Explore the transformative role of pain and suffering in the mystical journey. Discover how Christian mystics view suffering as a divine gift that fosters spiritual growth. Delve into the paradox of pain, understanding its integral part in achieving mystical experiences and personal fulfillment. Learn about asceticism and selflessness as essential practices that mirror the discipline of athletic training. Hear insights from saints like St. Francis and St. Teresa of Avila, revealing how embracing hardship can deepen one’s faith and connection with God.
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insights INSIGHT
Continuous Purgation in Mysticism
Pain and suffering are integral to human life and mysticism worldwide.\n- Christian mysticism views purgation as continuous self-denial and cleansing for spiritual growth.
insights INSIGHT
Asceticism as Spiritual Training
Asceticism is spiritual training like athletic training, involving self-denial and pushing limits.\n- Achieving mystical experiences requires such rigorous training and self-discipline.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Monk Weightlifter’s Gym Motto
Carlos Eire recalls a monk weightlifter who preached “no pain, no gain.”\n- Students humorously added a sign under it saying, “no brain, no pain.”
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The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. It chronicles the history of the early Christian church, beginning with the ascension of Jesus Christ and ending with Paul's imprisonment in Rome. The book is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on the ministry of Peter in Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 1–12), and the second follows Paul's missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 13–28). It highlights the transition of the gospel message from a Jewish audience to the Gentiles, the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit, and the growth of the church despite persecutions. The book also explores the relationship between Christians and the Roman Empire, showing how Christians could obey both God and the civil authorities[2][3][5].
The Gospel of Matthew
St. Matthew
Showings
Julian of Norwich
A classic work of Christian mysticism, offering profound insights into God's love and the nature of creation.
Book of Job
Stephen Mitchell
The Book of Job is an Old Testament book that explores themes of suffering, faith, and the nature of God. It tells the story of Job, a righteous man who endures immense suffering despite his piety. The book features dialogues between Job and his friends, who attempt to explain his suffering, and between Job and God. It raises profound questions about the relationship between God and humanity, the problem of evil, and the meaning of life. The Book of Job is considered a literary masterpiece, known for its poetic language and philosophical depth. It remains a source of reflection and inspiration for readers grappling with the complexities of faith and suffering.
The Gospels
Accounts of the Life of Jesus Christ
Luke
Mark
St. Matthew
John
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John provide a comprehensive portrait of Jesus Christ. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels due to their similar narrative order and shared content. John's Gospel is distinct and includes much unparalleled information. Each Gospel was written for different audiences and emphasizes different aspects of Jesus' mission and teachings[1][2][3].
They Flew
They Flew
null
Carlos Eire
Pain and suffering is part of every mystical journey and throughout history, Christian mystics have embraced it. The classic path to mysticism can be described in three steps: purgation, illumination, and union. But for Christian mystics, the purgation never ends. In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire delves into the lives of Christian mystics and explains how they considered pain and suffering a gift from God.
If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).
If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.
The Christian Mysticism Podcast 
