Cistercian Mysticism

Since mysticism deals with the ultimate ideals and purposes of human existence, it is one of the most significant phenomena in Western cultural history. Mysticism had a significant role in the medieval monastic environment and, along with many other things, had a profound impact on Western intellectual culture. The history of mysticism in the West, is a history of the greatest and most significant aspirations and potentialities of the individual regarding the understanding of oneself and the divine. 'Cistercian Mysticism' is an outstanding example.
The anthology’s chapters explore key aspects of Cistercian spirituality, including William of Saint-Thierry’s 'visio Dei' (the vision of God), a transformative encounter with the divine that is central to his mysticism, as well as the concept of 'sensus amoris.' 'Cistercian Mysticism' also explores Bernard of Clairvaux’s writings on the So... ng of Songs and the relation between contemplation and action, demonstrating how action service and contemplative love can coexist. Tradition is further enhanced by Aelred of Rievaulx’s thoughts on spiritual friendship, which highlight how human relationships based on love and introspection mirror the soul’s path toward divine union.
By examining the writings of these influential figures, this volume offers a way to comprehend the close connection between the divine and the human soul, highlighting the importance of their contributions to the mystical and theological landscape of the Middle Ages. A book which will undoubtedly be highly enjoyed by scholars and students of all ages and religious communities.   Show more

Preface to Cistercian Mysticism
Bernard McGinn
University of Chicago
Introduction
Aage Rydstrøm-Poulsen
University of Greenland
The Authors
Chapter 1 I’ve Been There: The Mapping of Spiritual Experience in Twelfth-Century Cistercian Writings
María Gonzalo-García, OCSO
Independent Scholar at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery
Chapter 2 Deum invisibiliter videre: William of Saint-Thierry’s Perspective on Visio Dei and the Shaping Influences of his Sources<... br> Carmen-Angela Cvetković
University of Göttingen
Chapter 3 The Praying Soul Understanding Herself: Mystical Experience and Language in William of Saint-Thierry’s Meditativae Orationes
Delphine Conzelmann
University of Basel
Chapter 4 Sensus Amoris in William of Saint-Thierry’s Mysticism
F. Tyler Sergent
Berea College
Chapter 5 The Mysticism in William of Saint: Thierry’s Golden Letter and in Peter Lombard’s Dist. I:17
Aage Rydstrøm-Poulsen
University of Greenland
Chapter 6 Mystical Kisses: Ambrosian Influences in the Works of Bernard of Clairvaux
Daniel Marcel La Corte
Saint Ambrose University
Chapter 7 Typical, Normal, (Almost) Personal: ‘I Think’ Passages in Bernard of Clairvaux’s Last Sermons In Cantica
Philip F. O’Mara
Emeritus, Bridgewater College
Chapter 8 Mary, Martha, and Lazarus: The Interplay of the Contemplative Life, the Active Life, and a Yearning for Resurrection in the Mysticism of Bernard of Clairvaux
James Kroemer
Marquette University
Chapter 9 Beautiful Friendships
Rose Marie Tillisch
Independent Scholar
Index  Show more

Aage Rydstrøm-Poulsen, PhD, ThD, former president and dean, earned his Master of Theology from the University of Aarhus (1978). He worked as a pastor in Copenhagen, was a research fellow at the University of Copenhagen (1982–85), and earned his PhD in theology (1993). He completed his ThD in 2002 with the dissertation 'The Gracious God – Gratia in Augustine and the Twelfth Century.' From 2004 to 2021, he led the Institute of Theology at the University of Greenland, served as president (2008), and as dean of the Institute of Culture, Language, and History (2018–2021). His research focuses on th... eological developments from the early Middle Ages to the twelfth century, particularly theological anthropology. He authored 'Richard of Saint-Victor: On the Trinity' (2021) and co-edited 'Faith and Society' (2021). He contributed to the Medieval Congress at Western Michigan University for 30 years and retired in 2021. He was also awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog.

Daniel Marcel La Corte, PhD, was the Agnes C. Renner Chair in History at Ambrose University, Iowa. His research interests include the intersection of culture, religion, governance, and legal history, focusing on early and high medieval monasticism. He specializes in intellectual church history, Carolingian and Cistercian monasticism, and medieval spirituality. He studied at Fordham University, the Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University, and the University of Dallas.

Rose Marie Tillisch, PhD, earned her Master of Theology from the University of Copenhagen (2003). She served as a pastor from 2004 to 2021 in Lolland-Falster and Elsinore. She completed her PhD in 2014 with the thesis 'Humility is the Place.' Tillisch also worked on projects for the Centre for Education and Research (FUV), including developing theology for an aging society and exploring 'Babysalmesang' (Hymns with Babies).  Show more

History of anthropology of the Western world, Medieval legacy of values, history of religious experience, Core values in the history of the European/Western culture