beauty and goodness of God that calls forth virtue, rather than an emphasis on the direct destruction of sin. Clement aptly describes asceticism as “an awakening from the sleep-walking of daily life. It enables the Word to clear the silt away in the depth of the soul, freeing the spring of living waters.... It is the Word who acts but we have to co-operate with him, not so much be exertion of will-power as by loving attentiveness.” Although spiritual growth naturally encompasses the activities of prayer, fasting and so forth. Clement never discusses this apart from Christ and Trinity. Salvation is not achieved through Pelagian self-development but in Christ and through his Church. The FathersÂ’ theological center prevents their mysticism from collapsing into self-centered or naturalistic forms. The beauty that attracts is never separated from her sisters truth and goodness. The Roots of Christian Mysticism needs to be read by Christians seeking spiritual depth and by anyone wanting to taste doctrine as a living word. It is an excellent introduction to patristic thought and offers not only extensive selections of their writings but an appendix of about seventy pages of biographical material. Only one criticism of the book is offered: references to modern writers need to be noted so the reader can pursue them. Otherwise, this book is a gem. Jerrilyn Szelle Crisis April, 1996
Book Synopsis The Pastoral Art of the English Mystics by : Julia Gatta
Download or read book The Pastoral Art of the English Mystics written by Julia Gatta and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2004-01-09 with total page 147 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Spiritual Direction from the English Mystics: 'The Revelations of Divine Love', by Julian of Norwich 'The Cloud of Unknowing', Anonymous 'Scale of Perfection', Walter Hilton The current popularity enjoyed by these 14th century English mystics lies in their vocation to seek union with God. Here, for the first time, Julia Gatta shows these mystics to be prototypes for the modern spiritual director, displaying keen insights into that pastoral art. At the heart of the mystics' writings is their own intense desire not merely to see and know God for themselves, but also to bring others to this union with God.
Book Synopsis A Course in Christian Mysticism by : Thomas Merton
Download or read book A Course in Christian Mysticism written by Thomas Merton and published by Liturgical Press. This book was released on 2017-07-27 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Beyond Mysticism written by James Horne and published by Wilfrid Laurier Univ. Press. This book was released on 1978-08-31 with total page 169 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study of the meaning and the experience of mysticism is a product of the author's personal interest in mysticism and his reflection, as a philosopher, on some of the philosophical questions raised by mysticism is a "a psychological process which occurs with varying degrees of intensity in everyone's life" and the observation that this process changes the experiencer, the author goes on to discuss such questions as "Can we define mysticism?" and "Can we describe mystical experiences?," "Is mysticism rational?," and "What is the meaning of mystical experience?"
Book Synopsis Mystic and Pilgrim by : Clarissa W. Atkinson
Download or read book Mystic and Pilgrim written by Clarissa W. Atkinson and published by Cornell University Press. This book was released on 1983 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A biography of the medieval English religious pilgrim Margery Kempe and a social and cultural history of her world.
Book Synopsis Thomas Merton on Mysticism by : Raymond Bailey
Download or read book Thomas Merton on Mysticism written by Raymond Bailey and published by . This book was released on 1975 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis Becoming an Everyday Mystic by : James W. Warnke
Download or read book Becoming an Everyday Mystic written by James W. Warnke and published by . This book was released on 1990 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis Mystics of the Church by : Evelyn Underhill
Download or read book Mystics of the Church written by Evelyn Underhill and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2002-07-08 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Evelyn Underhill's classic book on mysticism shows not only the historic development of Christian mysticism and its influence on the Church, but gives a deep insight into the spiritual growth of the individual mystics, their struggles, achievements and influence. Covering the whole development of the Christian Church from St. Paul to the present century, the author illustrates the differing backgrounds and approach of many of the great mystics such as St. Augustine of Hippo, whose writings helped to create the Church's understanding of its mystical character; and St. Francis of Assisi, whose example proved an inspiration to many. The book gives much more than an opportunity to "meet" the great mystics: it also provides a framework for the analysis of true mysticism and false, contrasting Catherine of Sienna, a girl of the people whose transcendental mysticism benefited many in an age of ecclesiastical degradation, with the well-born and beautiful Madame Guyon, whose excesses brought mysticism into disrepute. Evelyn Underhill illuminates the whole of her subject by drawing attention to the differences of approach that can bring mortals along the road to the divine, from the zealous militancy of a Loyola to the passivity of the Quietists. This absorbing study by one of the great writers on mysticism covers every aspect of the subject and gives a clear understanding of the mystics' world in writing that is both informative and stimulating.
