Mystical Experiences and Mystical Theology in Augustine of Hippo? A Reconsideration of the Sources (conf. 9, an. quant. 33, doctr. chr. 2)
Medieval Mystical Theology January 2, 2018 A. Dupont 1 citation
Augustine's mysticism is examined through both his personal experiences and his theoretical writings. In the Confessiones, he describes two ecstatic encounters with God: one at Ostia shortly after his baptism and an earlier one in Milan before his conversion. The article compares these accounts and then analyzes Augustine's theories on the soul's ascent as presented in De animae quantitate and De doctrina christiana. The work argues that understanding Augustine's mysticism requires integrating his practical descriptions of divine experience with his formal teachings on spiritual ascent.