From divine visions to self-tortures, some strange mystical experiences have shaped the Christian tradition as we know it. Full of colourful detail, Mystics of the Christian Tradition examines the mystical experiences that have determined the history of Christianity over two thousand years, and reveals the often sexual nature of these encounters with the divine.
In this fascinating account, Fanning reveals how God's direct revelation to St Francis of Assisi led to his living with lepers and kissing their sores, and describes the mystical life of Margery Kempe who 'took weeping to new decibel levels'. Through presenting the lives of almost a hundred mystics, this broad survey invites us to consider what it means to be a mystic and to explore how people such as Joan of Arc had their lives determined by divine visions.
Mystics of the Christian Tradition is a comprehensive guide to discovering what mysticism means and who the mystics of the Christian tradition actually were.

Reviews

'The shortness of the book means that the author proceeds in a stately but well-timed pace.' - Contemporary Review

"This series more than any other has resurrected interest in whole legions of spiritual writers who would otherwise have been neglected...a good, clear and helpful read. A useful reference that is a good addition to present scholarship on the subject." Peter Tyler, Food for the Journey - Books

"This series more than any other has resurrected interest in whole legions of spiritual writers who would otherwise have been neglected...a good, clear and helpful read. A useful reference that is a good addition to present scholarship on the subject."Peter Tyler, Food for the Journey - Books

Book Information
ISBN 9780415224680
Author Steven Fanning
Format Paperback
Page Count 298
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 560g