Book Synopsis What Is Contemplation? by : Thomas Merton
Download or read book What Is Contemplation? written by Thomas Merton and published by Ravenio Books. This book was released on 1978 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There are so many Christians who do not appreciate the magnificent dignity of their vocation to sanctity, to the knowledge, love and service of God. There are so many Christians who do not realize what possibilities God has placed in the life of Christian perfection — what possibilities for joy in the knowledge and love of Him. There are so many Christians who have practically no idea of the immense love of God for them, and of the power of that Love to do them good, to bring them happiness. Why do we think of the gift of contemplation, infused contemplation, mystical prayer, as something essentially strange and esoteric reserved for a small class of almost unnatural beings and prohibited to everyone else? It is perhaps because we have forgotten that contemplation is the work of the Holy Ghost acting on our souls through His gifts of Wisdom and Understanding with special intensity to increase and perfect our love for Him. These gifts are part of the normal equipment of Christian sanctity. They are given to all in Baptism, and if they are given it is presumably because God wants them to be developed. Their development will always remain the free gift of God and it is true that His wise Providence sees fit to develop them less in some saints than in others. But it is also true that God often measures His gifts by our desire to receive them, and by our cooperation with His grace, and the Holy Spirit will not waste any of His gifts on people who have little or no interest in them.
Book Synopsis Phenomenology and Mysticism by : Anthony J. Steinbock
Download or read book Phenomenology and Mysticism written by Anthony J. Steinbock and published by Indiana University Press. This book was released on 2009-12-22 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exploring the first-person narratives of three figures from the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic mystical traditions—St. Teresa of Avila, Rabbi Dov Baer, and Rūzbihān Baqlī—Anthony J. Steinbock provides a complete phenomenology of mysticism based in the Abrahamic religious traditions. He relates a broad range of religious experiences, or verticality, to philosophical problems of evidence, selfhood, and otherness. From this philosophical description of vertical experience, Steinbock develops a social and cultural critique in terms of idolatry—as pride, secularism, and fundamentalism—and suggests that contemporary understandings of human experience must come from a fuller, more open view of religious experience.
Book Synopsis The Mystic Way by : Evelyn Underhill
Download or read book The Mystic Way written by Evelyn Underhill and published by . This book was released on 1913 with total page 422 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis Western Mysticism by : Dom Cuthbert Butler
Download or read book Western Mysticism written by Dom Cuthbert Butler and published by Courier Corporation. This book was released on 2012-04-19 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Extracts from the writings of three of Western Christianity's most revered teachers of mystical theology express what they themselves wrote and thought about their mysticism.
Book Synopsis The Moral Mystic by : James R. Horne
Download or read book The Moral Mystic written by James R. Horne and published by Wilfrid Laurier Univ. Press. This book was released on 1983-11-17 with total page 145 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mysticism is condemned as often as it is praised. Much of the condemnation comes from mysticism’s apparent disregard of morality and ethics. For mystics, the experience of “union” transcends all moral concern. In this careful examination of the works of such practitioners or examiners of mysticism as Paul Tillich, Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill, and Martin Buber, the author posits a spectrum of uneasy relationships between mysticism and morality. Horne explores the polarities of apophatic (imageless) and imaginative mysticism, the contemplative and the active life, and morality and amorality. He stresses the importance of the distinction between “proper-name” (entirely personal) morality and “social” morality, for the history of Christian mysticism is a mix of minimal moral concern, proper-name morality, and social morality. The volume will be of interest to students of religious experience, ethics, and the recent history of mysticism. Carefully reasoned and documented, the argument is couched in clear prose, easily accessible to lay readers as well as to scholars.
Book Synopsis Western Mysticism by : Cuthbert Butler
Download or read book Western Mysticism written by Cuthbert Butler and published by . This book was released on 1924 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis Way of The English Mystics by : Gordon C. Miller
Download or read book Way of The English Mystics written by Gordon C. Miller and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 1996-01-07 with total page 191 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A distinctive feature of Western religous life in recent years has been the rediscovery of the contemplative tradition in Christianity. Within the Christian mystical tradition, England holds a unique place, with a number of major figures from the Middle Ages and later whose writings have fascinated generations of readers. This book presents seven of them, five from the medieval period, the golden age of English mysticism - Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton, the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Julian of Norwich, and Margery Kempe; and two from later centuries - William Law and George Herbert. Each chapter consists of an introductory essay on the life and writings of each individual, followed by carefully chosen extracts from their writings. Those from the medieval period are in fresh new translations. All these writers see the spiritual life as an ongoing process, a pilgrimage. This inner pigrimage requires no outer excursions, but throughout the ages spiritual pilgrims have undertaken physical pilgrimages as well. One aim of this book is to encourage its readers to continue this tradition by visiting sites from which the writings arose. So each chapter is provided with a map of the area of immediate interest and a drawing of the place most associated with each figure, and the introductory essays contain practical information about how to get there. No other anthology of mystical and spiritual writings describes the lives and locations of these individuals in this way. Gordon L. Miller, Ph.D., is a writer and historian living near Seattle, Washington. He attended Milligan College and Christian Theological Seminary. This book developed from a period of post-graduate study at Cambridge University , when he visited the sites described in the book, a journey which, he says, "made the historical grounding of the English mystical tradition much more real to me". He is also the author of Wisdom of the Earth: Visions of an Ecological Faith.
