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Simon Critchley: Mysticism & Humanity

Dec 3, 2024

Guest

Simon Critchley

In this conversation, Simon Critchley, a philosopher at the New School for Social Research and author of "Mysticism," discusses his deep dive into the world of mysticism and its relevance today. He reflects on figures like Meister Eckhart and Julian of Norwich, exploring transformative spiritual experiences amidst modernity's alienation. The talk delves into personal engagement with mysticism, the role of prayer, and how mystical texts can reshape our understanding of faith. Critchley's insights provide a fresh perspective on spirituality in our contemporary world.

01:28:44

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 5min

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A Journey Through Mystical Christianity

04:39 • 26min

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Exploring Bonhoeffer and the Intersection of Mysticism and Empiricism

30:42 • 3min

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Mysticism and Personal Experience

33:31 • 33min

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Resonance in Modernity

01:06:12 • 17min

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Reflecting on Appreciation and Community Engagement

01:22:42 • 2min

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The Theologians of Crisis: Insights for Advent 2024

01:24:38 • 2min

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The pursuit of the millennium

Norman Cohn

In 'The Pursuit of the Millennium', Norman Cohn examines the rise and fall of various millenarian cults and movements during the Middle Ages. The book covers topics such as the Brethren of the Free Spirit, flagellants, the Anabaptists, and the Ranters, and discusses their roles in historical events like the Crusades and the takeover of Münster by John of Leiden. Cohn also draws parallels between these medieval movements and later totalitarian ideologies, such as Nazism and Soviet communism, highlighting the recurring themes of millenarian expectation and social upheaval.

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Faith of the Faithless

A classic work of Christian mysticism, offering profound insights into God's love and the nature of creation.

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That All Shall Be Saved

David Bentley Hart

David Bentley Hart's "That All Shall Be Saved" is a profound exploration of universal salvation in Christian theology. Hart challenges traditional interpretations of hell and divine justice, arguing for a more inclusive vision of God's ultimate purpose. The book delves into the complexities of divine love, human freedom, and the nature of evil. Hart's work is characterized by its rigorous philosophical analysis and its passionate engagement with the central mysteries of faith. It is a significant contribution to contemporary theological discourse, sparking debate and inspiring further reflection on the nature of salvation.

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Varieties of Religious Experience

William James

This book is a collection of lectures delivered by William James at the University of Edinburgh between 1901 and 1902. It focuses on the personal and subjective aspects of religious experiences, rather than on theology or organized religion. James examines various types of religious experiences, including healthy-mindedness, the sick soul, conversion, mysticism, and saintliness. He emphasizes the importance of feeling and personal experience in religion, arguing that these experiences are the primary source of religious beliefs and practices. The book also discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of these experiences, highlighting their complexity and life-altering nature.

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Four quartets

T. S. Eliot

Four Quartets is a cycle of four poems by T.S. Eliot, each titled with a place name: 'Burnt Norton,' 'East Coker,' 'The Dry Salvages,' and 'Little Gidding. ' The poems are meditations on time, redemption, and eternity, blending Eliot's Anglo-Catholicism with mystical, philosophical, and poetic elements from various traditions. Each quartet has five sections and explores themes such as the conflict between individual mortality and the endless span of human existence, the nature of spirituality, and the relationship between the present and the past. The work is considered Eliot's masterpiece and his clearest exposition of his Christian beliefs.

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Mysticism

Simon Critchley

In 'Mysticism,' Simon Critchley delves into the history and practice of mysticism, from its origins in Eastern and Western religions to its association with esoteric and occult knowledge, and up to the ecstatic modernism of figures like T.S. Eliot. Critchley discusses the lives of famous mystics such as Julian of Norwich and Jesus Christ, highlighting how mystical experiences can refresh our thinking and help us live deeper and freer lives. The book argues that mysticism can be an aesthetic experience, inspired by art, poetry, and music, and is not limited to religious contexts. Critchley's work is erudite and impassioned, speaking to a yearning for personal transformation and enchantment.

In this episode, I got to talk with Simon Critchley about his new book Mysticism. We delve into Critchley's journey towards exploring mysticism, his reflections on modernity, and his discussions on key figures like William James, Julian of Norwich, and Meister Eckhart. We also discuss the importance of reading and understanding mystical texts, the role of prayer, and how modernity has impacted our perception of faith and spirituality. His engagement with mysticism beyond the confessional boundaries in which it so often emerges makes the topic and the book a timely reflection for our contemporary spiritual crisis.

Simon Critchley has written over twenty books, including studies of Greek tragedy, David Bowie, football, suicide, Shakespeare, how philosophers die, and a novella. He is the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York and a Director of the Onassis Foundation. As co-editor of The Stone at the New York Times, Critchley showed that philosophy plays a vital role in the public realm.

You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube

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This DECEMBER, we will be exploring the 'Theologians of Crisis' in our online Advent class - Breaking into the Broken World. Join us to learn about Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rudolph Bultmann as we explore their thoughts and timely reflections in their Advent/Christmas sermons.

Join my Substack - Process This!

Join our class - THE RISE OF BONHOEFFER, for a guided tour of Bonhoeffer's life and thought.

Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer’s House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HERE

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