The Spanish Mystics: Ecstasy and Communion with Peter Tyler

Peter Tyler · Wise Studies

Mar 2020 · Christian Scholars Book 2 · Wise Studies

About this ebook

In these four talks, Peter Tyler explores the factors that contributed to the rise of mystical writing in 16th Century Spain. He traces the particular history of the Peninsula that shaped the milieu within which mysticism flourished at this time.

One of the most popular and approachable Christian saints of all time, St Teresa of Avila (1515 – 1582) is justly celebrated as one of the key writers in the Christian mystical tradition. Yet her popularity belies the struggles she had to overcome in her own lifetime, to have her mystical approaches accepted by the wider church. Peter looks at how her life and struggles influenced her mystical teaching, especially as found in The Book of the Life and The Interior Castle.

Peter explores the author of the ‘Dark Night of the Soul’, St John of the Cross’s (1542 – 1591). His teachings on the spiritual life are remarkably light and beautiful. Peter places John’s life and teaching within the context of 16thCentury Spain and explores questions such as: ‘How can God be known in this life?’ and ‘How far does knowledge of God lead to annihilation of the individual personality?’

About the author

Professor Peter Tyler is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Spirituality at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. He is also the Founding Director of the Centre for Initiatives in Spirituality and Reconciliation (InSpiRe), details of which can be found on www.stmarys.ac.uk/inspire. His own work has been on the borderlands of psychology, theology and philosophy. He is a registered psychotherapist and his work can be followed on http://insoulpursuit.blogspot.co.uk.

Wise Studies courses illuminate the texts and teachings of the world’s great contemplative traditions.

Our mission is to make available in-depth audio learning courses focusing on the texts and teachings of the world’s great contemplative traditions. We work with leading scholars, practitioners and experts in their field to produce quality education for serious students of contemplative study. We aim to produce courses that are engaging and informative with authentic, well-researched scholarship supporting the topics we present.

It is our hope to disseminate these courses to a broad audience and bridge the gap between the academic world and general public. It is important for us to maintain the rigorous standards that scholars have for their research, yet, we also want to make this research available and digestible for non-academics.

Our authors have done an amazing job of producing in-depth material that is clear, comprehensible and engaging.