Frederick Bauerschmidt introduces contemporary readers to the mystical writers, revealing their insights to be relevant and useful in a modern, hurting world. With an unconventional and engaging style, he strips away the unfamiliar, making the mystics more approachable, less intimidating. Bauerschmidt starts where we are: in a disenchanted world that is paradoxically without God and with too many gods; a world that takes but does not give. He then draws just a few words from those particular mystics whose struggles and questions closely parallel our own, revealing the meaning of their words in accessible, practical ways. Thus, Therese of Lisieux speaks to us on the trial of faith, Ignatius of Loyola on discerning the authentic path, and Catherine of Siena on true generosity. And in a light, even playful tone, Bauerschmidt shows how the mystics are relevant to timely issues, such as ecology ("how to be green" from Hildegard of Bingen) and depression ("how to be blue" with Julian of Norwich). This inviting, contemporary guidebook serves as a primer on the mystical writers. The insights of the mystics are relevant to the problems we face today, and Bauerschmidt has opened the door to a body of wisdom that is often viewed as difficult and inaccessible.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Showcasing the wisdom of Christian mystic spirituality,
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Why The Mystics Matter Now (Paperback)
Compiled and written by Frederick Bauerschmidt (Associate Professor of Theology, Loyola College, Maryland), Why The Mystics Matter Now is an introductory primer showcasing the wisdom of Christian mystic spirituality. Invitingly simple yet keenly insightful commentaries respecting seven great Christian mystics down through history, induct the readers into the art of opening their own minds and souls to God. An excellent introduction to better understanding mysticism, Why The Mystics Matter Now features Thomas Merton, Therese of Lisieux, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Meister Eckhart, Ignatius of Loyola, and Catherine of Siena.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Introduction to the subject,
By
This review is from: Why The Mystics Matter Now (Paperback)
I am so pleased that I purchased this book on a lark as I am usually swayed by what others write on the back conver. Here there was nothing. But the content is well written convering a difficult and perplexing subject. The auther makes the mystics he chooses come alive and explains their contributions in a way that I am finally beginning to understand. They are not called mystics for notheng as much ot their work is at times incomprehensible---but not so to Dr Bauerschmidt. He is a talented writer and expositor of complex ideas.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The title of this book says it all,
By Brian Emo (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Why The Mystics Matter Now (Paperback)
The seven Christian Mystics featured in this book owe Dr. Bauerschmidt an inestimable debt of gratitude for resurrecting them and revealing the timeless relevance and breathtaking beauty of their essential teachings.
The practical applications of wisdom, razor-sharp interpretations, and pellucid insights about their personal lives and higher purpose are communicated with an elegant and lively writing style ... that is so very entertaining and engaging. The Introduction alone is a brilliant overview that demystifies the meaning of mysticism!
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Frequently I hear the opinion that, on the whole, people are a lot less religious than they used to be. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
mystics matter Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Catherine of Siena, Meister Eckhart, Spiritual Exercises, The Dialogue, Elizabeth Wurtzel, Julian of Norwich New!
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Frequently I hear the opinion that, on the whole, people are a lot less religious than they used to be. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
mystics matter Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Catherine of Siena, Meister Eckhart, Spiritual Exercises, The Dialogue, Elizabeth Wurtzel, Julian of Norwich New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 19
books:
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- The Spiritual Exercises (Hodder & Stoughton Christian Classics) on 4 pages
- The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton on page 145, and page 146
- God Hunger: Discovering the Mystic in All of Us by John Kirvan in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky on page 79
- The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux by St. Therese of Lisieux on page 24
See all 19 books this book cites
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