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.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [257]-270) and index.
Processing Action (note)
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Contents
Introduction: Contemporary theoretical approaches -- Key themes and motifs -- Platonism and Christian mysticism -- Negative or apophatic language -- Selfhood and interiority -- Erotic imagery -- Hierarchy -- Symbolism and Scripture's 'mystical sense' -- Later developments in Christian mysticism -- Female mysticism -- Visionary mysticism -- Imaginative mysticism, meditation and experience -- Mysticism and heresy -- Postmodern re-readings of pseudo-Denys and Augustine -- Exploring negative language through pseudo-Denys : Derrida and Marion -- Exploring selfhood through Augustine : Marion, Derrida and Lyotard -- Conclusion: What is Christian mysticism?