The Foundations of Mysticism (Presence of God: a History of Western Christian Mysticism)

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Summary: A nice History of Christianity for the rest of us
Review: If you have an interest in spirituality, but you have avoided what seemed to be the swampy minutiae of the history of Christian doctrine and dogma, this is a great book. The author's definition of mysticism is a little expansive, but the book is well-organized and well-written. Because the discussion focuses on personal experiences relevant to today's reader, the material retains a freshness that is missing in a dry recounting of historical facts and debates. If you have explored Neoplatonism or Gnosticism, this book provides the historical and philosophical context for what you have read. You may get some leads on other interesting books and papers -- the notes and bibliography go on for 140 pages.

Rating:
Summary: amazing scholarship written with clarity and grace
Review: This book is clear enough to be read by a lay person like myself, but offers so much scholarly depth that a specialist would find much to learn.

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Summary: The Definitive Study of Western Mysticism
Review: This book is the first of a multi-volume history of Western Christian mysticism that is sure to be the definitive study in its genre for a long time to come. The book is divided into two parts. The first, entitled "The Historical Roots of Western Mysticism," looks at the primary sources of mysticism in the Jewish, Greek, and Christian traditions. Sacred apocalyptic and ascensional texts, including the chariot vision of Ezekiel (the basis of Merkavah mysticism) are discussed. The significance of the Song of Songs is emphasized. Works from Plato, Philo, Plotinus (his Enneads are a masterpiece of mystical literature), and Proclus are seen as providing significant contributions along with Gnostic and Hermetic sources. When handling the New Testament writings, McGinn is sensitive to his conservative readers and points out that although the apostles Paul and John weren't mystics in the sense that we may speak of Origen and Augustine as mystics, there is certainly a mystical element within Christianity from its beginnings, and Christian scriptures are "certainly susceptible to mystical readings" as he shows. Although early spokesmen for orthodoxy such as Justin, Irenaeus and Clement were all anti-Gnostic, each is seen as contributing to the mystical theology of Church tradition. Origin, called "The Master of Early Christian Thought," is given extended treatment before delving into monastic origins that begin with the father of monks, St. Antony. McGinn explores the thought of Gregory of Nyssa, Macarius the Great, Evagrius Ponticus, and the seminal but controversial Pseudo-Dionysius, whose influence (and apophatic method) has been "more powerful than any other Eastern mystic."

Part II, "The Beginnings of Western Mysticism," concentrates primarily on Augustine although the Early Latin Fathers Ambrose of Milan, Jerome, and John Cassian are discussed. If all this wasn't enough, we are graced with a very valuable appendix that discusses all the major modern contributors to the study of mysticism. The appendix is divided into three sections according to approach: Theological, Philosophical, and Comparativist & Psychological. Names referenced include Schweitzer, Inge, Underhill, Kirk, Butler, Poulain, Merton, James, Von Hugel, Marechal, Maritain, Stace, Otto, Zaehner, Leuba, Jung, Scholem, and Huxley. This book (and series) is absolutely essential reading for those interested in mysticism.