Union with Christ: John Calvin and the Mysticism of St. Bernard (Columbia Series in Reformed Theology) [Hardcover]

Dennis E. Tamburello (Author)

Book Description

Series: Columbia Series in Reformed Theology | Publication Date: April 1, 1994

This fascinating volume explores the mystical strand of thought that exists in the writings of John Calvin. Dennis Tamburello explores in particular the relationship between Calvin's notion of "union with Christ" and notions of the mystical union between believers and Christ that were prominent in the medieval period as explicated in the writings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

The Columbia Series in Reformed Theology represents a joint commitment by Columbia Theological Seminary and Westminster John Knox Press to provide theological resources from the Reformed tradition for the church today. This series examines theological and ethical issues that confront church and society in our own particular time and place.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Union With Christ: John Calvin and the Mysticism of St. Bernard is a fascinating volume which explores the mystical strand of thought that exists in the writings of John Calvin. Dennis Tamburello explores in particular the relationship between Calvin's notion of "union with Christ" and notions of the mystical union between believers and Christ that were prominent in the medieval period as explicated in the writings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Union With Christ will be of interest to anyone exploring the relationship between medieval mysticism and Reformed thought and will challenge anyone who assumes that "mysticism" and "Protestantism" are incompatible. It will also further Catholic and Reformed dialogue by serving as a starting point for examining the idea of a shared spiritual legacy. -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Dennis E. Tramburello is Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Siena College in Londonville, New York. His published works include Bernard of Clairvaux: Essential Writings.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (April 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664220541
• ISBN-13: 978-0664220549
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,279,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great insight into the now fashionable topic of unio cum Deo, February 14, 2007

By 

Kyle R. Hudson "scottishsurfer" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Union with Christ: John Calvin and the Mysticism of St. Bernard (Columbia Series in Reformed Theology) (Hardcover)

For Calvin, union with God is by faith. It would be a mistake to attempt (as the Mannermaa school has done) to suggest that there is no forensic element to soteriology. However, neither Luther or Calvin made soteriology only forensic, as the Mannermaa school has suggested. It is both/and: both forensic and unia mystica. Overall, a very interesting and informative read.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for the movie, August 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Union with Christ: John Calvin and the Mysticism of St. Bernard (Columbia Series in Reformed Theology) (Hardcover)

Dennis Tamburello is pure genius. His clear writing simply brings St. Bernard to life in this scholarly portrayal. This goes down with "Ordinary Mysticism" as one of the biggest classics of our time.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars never goes in my book case. the most important book i own., November 27, 1999

By 

frank gould (schenectady, new york USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Union with Christ: John Calvin and the Mysticism of St. Bernard (Columbia Series in Reformed Theology) (Hardcover)

intelligently written and great for everyone who loves st. bernard. books written by bernard are difficult to read, you really have to like this guy, he is very flowery and does not speak to us in our time. not contemporary. so in this book you only get small doses of bernard and it is very good. unlike leaders in the catholic church bernard does not shrink from giving priority to faith over good works. catholics today stress being good deed doers. god accepts us because of belief in Christ. this emphasis and other medieval thoughts present in bernard's mystical writings are a pleasure to read being examined by the scholarly author.