Mystical Theology: The Integrity of Spirituality and Theology (Challenges in Contemporary Theology) (Paperback)

~ Mark A. McIntosh (Author) "Two SS officers arrived at the door of a Carmelite convent in Holland..." (more)
Key Phrases: triune relationality, trinitarian relationality, trinitarian speech, Holy Spirit, New York, Edith Stein (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"McIntosh offers a fruitful avenue for overcoming the split between theology and spirituality that has emerged in contemporary Christianity. His mastery of the history of mystical theology is insightful and impressive. His hermeneutical strategy, developed both in its theoretical and practical dimensions, makes a major contribution to the recent study of mysticism." Bernard McGinn, University of Chicago

"Mystical Theology is one of the most sustained, systematic and impressive attempts at uniting spirituality and dogma, and demonstrating the necessity of this union, that I have encountered." Brian Horne, Kings College London

"The book is a sound exploration of the Christian mystical tradition. The strength of McIntosh's work is its attention to the postmodern question of the other, both human and divine. In short, McIntosh aptly shows that the mystical tradition, which has received comparatively little attention by modern theologians, can and must be an important source for postmodern thinkers. Those who are concerned to address the role of Christian theology in the postmodern age will find this book an important contribution." Timothy P. Muldoon, Mount Aloysius College, Journal of the American Academy of Religion

"This is a clearly-written and well-crafted argument for the reintegration of spirituality and theology." Michael Downey, Spirituality

Product Description

MYSTICAL THEOLOGY reveals that the growing popularity of spirituality in all its forms is largely separated from theology. Through a study of exemplary writers such as Gregory of Nyssa, MYSTICAL THEOLOGY uncovers an understanding of the inner integrity of mystical consciousness and the difference between knowledge through direct experience and theological expression.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (July 7, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557869073
• ISBN-13: 978-1557869074
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,741 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intergrity is the Key Word, November 6, 2008

By	Stephen Long (Seattle) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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Probably shows the greatest integrity of any book I've read. McIntosh shows the inseparable connection between theology and spirituality and how each depends on the other. The spiritual life as patterned after the Kerygma of Christ, participation in the Trinitarian Life, theological anthropology and the interpretation of mystical texts are some of the topics addressed. Patristic authors Denys the Areopogite, Maximus the Confessor and Augustine feature alongside medieval mystics like Eckhart and modern day scholars like Hans Urs von Balthasar. This book gives me hope for the future of modern scholarship. In my limited experience, I would also recomend 'The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church' by Vladimir Lossky and 'The Origins of the Christian Mystical Tradition' by Andrew Louth.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Argument for the Necessity of Spirituality AND Theology, August 30, 2009

By	Jeremy Garber "urbanmenno" (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Nice constructive work to re-weave together thought and feeling, theology and spirituality, in an age fragmented by individualistic consumerism and Enlightenment dualism. McIntosh first sets out a history of mystical theology as a framework and then proceeds to consider our selves as constituted primarily by relationship, just as God is primarily constituted by relationship, not as essence or static necessity. McIntosh is appropriately critical both of "spirituality without religion" and religion without spirituality, and either one without the thought that is the appropriate expression of the impressions we constantly receive from God and from each other.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Mystical Theology, November 17, 2008

By	Brian L. Hedrick (Marietta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This is an extremely difficult book to read. It was required reading in my doctoral program, and I had great trouble getting through it. I found myself simply highlighting the parts I understood, rather than the central thoughts of the book. About the only thing I took with me from this book is explained on the back cover: we need to emphasize both the mystical nature of Christianity and sound theology, rather than favoring one over the other. It just seems that the author uses way too many words to get that concept across to the reader.