Mysticism After Modernity (Religion and Spirituality in the Modern World) [Paperback]

Don Cupitt (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0631207643 | ISBN-13: 978-0631207641 | Publication Date: December 12, 1997 | Edition: 1

In Mysticism After Modernity, Don Cupitt argues that the extensive modern literature about mysticism has rested upon a mistake - the belief that there can be meaningful experience prior to language.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘In an era where many decry the death of certainties in our postmodern situation, Cuppitt shows how the mystic teach us to embrace the freedom and likeness of that very situation. The book offers a refreshing freeing of vision to our age of doubt. It is a fine contribution.’ Robert K. Forman, Hunter College

"A lucid and stimulating argument for ways to understand mysticism in the postmodern world. Mysticism After Modernity should prove invaluable to those concerned about the relevance and ongoing survival of the mystical tradition." Carl McColman, Mystic-L

"Postmodernists are likely to find this enjoyable reading....this is a challenging little book that deserves to be explored by students of mysticism and religious experience"George Adams, Susquehanna University

"The central theme of this book is the claim that the writings of the classical mystics are misunderstood when they are treated (as they are even by Derrida) as qualified versions of an orthodox metaphysical theism."Maurice Wiles, Oxford

From the Back Cover

Mysticism After Modernity offers a truly postmodern interpretation of the great mystics and their writing, thus appealing to readers across a wide range of disciplines.

Don Cuppitt argues that extensive modern literature about mysticism has rested on a mistake-the belief that their can be meaningful experience prior to language. The mystics have been perceived as first having had profound experiences that they then put into words.

However, in postmodern thought experience doesnot give meaning to language; on the contrary, language gives meaning to experience. And when the mystics are seen as having been primarily writers, our understanding of them is revolutionized.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (December 12, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631207643
• ISBN-13: 978-0631207641
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,675,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Two concepts for the price of one (book), July 3, 2002

By 

Richard Horobin (Pitlochry, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mysticism After Modernity (Religion and Spirituality in the Modern World) (Paperback)

This book has helped me better grasp the notions of 'modernity' and 'postmodernity. That we are at a hinge of history. Here we go, over the waterfall! Wheeeeeee! say Cupitt. Here looked at from a religious viewpoint. Stimulating. Dont agree with such postmodernist notions as "language goes all the way down" (but what a phrase) - hasnt he heard of emotion? Or preconscious processing? Profoundly hopeful (which of course I resent, but hey...). Informative. Challanging - the view that 'mysticism' is a late nineteenth century invention is MARVELLOUS. Well argued (and thats always fun). Readable - I DASHED through it. Then went back over.