The Foundations of Mysticism: Origins to the Fifth Century (The Presence of God: A History of Western Christian Mysticism, Vol. 1)

Thiis is an important contribution in the History of Christian Mysticism written by a well known authority on the subject. It seems strange that we're constantly being told that religion is dying, that people no longer believe in God and top academics publish their views on God and celebrate their atheism. Yet, apparently, interest in mysticism is growing. What is mysticism? McGinn tries to answer the question. Is it an awareness of the presence of God after following a certain path? In other words is it the attainment of a certain level of consciousness? But then again what do we mean by 'consciousness'? Definitions can be problematic.In his introduction McGinn tells us that this book will 'be concerned with Latin Christian mysticism' (Pg 3) . His account will include the influence of Judaism and Greek Philosophy. This is not a book you read from cover to cover. You study sections pertaining to your current work but be assurred that this work is necessary for every student of mysticism. Highly recommened. A superb account.

A well researched and well written history of Christian mysticism. Aimed at readers with some background in theological study and subject matter. But is still navigational for the lay reader

I'm just a quarter of the way through, but I really like it. Providing a history of the first traces of this inner experience is a difficult task. But McGinn is a clear and straight-forward writer and does an excellent job talking about the Jewish and Greek roots to Christian mysticism.

Book was exactly as described and packaged with TLC.

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. Origen, 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.

Bernard McGinn, a Professor of Divinity, is probably the best scholar on Christian mysticism around today. His knowledge of the Christian mystics is in depth and extensive (he has for example written a monograph on Eckhart) and this series represents an excellent introduction as well as a scholarly study of Christian mysticism, its forms, its influences, and its effects on Christianity.Unfortunately McGinn (for understandable constraints of time and space) focuses on the Western rather than Eastern Christian mystical tradition, which is unfortunate, as his great learning would have thrown valuable light on that neglected area. Nevertheless, this series remains essential reading for anyone interested in Christian mysticism and its development.

I bought this book some years ago but sadly lost it / had it stolen before i finished it. I had read enough however to realise that this is a truly exceptional book. Not only is it comprehensive, but the author manages to make even the most abstract issues both interesting and understandable. The mystics themselves are brought vividly to life. I particularly enjoyed the discussion of the difference between agape and eros as forms of love - very enlightening.