Wisdom of the Christian Mystics (Wisdom of the Masters) [Hardcover]

Timothy Freke (Author)

Book Description

Series: Wisdom of the Masters | Publication Date: April 15, 1998

This series provides an introduction to the spiritual values of various religions, highlighting the particular gift of wisdom each has to offer. Christian mystics teach that the very purpose of human life is to know God, and in turning to God we will find that He has been waiting for us all along.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Journey Editions (April 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885203551
• ISBN-13: 978-1885203557
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,521,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A gloriously illustrated compilation of spirituality, November 24, 2001

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wisdom of the Christian Mystics (Wisdom of the Masters) (Hardcover)

Timothy Freke's "The Wisdom of the Christian Mystics" is a compilation of quotes from many figures in this spiritual tradition, together with a stunning gathering of illustrations. The book is beautifully put together.

The introduction explains how the great Christian mystics "have often found themselves horribly persecuted as heretics by the established Churches." The quotes are grouped into thematic sections: "The God of the Mystics," "Communion," "The Mystic Path," "Humility," "Mystical Prayer," and "Love." A large number of mystics are quoted: Meister Eckhart, St. Catherine of Genoa, Julian of Norwich, St. Diadochus of Photiki, Maximus the Confessor, William Law, and many more.

My only complaint about this book is that the beautiful artwork is not labeled; since most of it looks like the work of historic masters, I found this ommission to be a shame.

The thoughts of the mystics are truly thought-provoking, no matter what your own religious orientation might be. I was struck by how many of these Christian mystics seemed to echo Buddhist and Taoist wisdom in their statements. Many of the mystics express a distrust of, or dissatisfaction with, conventional religion and learning; Marguerite Porete, for example, praises "the sweet country of understanding nothing." This book's beauty and small size make it a perfect gift, and the intriguing quotes may just inspire readers to seek out more substantial books by or about these great mystics.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Collection, March 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Wisdom of the Christian Mystics (Wisdom of the Masters) (Hardcover)

This brief collection of sayings by Christian mystics shows that there are mystics in the Christian tradition whose spiritual attainment compares to that of the great sages of the East. It is more God-oriented than Jesus-oriented in approach. Terse, powerful sayings that will appeal to seekers from all religious backgrounds.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Marvelous, September 15, 2001

By 

Recep Pehlivan (Padstow, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wisdom of the Christian Mystics (Wisdom of the Masters) (Hardcover)

Allthough a very short book, each phrase contains worlds of thought.Being a muslim myself i see no difference in the understanding of Allah (god) then the Christian saints whos words are quoted (exexpt a few i really didnt understand or did disagree with).You read one phrase and think for pages on end.