The Christian Mysticism Podcast

Few Christian mystics wrote so much about their divine encounters with God and provided as much rich detail as St. Teresa of Avila. The Spanish saint described them as ecstasies, all while the Spanish Inquisition was examining her experiences and looking for heresies. In this episode, the second and final pert of this two-episode series on St. Teresa, Dr. Carlos Eire describes some of the many mystical encounters she wrote about and how her mysticism continued until her death and beyond. In the previous episode (Part 1), Dr. Eire went over her incredible life that some would say was as amazing as her mystical encounters with God. We spoke about the life of St. Teresa of Avila, her setbacks and amazing accomplishments during the Spanish Inquisition, and the family secret that if it had ever been discovered, might have ended her calling in the Church.Dr. Carlos Eire has written a wonderful book on the life of St. Teresa of Avila: The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila: A Biography. You can get a copy of it HERE.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.You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Teresa of Avila led an incredible life that some would say was as amazing as her mystical encounters with God. In the first part of this two-part series, we look at the life of St. Teresa of Avila, her setbacks and amazing accomplishments during the Spanish Inquisition, and the family secret that if it had ever been discovered, might have ended her calling in the Church.In the next episode of the podcast, we will delve into St. Teresa's mystical experiences and divine encounters.Dr. Carlos Eire has written a wonderful book on the life of St. Teresa of Avila: The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila: A Biography. You can get a copy of the it HERE.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.You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julian of Norwich was a 14th-century English hermit nun whose extreme dedication to God led to her having intense visions of Christ. Julian wrote extensively about those visions, providing us with unique perspectives on the Christ's love for us, sin and redemption, and our place in God's universe. The story and visions of Julian and her message of hope have regained popularity in modern times, where she is perhaps best known for the words she received from Christ in one of her visions: “All things shall be well, all manner of things shall be well...”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.You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the radical insights of Meister Eckhart, a 14th-century mystic who believed the divine spark resides in everyone. Delve into his concept of 'galassenheit' and the controversy that branded him a heretic. Explore the notion of the 'eternal now,' which challenges our understanding of time and emphasizes living in the present. Uncover the deep connections between Eckhart's teachings and later mystical thought, all while celebrating the universal accessibility of God.

Discover the mystical paths of the Hesychasts and their focus on prayer as a bridge to God. Delve into the intriguing contrasts and connections between Eastern Orthodox and Western practices like 'The Cloud of Unknowing.' Explore the blend of intellect and emotion in faith, and how mindful practices resonate with monastic traditions. Unravel the simplicity at the heart of mysticism, inviting listeners to embrace their unique spiritual journeys toward divine connection.

Discover the remarkable life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a key 12th-century mystic who blended spirituality with societal engagement. Explore his profound mystical experiences and innovative interpretations of love and divinity found in the Song of Songs. The discussion covers the evolution of monasticism, emphasizing his role in advocating humility within the Cistercian order. Intriguing topics like stigmata and the significance of effective prayer invite deeper exploration of divine intimacy and its transformative power.

Delve into the fascinating world of monasticism, where relentless prayer meets extreme self-denial. Explore how this lifestyle cultivates mystics and creates a profound bond with the divine. Discover the tension between spirituality and worldly challenges, and how communal prayer fosters connection. The contrasting moralities of ancient Rome and early Christianity reveal deep insights into human ethics. Lastly, witness the evolution of monks from solitude to community, showcasing their enduring spiritual legacy through the ages.

Dive into the fascinating life of St. Augustine, a 4th-century bishop whose intellectual and mystical journey redefined faith. Explore how Neoplatonism shaped his thoughts on existence and spirituality, and learn about his transformative encounter with Ambrose, which deepened his understanding of scripture. Witness Augustine's internal struggles and ultimate embrace of Christianity, marking a pivotal shift in his life. Plus, enjoy a playful nod to future discussions on monasticism and its parallels with modern philosophical themes.

Dive into the fascinating interplay between Greek philosophy and early Christianity. Explore how figures like Tertullian questioned Hellenistic influences on Christian thought. Discover Neoplatonism's hierarchical view of reality and its correlations with Christian beliefs. Unpack Saint Augustine's transformative journey, merging spiritual quests with philosophical insights. This insightful discussion examines how ancient ideas shaped the essence of Christian mysticism, reflecting on the intricate connections between body, mind, and soul.

Dive into the fascinating roots of Christian mysticism, exploring its Jewish and Greek influences. Discover how figures like Jesus and Paul shaped early mystical experiences and the eternal longing for divine connection. The conversation contrasts interpretations of mysticism, emphasizing love, acceptance, and humility. Unique insights into the metaphor of Paul's 'thorn' reveal the struggle between personal desires and divine plans. Enjoy a blend of humor and profound topics as ancient philosophies meet spiritual journeys.