In 'Prophetic Mysticism of John of the Cross (Collected Works)', John of the Cross delves into the depths of mysticism, offering profound insights into the nature of spiritual experience and the union with the divine. Through poetic language and symbolic imagery, he explores the journey of the soul towards God, emphasizing the importance of detachment and purification. His literary style is characterized by intense emotion and intricate spiritual allegories, making this work a masterpiece of Christian mysticism. Set in the context of the Counter-Reformation, John of the Cross's writings reflect his commitment to reforming the Carmelite Order and renewing the spiritual life of the faithful, making this book a valuable source for understanding the theological debates of his time. As a mystic and reformer, John of the Cross drew inspiration from his own spiritual experiences and teachings, shaping his vision of prophetic mysticism. His profound understanding of the human soul and its yearning for divine union shines through in this collection, making it a timeless masterpiece for those seeking spiritual enlightenment and deeper connection with the divine.

The book 'The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite' is a foundational text in Christian mysticism, dating back to the 6th century. This collection of mystical writings covers various theological topics such as the nature of God, angels, and the divine hierarchy. Dionysius' rich and symbolic literary style, marked by metaphorical language and contemplative imagery, has had a profound influence on later Christian mystics and writers. The complex and esoteric content of the book reflects the mystical traditions of Neoplatonism and early Christian theology, making it a fascinating read for those interested in the development of mystical thought in Christianity. Dionysius' profound insights into the nature of the divine and human relationship offer readers a glimpse into the depths of Christian spirituality. Dionysius the Areopagite, often considered a pseudonymous figure, was a Greek Christian mystic and theologian. His writings reflect a deep understanding of both Neoplatonic philosophy and Christian theology, blending the two traditions seamlessly. The author's innovative blending of philosophical concepts with Christian theology makes this book a unique and significant contribution to the mystical tradition within Christianity. I highly recommend 'The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite' to readers who are interested in exploring the intersection of philosophy, theology, and mysticism in early Christian thought.

This revised edition of The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross was produced to mark the fourth centenary of the death of St. John of the Cross (1542-1591). The result is an English translation of his writings that preserves the authentic meaning of the great mystic's writings, presents them as clearly as possible, and at the same time gives the reader the doctrinal and historical information that will lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the teachings of the Mystical Doctor. Included in The Collected Works are St. John's poetry, The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night, The Spiritual Canticle, and The Living Flame of Love, as well as his extant letters and other counsels. In addition to the respective page listings in the contents, this new edition features gray page tabs that separate the individual works, enabling the reader to more easily locate a desired section of the book. Complementing St. John's writings are a comprehensive General Introduction for the entire work, as well as brief, enlightening introductions for each specific work, explaining theme and structure. These are enhanced by new and expanded footnotes, a glossary of terms, and general and scriptural indices. Book jacket.

Throughout the Hebrew Bible, God guides and saves his people through the words of his prophets. When the prophets are silenced, the people easily lose their way. What happened after the incarnation, death and resurrection of Christ? Did God fall silent? The dominant position in Christian theology is that prophecy did indeed cease at some point in the past -if not with the Old Testament prophets, then with John the Baptist, with Jesus, with the last apostle, or with the closure of the canon of the New Testament. Nevertheless, throughout the history of Christianity there have always been acclaimed saints and mystics -most of them women-who displayed prophetic traits. In recent years, the charismatic revival in both Protestant and Catholic circles has once again raised the question of the place and function of prophecy in Christianity. Scholarly theological attitudes toward Christian prophecy range from modest recognition to contempt. Mainstream systematic theology, both Protestant and Catholic, has mostly marginalized or ignored the gift of prophecy. In this book, however, Niels Christian Hvidt argues that prophecy has persisted in Christianity as an inherent and continuous feature in the life of the church. Prophecy never died, he argues, but rather proved its dynamism by mutating to meet new historical conditions. He presents a comprehensive history of prophecy from ancient Israel to the present and closely examines the development of the theological discourse that surrounds it. Throughout, though, there is always an awareness of the critical discernment required when evaluating the charism of prophecy. The debate about prophecy, Hvidt shows, leads to some profound insights about the very nature of Christianity and the church. For example, some have argued that Christianity is a perfect state and that all that is required for salvation is acceptance of its doctrines. Others have emphasized how God continues to intervene and guide his people onto the right path as the full implementation of God's salvation in Christ is still far away. This is the position that Hvidt forcefully and persuasively defends and develops in this ambitious and important work.

St John of the Cross testifies to a God who longs to meet us in our deepest need. Whilst rejection and imprisonment played their part in the life of this sixteenth-century Spanish friar, John's poetry and prose reveal the beauty and power of a wondrous God. It gives us courage to believe in the possibility of change in our own lives, however unlikely or impossible this may seem. Father Iain Matthew uses this classic inspirational Christian writing as his starting point, and offers five interpretations which make its richness relevant to the modern reader.

St. Teresa of Ávila was, above all, a woman who searched for an encounter with God, and her search was not in vain. Once she encountered God, she wanted nothing more than to put him at the center of her life and proclaim his greatness. Teresa's objective in writing was to teach her nuns the way of prayer utilizing her own systematized experience. As a woman writer, Teresa had to confront misogynistic forces by unmasking them down to their very roots. As a skilled teacher of the spiritual life, Teresa knew how to spot inner resistances and movements to listen to and follow God's call. At the same time, she considered the inner dynamics that generate the process of relationship with God, making her writing a sixteenth-century treatment of psychology. In her feminine humanity, Teresa supports a relational perspective. Teresa of Jesus: Woman, Prophet, Mystic considers how relationships can act as a point of encounter and dialogue between the spiritual life and psychology. In the first part, Sister María Rosaura reveals St. Teresa's feminine humanity by studying her life within her sixteenth-century historical context. The second part turns to Teresa's masterwork, The Interior Castle, and analyzes the union between the soul and God from Teresa's feminine relational perspective established in the first part. By drawing close to Teresa's life, this book enables readers to drink from a spiritual fount that always yields fresh water.