Publisher's Synopsis
Western Mysticism: The Teaching of Saints Augustine, Gregory and Bernard on the Contemplation and the Contemplative Life is a book written by Cuthbert Butler. The book is a comprehensive study of the teachings of three prominent Christian saints, namely Augustine, Gregory, and Bernard, on the subject of contemplation and the contemplative life. The author explores the mystical traditions of these saints and their impact on the Christian faith.The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on the teachings of one of the saints. The first part delves into the writings of Saint Augustine, who is considered one of the most influential theologians in the history of Christianity. The author examines Augustine's views on the nature of God, the human soul, and the relationship between the two.The second part of the book focuses on the teachings of Saint Gregory of Nyssa, who is known for his mystical writings on the nature of God and the spiritual life. The author explores Gregory's concept of the ""divine darkness"" and its significance in the contemplative life.The final part of the book is dedicated to the teachings of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who is considered one of the greatest mystics of the medieval period. The author examines Bernard's views on the nature of God, the soul, and the contemplative life, and how his teachings influenced the development of Christian mysticism.Overall, Western Mysticism: The Teaching of Saints Augustine, Gregory and Bernard on the Contemplation and the Contemplative Life is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Christian mysticism and the teachings of these influential saints. The book provides a thorough analysis of their writings and offers insights into the spiritual practices and beliefs of the Christian faith.1922. This work represents neglected chapters in the history of religion. The title, Western Mysticism, means the native mysticism of the West that prevailed in Western Europe during the six centuries from St. Benedict to St. Bernard, and has characteristics of its own, marking it off from later kinds, and still rendering it peculiarly appropriate for Westerns. Special attention is directed to the section on St. Gregory in Part II, being his teaching on the contemplative and active lives. It contains a body of doctrine at once elevated, sane, and practical, that must, it is believed, prove most helpful to the pastoral clergy and to all priest for the regulating of their lives.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
