The Christian Mystic Tradition Summary

Bibliography
Coakley, Sarah. The New Asceticism: Sexuality, Gender and the Quest for God. London: Bloomsbury Continuum, 2015. Louth, Andrew. The Origins of the Christian Mystical Tradition: From Plato to Denys. 2nd edition ed. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Originating from a series of lectures entitled ‘Mystical Theology in the Fathers’, Louth guides us through a history of mystical thought from Plato through the church fathers, showing the unique relationship of how Christian mysticism is both rooted in and distinguishes itself from Platonic thought. A detailed account of Plato, Philo, and Plotinus provides a framework for recognizing the Greek philosophical influence on the church father’s writings. Using

Written alongside his wife, this work is intended for a more general audience. In order to illustrate the foundations of Christian Mysticism influential on the West, the contributions of twelve mystics up through the twelfth century are highlighted. A general overview of their teaching, a significant contribution to the broader tradition, and how their thought is applicable for today is given for each. Divided between the themes of practices for finding God and Transformation in God the mystics are then covered chronologically. Mysticism is presented as the common heritage of all Christians by highlighting the presence of God. Presented in a practical and applicable way for our generation, this work makes mysticism accessible for

Beyond this theory, further exploration of traditions and historical texts from Christian and Roman asceticism provides a basis for both historical review and opening a new phase of postmodern exploration of asceticism. Rather than a cohesive thematic presentation, this work is described by the author himself as a pointillist