Mystics and the problem of evil

[Alterum]

Hi everyone. I’m looking for writings from the mystics that pertain directly to the problem of evil (why God permits evils of so horrendous a character and extent). Please note that I don’t want to debate; I’m not interested in discussing the logical compatibility of God and evil; etc. I’m just looking for information on what the mystics have said.

So, does anyone have any suggestions? Or is there anything you’ve read in one of the mystics that has really stuck in your mind?

 

[SaintPatrick333]

My parish Deacon as well as my sponsor let me borrow a book called Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross. He was a mystic as well as a Doctor of the Church. I’d suggest it if you haven’t read it already. I admit it’s a tough read for me since it’s style is highly original compared to what I have read (admittedly not a big reader like I was as a kid). It helps point out the imperfections we have in ourselves that lead us to sin. That might be a new way to consider things as opposed to God allowing such evil to exist (true He allows it in the sense that He could stop it if He willed it, but He gave us free will). Ultimately the evil we see around us is our own fault. I think that book would help give you a different perspective to things. Just be prepared to be humbled. Within two chapters I was made aware of little inconsistencies to my own faith and myself that I would never have noticed otherwise (out of ignorance more than pride) but its a fantastic tool for ones spiritual growth,

 

[jen_fla]

if you don’t want a logical debate this probably shouldn’t be posted under the philosophy section. maybe a moderator can move it so you’ll get more responses.

peace.

 

[Alterum]

Thanks for the replies. I will pose it another forum!

 

[billcu1]

Hi everyone. I’m looking for writings from the mystics that pertain directly to the problem of evil (why God permits evils of so horrendous a character and extent). Please note that I don’t want to debate; I’m not interested in discussing the logical compatibility of God and evil; etc. I’m just looking for information on what the mystics have said.

So, does anyone have any suggestions? Or is there anything you’ve read in one of the mystics that has really stuck in your mind?

Teresa of Avila would be good to read. Try and get something from Hildegard. And then you can always look at other religion’s mystics. In the realm of mysticism everyone if you can really see things tends to be on the same wavelength anyway.

Bill