The Riddle of Christian Mystical Experience (Louvain Theological and Pastoral Monographs)

Anyone engaged in the study of Christian mysticism or of its great historical figures encounters a recurring puzzle or "riddle": How can mystical experience of imageless realms be reconciled with the real bodily presence of Jesus Christ? How can people raised to heights surpassing the corporeal continue to experience the lowly pleasure of a human body? Paul Mommaers's in-depth study of mysticism seeks to resolve this apparent paradox.. Through careful readings of the great Christian mystics — Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi, Richard of Saint Victor, and especially the Flemish mystics Hadewijch and Jan van Ruusbroec — Mommaers uncovers the unity that exists between life in the present world and life in union with the divine. He also provides a fascinating explanation of the role of Jesus' humanity in mediating the Christian mystical experience.