Mystical Theology in Contemporary Perspective
Maria Clara Lucchetti Bingemer
The Oxford Handbook of Mystical Theology February 25, 2020 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198722380.013.5
Summary
The chapter explores how spiritual and mystical experiences manifest in today's secular and diverse society, particularly in the southern hemisphere. It highlights how these experiences are linked to contemporary issues like secular politics and interreligious dialogue, as well as internal ecclesial spiritualism. The discussion also addresses the challenges that mysticism presents for Christian theology and its understanding of humanity.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Contemporary mystical experiences are shaped by socio-political contexts and pose challenges for Christian theology. |
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Abstract
The chapter examines the presence and visibility of spiritual and mystical experience in the secularized and plural contemporary world. Our historical moment puts into question the socio-political and cultural context of contemporary mystical life and thought. This allows us to trace the contours of present-day mystical experience in the southern hemisphere, where the experience of the Spirit is intertwined in distinctive ways with issues such as secular politics or interreligious dialogue and with the emergence of intra-ecclesial spiritualism. In doing so, we elaborate the new challenges that the experience of and reflection upon mysticism poses for Christian theology and its discourse about humanity.