The essential writings of Christian mysticism / edited and with an introduction by Bernard McGinn. [print]

1: Foundations of mystical practice -- Biblical interpretation -- Asceticism and purgation -- Prayer, liturgy, and sacraments -- Inner and outer practices -- Mystical itineraries -- 2: Aspects of mystical consciousness -- Living the trinity -- Encountering Christ -- Love and knowledge -- Positive and negative ways to God -- Vision, contemplation, and rapture -- Distress and dereliction -- Deification and birthing -- Union with God -- 3: Implications of the mystical life -- Mysticism and heresy -- Contemplation and action.

This clear and comprehensive anthology, culled from the vast corpus of Christian mystical literature by the renowned theologian and historian Bernard McGinn, presents nearly one hundred selections, from the writings of Origen of Alexandria in the third century to the work of twentieth-century mystics such as Thomas Merton. Uniquely organized by subject rather than by author, The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism explores how human life is transformed through the search for direct contact with God. Part one examines the preparation for encountering God through biblical interpretation and prayer; the second part focuses on the mystics' actual encounters with God; and part three addresses the implications of the mystical life, showing how mystics have been received over time, and how they practice their faith through private contemplation and public actions. In addition to his illuminating Introduction, Bernard McGinn provides accessible headnotes for each section, as well as numerous biographical sketches and a selected bibliography.

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