History of Christian mysticism an overview

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franklinstower

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I have a lifelong interest in contemplative prayer and Christian Mysticism. Can anyone recommend any really good sources of information giving an overview of Christian mysticism? Scholarly work would be appreciated but also any serious non scholarly authors too.
 
Have you read anything by Bernard McGinn? I have his book, “The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism,” and am slowly working my way through it.
 
I have not. Do you recommend anything in particular?

I have read many of the mystics like john of the cross and teressa of avila and would even say I am somewhat of a mystic myself. My life has evolved to the point where I am helping other Christians walk that road.

Having said that I recognize a need to really deepen my understanding of the whole of mysticism and that understanding needs to come from the catholic faith.
 
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Here are a few that others have highly recommended:

The Three Ways of the Spiritual Life - Father Garrigou-Lagrange

Christian Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Jordan Aumann

(the above 2 books may be available free online)

Secrets of the Interior Life - Luis M. Martinez (1881-1956), Archbishop of Mexico City and Primate of Mexico

The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology - Adolphe Tanquerey

Transformation in Christ - Dietrich Von Hildebrand
 
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Ya terrisa of avela. St john if the cross are popular solutions. That are used.

But kenneth e hagen book “the
believer’s authority” gives a easer understanding. Or
The atomic power of fasting. Opens up the spiritual realm.

This has proven for many seekers.
 
Do you have recommendations for beginners in this area? Preferably pod casts or something audio. I enjoy Ignatian Spirituality, Contemplation and Retreats… I have been so amazed at the Spiritual Fruit that comes from these, by God’s grace.
 
If you are interested in Ignatian spirituality there are a lot of resources. Start by reading Ignatius’ biography, which is really wonderful and quite winsome at the same time.

I think the best way to understand mysticism is to start by reading the mystics themselves, the easy ones that is. Then pick up a few books of commentary on the text. I have found the following very fruitful: Catherine of Siena’s Dialogue; Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle; Julian of Norwich’s Revelations; John of the Cross’ Dark Night of the Soul. Hildegard of Bingen is off-the-wall interesting and she even illustrated it with her apocalyptic visions (just avoid the Matthew Fox version). Bridget of Sweden’s work is less accessible, I think, but still powerful in small doses. I still don’t know what to think of Catherine Emmerich and only skimmed through parts.
 
dann said:
But kenneth e hagen book “the

believer’s authority” gives a easer understanding. Or

The atomic power of fasting. Opens up the spiritual realm.

This has proven for many seekers.
Click to expand...
It is true that fasting is a powerful way of deepening the spiritual life, but I would recommend that Catholics stay far away from kenneth Hagen.
 
Thank you. I have read many of the mystics themselves. I am more interested in a scholarly but Catholic overview that situates mysticism within the overall faith.

I have been practicing contemplative prayer for over 20 years and have a deep commitment to spirituality. I also have a calling to lead others down this path. What I need is an overview so that I KNOW that everything I teach is situated securely and accurately within the Catholic faith.
 
Specifically I was referring to mysticism. Although, I appreciate Ignatian suggestions I was not trying to change the subject : )
 
Two highly-recommended books for beginners in mystical/contemplative prayer that isn’t Ignatian:

The Fulfillment of All Desire - Ralph Martin. I’m starting to read this myself after reading how many people praised it and claim it changed their lives but am not far enough in the book to give an intelligent review.

The Fire Within - Fr. Thomas Dubay

(both books are published by Ignatius Press. 😀)
 
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