Why the Mystics Matter Now

by Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt

Frederick Bauerschmidt introduces contemporary readers to the mystical writers, revealing their insights to be relevant and useful in a modern, hurting world. With an unconventional and engaging style, he strips away the unfamiliar, making the mystics more approachable, less intimidating. Bauerschmidt starts where we in a disenchanted world that is paradoxically without God and with too many gods; a world that takes but does not give. He then draws just a few words from those particular mystics whose struggles and questions closely parallel our own, revealing the meaning of their words in accessible, practical ways. Thus, Therese of Lisieux speaks to us on the trial of faith, Ignatius of Loyola on discerning the authentic path, and Catherine of Siena on true generosity. And in a light, even playful tone, Bauerschmidt shows how the mystics are relevant to timely issues, such as ecology ("how to be green" from Hildegard of Bingen) and depression ("how to be blue" with Julian of Norwich). This inviting, contemporary guidebook serves as a primer on the mystical writers. The insights of the mystics are relevant to the problems we face today, and Bauerschmidt has opened the door to a body of wisdom that is often viewed as difficult and inaccessible.

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jessica Burstrem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read most of the chapters of this book as part of a Women's Bible Study series on mysticism, and while I enjoyed some of the author's insights in general, I found it a frustrating source for information on the mystics and their ideas, which are in very short supply in this book. Rather, it provides the author's tangential musings related to some of the mystics, which may be why he thinks they matter now, but I found that they had a lot more to offer than that, once I got outside the covers of this book.

[Keith Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro to Christian mystics. Broken down covering a mystic and subject per chapter it was an interesting and informative read.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so pleased that I purchased this book on a lark as I am usually swayed by what others write on the back conver. Here there was nothing. But the content is well written convering a difficult and perplexing subject. The auther makes the mystics he chooses come alive and explains their contributions in a way that I am finally beginning to understand. They are not called mystics for notheng as much ot their work is at times incomprehensible---but not so to Dr Bauerschmidt. He is a talented writer and expositor of complex ideas.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and it definitely sealed the deal: I’m going to be diving into the actual writings of the actual mystics within the month. In this book, Bauerschmidt taps into excerpts from each of seven mystics and then applies it in a modern way. It was a fairly fast read and I enjoyed it. I also learned about a few mystics I haven’t read before. It piqued my interest about Hildegard of Bingen, for example. Highly recommended.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it took me a bit of time to read this book, it isn't because it wasn't interesting. Each chapter provided me with "food-for-thought," and I needed time to assimilate it into my life. This is definitely a book I want to read again.

[Andy Tix · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of all time, this exploration of mysticism and how it relates to modern life is one-of-a-kind profound.