The Foundations of Mysticism (Presence of God: a History of Western Christian Mysticism Vol. 1) (v1) [Paperback]

Bernard McGinn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2004

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A truly magnificent book." -- The Way

"Bernard McGinn has enriched the knowledge of our spiritual tradition as no other work in recent memory has done." -- The Thomist

"No one will be able to write on Christian mysticism without taking this extraordinary book into account." -- Theological Studies

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 516 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824514041
• ISBN-13: 978-0824514044
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #788,757 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Study of Western Mysticism, May 22, 2000

By 

Cameron B. Clark (Bristow, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Foundations of Mysticism (Presence of God: a History of Western Christian Mysticism Vol. 1) (v1) (Paperback)

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.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice History of Christianity for the rest of us, January 4, 2001

By 

Roger Cox - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Foundations of Mysticism (Presence of God: a History of Western Christian Mysticism Vol. 1) (v1) (Paperback)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A seminal work in the study of mysticism, October 13, 2006

By 

Greg (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Foundations of Mysticism (Presence of God: a History of Western Christian Mysticism Vol. 1) (v1) (Paperback)

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.