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The Classics of Western Spirituality
Angelic Spirituality: Medieval Perspectives on the Ways of Angels (Classics of Western Spirituality
What is it about angels that so fascinates us, inspires us and makes us want to know more about them? Now, in this thoroughly intriguing Classic of Western Spirituality™ that is sure to have wide appeal, translator and editor Steven Chase introduces readers to the rich and varied tradition of angels in the lives of men and women. Drawing on works from a variety of medieval writers from roughly the 4th to the 13th centuries, he explores the extensive landscape of angels in medieval Christian devotion and, for the benefit of modern readers, retrieves a very rich vein in the Christian spiritual tradition. Section One explores issues in angelic spirituality ranging from metaphysical speculation to practical, formative, devotional and contemplative themes as developed in the works of, among others, Augustine, Bernard of Clairvaux and Gregory the Great. Section Two offers selections from medieval commentaries that explore angelic spirituality in the light of symbolic theology, the moral life, contemplation, aesthetics and mystical consciousness. Angelic ―contributes to establishing solid evidence of Christian angelic spirituality that goes beyond popular interest ―reintroduces a forgotten Christian spiritual tradition ―will interest everyday readers as well as scholars †
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 15, 2021
A rather interesting look on Medieval writings of certain men (and one woman) on angels that goes beyond the usual things Catholic books on angels are about. Timewise from 4th to 13th century, of sermons, commentaries, and theological treatises (the commantaries here are for one text – Pseudo-Dionysus’ writings on angelic hierarchy - gathered together in part two of the book). I have only read some of Augustine’s text before (which is from ”City Of God”, a book that’s still one of my unfinished books; it is thick one). At the end are some intersting Notes, further reading, and bibliography.
Angels (and their roles) are often mentioned in the Bible, and these are used in the texts. Angels’ hierarchies and roles can be used as describing human’s levels of journey and roles in the world. Each text has its own introduction, and section two has its own little introduction before the texts start. All texts are not full texts, or are parts of a bigger text. One author, Hugh Of St. Victor, appears in both parts, but in first part his texts has been mixed into another, anonymous, author’s clever use (you might not notice which one is which’s).
The introduction to Angelic Spirituality usefully lists the themes appearing in this book, which helps the reader to understand what they read. Themes like: the hierarchy (3 groupings with three levels in each) and how the order within it has changed over time, how these orders can be used to describe humanit’s spiritual path and certains roles within community, and so on.
For me, my favorites were: the Hugh St.Victor / Anonymous text ”On The Six Wings of the Cherubim”, Umilita of Faenza’s light-hearted talk on the subject; and in part two commentaries, Hugh St Victor’s other text and Thomas Gallus’s second text with the alphabetical starting letters.
This is not an essential text most of the time but it is interesting to read if you want to look deeper into things on angels, ponder on your own path, or just a bit curious on how thoughts on angels developed in the Middle Ages. Took me a while to finish (had left it unfinished for a year or several), but it was more worth it than I expected.
Angels (and their roles) are often mentioned in the Bible, and these are used in the texts. Angels’ hierarchies and roles can be used as describing human’s levels of journey and roles in the world. Each text has its own introduction, and section two has its own little introduction before the texts start. All texts are not full texts, or are parts of a bigger text. One author, Hugh Of St. Victor, appears in both parts, but in first part his texts has been mixed into another, anonymous, author’s clever use (you might not notice which one is which’s).
The introduction to Angelic Spirituality usefully lists the themes appearing in this book, which helps the reader to understand what they read. Themes like: the hierarchy (3 groupings with three levels in each) and how the order within it has changed over time, how these orders can be used to describe humanit’s spiritual path and certains roles within community, and so on.
For me, my favorites were: the Hugh St.Victor / Anonymous text ”On The Six Wings of the Cherubim”, Umilita of Faenza’s light-hearted talk on the subject; and in part two commentaries, Hugh St Victor’s other text and Thomas Gallus’s second text with the alphabetical starting letters.
This is not an essential text most of the time but it is interesting to read if you want to look deeper into things on angels, ponder on your own path, or just a bit curious on how thoughts on angels developed in the Middle Ages. Took me a while to finish (had left it unfinished for a year or several), but it was more worth it than I expected.
October 29, 2022
What an inspired idea to include a volume on "Angelic Spirituality" in the CWS series! Steven Chase does a wonderful job collecting these fascinating writings, so much of which is inspired by the great Denys the Areopagite.
January 13, 2014
Wonderful introduction to Medieval Angel Spirituality. The selected excerpts of spiritual works come from some well known medieval thinkers, such as Bernard of Clairveux, and some lesser known authors such as Thomas Gallus, Alan of Lille, and Hugh of St. Victor. Many of the selections include meditations or exercises that one can put into their own modern practice. With all the fluff on the new age shelves regarding angels, this is a welcomed book of substance.
Like many of the works in this series, this is not a book for beginners. A strong good familiarity with the Bible, Song of Solomon, and especially Pseudo-Dionysus is assumed. I'd recommend Paulist Press' Western Classic of Pseudo-Dionysus as a prerequisite - especially the Celestial Hierachy.
Like many of the works in this series, this is not a book for beginners. A strong good familiarity with the Bible, Song of Solomon, and especially Pseudo-Dionysus is assumed. I'd recommend Paulist Press' Western Classic of Pseudo-Dionysus as a prerequisite - especially the Celestial Hierachy.
February 13, 2016
Wonderful introduction to medieval scholarship on angels for those interested in angels
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews