The Deeper Life: An Introduction to Christian Mysticism

by Louis Dupré

The Deeper An Introduction to Christian Mysticism (View amazon detail page) 0824500075

92 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1981

About the author

Louis Dupre is a Catholic phenomenologist and religious philosopher. He was the T. Lawrason Riggs Professor in Yale University's religious studies department from 1973 to 1998, after which he became Professor Emeritus.[1] His work generally attempts to tie the modern age more closely to medieval and classical thought, finding precursors to Enlightenment and Reformation events that were naively viewed as revolutions. His well known works include "Passage to Modernity" and "The Enlightenment and the Intellectual Foundations of Modern Culture."

Reviews

[Kevin W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out a bit too Eastern, apophatic, and mystical for me (which means David would like it). A bit like Merton’s writings. Halfway through, he begins using the language of Carmelite spirituality and I was able to follow a little more easily. Had some helpful insights and clarifications on what Christian mysticism is and is not. This quote is an example of a helpful clarification: “In contrast to the Christian mysticism of the Eastern church, Western spirituality suffers from a certain esoterism. It often appears a-sacramental, a-liturgical and not always sufficiently disposed to involve itself with the sanctification of the entire human community or even of the neighbor next-door. All too often it has been inclined to withdraw from a society that held spiritual life in such low esteem and to turn instead inside the self.” In other words, genuine Christian mysticism is not marked by a life of self-introspection for introverts who remain perpetually isolated and barricaded from the world- rather, Christian mysticism prompts and equips one to love others in the world with a selfless, divine love.
Overall was a good read for Holy Week.

[Terry Austrew]

This book deserves a re-read. Am hoping to share this with some of my new friends at my new parish.