Western Mysticism: The Teaching of Saints Augustine, Gregory and Bernard on the Contemplation and the Contemplative Life is a book written by Cuthbert Butler. The book explores the teachings of three prominent Christian saints, Augustine, Gregory, and Bernard, on the topic of contemplation and the contemplative life. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on the teachings of one of the saints. The first part of the book examines the teachings of Augustine, who believed that contemplation was essential for ...
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Western Mysticism: The Teaching of Saints Augustine, Gregory and Bernard on the Contemplation and the Contemplative Life is a book written by Cuthbert Butler. The book explores the teachings of three prominent Christian saints, Augustine, Gregory, and Bernard, on the topic of contemplation and the contemplative life. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on the teachings of one of the saints. The first part of the book examines the teachings of Augustine, who believed that contemplation was essential for spiritual growth and that it could lead to a deeper understanding of God. Augustine also emphasized the importance of humility and the need to surrender oneself to God in order to achieve true contemplation.The second part of the book focuses on the teachings of Gregory, who believed that contemplation was a gift from God and that it could only be attained through prayer and meditation. Gregory also emphasized the importance of detachment from worldly desires in order to achieve a state of contemplation.The third and final part of the book explores the teachings of Bernard, who believed that contemplation was a way to experience the love of God and that it could only be achieved through a life of prayer and devotion. Bernard also emphasized the importance of simplicity and humility in the pursuit of contemplation.Overall, Western Mysticism: The Teaching of Saints Augustine, Gregory and Bernard on the Contemplation and the Contemplative Life provides a comprehensive exploration of the teachings of three important Christian saints on the topic of contemplation and the contemplative life. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Christian mysticism or in deepening their own spiritual practice.1922. This work represents neglected chapters in the history of religion. The title, Western Mysticism, means the native mysticism of the West that prevailed in Western Europe during the six centuries from St. Benedict to St. Bernard, and has characteristics of its own, marking it off from later kinds, and still rendering it peculiarly appropriate for Westerns. Special attention is directed to the section on St. Gregory in Part II, being his teaching on the contemplative and active lives. It contains a body of doctrine at once elevated, sane, and practical, that must, it is believed, prove most helpful to the pastoral clergy and to all priest for the regulating of their lives.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
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