Foundations of Mysticism Origins to the Fifth Century

by Bernard McGinn

Overview

In this first volume of the highly-acclaimed Presence of God series, Bernard McGinn explores the origins of Christian mysticism, from early Jewish apocalyptic writings to pre-Christian Greek contemplative thought; the New Testament witnesses; early Greek Patristic thought; and the contribution of early monastic practice. In Part 2, McGinn discusses Western Christian mysticism proper, with special attention to Augustine of Hippo. Of special interest is the now-influential appendix, which reviews various theoretical approaches to mysticism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780824514044
Publisher:	Herder & Herder
Publication date:	04/01/2004
Series:	Presence of God
Edition description:	REPRINT
Pages:	518
Sales rank:	633,371
Product dimensions:	6.16(w) x 9.28(h) x 1.49(d)

Editorial Reviews

McGinn (historical theology, Univ. of Chicago Divinity Sch.) offers the beginning of an ambitious four-volume project. He stresses that mysticism must be understood in historical context, and insists that the subject of such study is not the experience, but the ``mystical text and its place in the tradition.'' In Part 1, he considers early Jewish apocalyptic writings. He then surveys pre- Christian Greek contemplative thought; the New Testament witnesses; early Greek Patristic thought (the book's only excursion into Eastern Orthodoxy); and the contribution of early monastic practice. In Part 2, McGinn narrows the focus to Western Christian mysticism proper, considering early Latin texts and devoting a special chapter to the towering figure of St. Augus tine of Hippo. A useful appendix syn thesizes and critiques recent theoretical studies, grouped under theological, philosophical, and comparative/psy chological approaches. An erudite, sober-minded, balanced work sure to become a standard resource for scholars and students. Essential for seminary, academic, and large public libraries.--Anneliese Schwarzer, New York

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