Mysticism in Early Modern England Contributor(s): Temple, Liam Peter (Author) |
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ISBN: 1783273933 ISBN-13: 9781783273935 Publisher: Boydell Press OUR PRICE: $109.25 Product Type: Hardcover Published: April 2019 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Religion | Mysticism - History | Europe - Great Britain - General - History | Modern - 17th Century |
Dewey: 248.220 |
LCCN: 2018459214 |
Series: Studies in Modern British Religious History |
Physical Information: 0.56" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (1.13 lbs) 236 pages |
Themes: - Cultural Region - British Isles - Chronological Period - 17th Century |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Mysticism in Early Modern England examines a vital juncture in the history of Christian mysticism. Exploring both Catholic and Protestant views across the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, the book argues for a re-evaluation of the cross-denominational appeal of mystical spirituality. It traces the mysticism of figures such as the Benedictine Augustine Baker, the Familist preacher John Everard, the millenarian Jane Lead, and the Cambridge Platonist writers Henry More and John Worthington. At the same time, it explores the arguments of a number of early modern critics including Meric Casaubon and Edward Stillingfleet, who viewed mysticism with suspicion and ridicule, a product of melancholy and madness incompatible with learned theological and doctrinal discussions. The book contends that the early modern period ultimately saw the association of mysticism with sectarianism, radicalism and religious enthusiasm, resulting in a negative connotation that lasted well into the twentieth century. It also explores connections between England and the Continent, suggesting that parallel and interconnected criticisms of mysticism occurred in France, Italy and Germany over the period. In analysing this significant change in attitude towards mysticism, the book suggests that recent scholarly attempts to 'return' mysticism to modern religious institutions and mainstream histories of religion can be viewed as a direct response to the rejection of mysticism in the early modern period. LIAM PETER TEMPLE gained his PhD from Northumbria University, Newcastle. |