A World Transfigured: The Mystical Journey

by Philip Sheldrake

Overview

2023 Catholic Media Association First Place Award, Mysticism

In A World Transfigured: The Mystical Journey, Philip Sheldrake demonstrates the importance of the mystical dimension of religious belief and practice. Using the words of the great theologian, Karl Rahner, Sheldrake makes the case that the Christian of the future will be either a mystic or nothing at all. In our contemporary world, this judgment applies equally to other religions as well.

After chapters on the meaning of “mysticism” and the connection between mysticism and beliefs, Sheldrake describes important dimensions of mystical writings, illustrated by a range of examples. These are “Love and Desire,” “Knowing and Unknowing,” “Wonder and Beauty,” “Mysticism and Everyday Practice,” and “The Mystic as Radical Prophet.” Finally, the book briefly explores why mysticism fascinates so many people in our modern times.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814685372
Publisher:	Liturgical Press
Publication date:	12/26/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	216
File size:	712 KB

About the Author

Philip Sheldrake is professor and director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Spirituality at Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas. He is also senior research associate of the Von Hügel Institute, St Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge, and senior research fellow in the Cambridge Theological Federation (Westcott House). Sheldrake trained in history and theology and was awarded the DD (Higher Doctorate) in 2015 by the University of Oxford. He has taught and written extensively on Christian spirituality, is author or editor of eighteen books, and is past president of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.
 

Philip Sheldrake is professor and director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Spirituality at Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas. He is also senior research associate of the Von Hügel Institute, St Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge, and senior research fellow in the Cambridge Theological Federation (Westcott House). Philip Sheldrake trained in history and theology and was awarded the DD (Higher Doctorate) in 2015 by the University of Oxford. He has taught and written extensively on Christian spirituality, is author or editor of seventeen books, and is past president of the international Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction xi

Part 1 The Concept of Mysticism

Chapter 1 What Is Mysticism? 3

Chapter 2 Mysticism and Beliefs 27

Part 2 Five Dimensions of Mysticism

Chapter 3 Love and Desire 53

Chapter 4 Knowing and Unknowing 77

Chapter 5 Wonder and Beauty 101

Chapter 6 Mysticism and Everyday Practice 125

Chapter 7 The Mystic as Radical Prophet 149

Conclusion 175

Selected Bibliography 185

Index 193

Editorial Reviews

Philip Sheldrake has written a compelling and thoughtful account of mysticism—as a critical dimension of religious thought and practice and as a dynamic part of everyday life. Intelligent, accessible and compassionate, A World Transfigured illuminates what it means to live from a deeper ground and why it matters. A beautiful, profound and important book.” 
Douglas E. Christie, PhD, Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
 


"A World Transfigured is a stunning work: a deeply informed and quite moving exploration of the origins, interpretations, and practitioners of 'mysticism.' As a seasoned scholar, Philip Sheldrake can be counted on to gather together in a particularly lucid manner the vast and complex scholarship on whatever subject he tackles, wrestling deftly with all vexing questions. At the same time, he manages to lure us into the depths of the human spirit in its various faith expressions as it continues its never-ending journey of desire beyond what can be known."
Wendy M. Wright, PhD, Professor Emerita of Theology, Creighton University
 


"Mysticism and language have always been complex partners. In his newest book, Philip Sheldrake manages the difficult task of helping these sometimes chaotic partners dance together beautifully. Speaking directly to the reader’s mind and heart, his work is succinct yet encompassing, accessible yet groundbreaking, and organically timely. While opening human perception to spirituality, wonder, desire, love, ethics, and more, Sheldrake’s comprehensive vision brings mysticism to life. To all of life."
Steven Chase, is research fellow at Studium, St. Benedict’s Monastery, editor of the journal Spiritus, and author of Nature as Spiritual Practice, Job: A Theological Commentary on the Bible, and Angelic Spirituality: Medieval Perspectives on the Ways of Angels
 


"Mysticism, Professor Sheldrake tells us in this fascinating new book, ‘has a subversive quality’ which will always challenge ‘the post-Enlightenment emphasis on knowledge.’ For those wanting to explore this fundamental aspect of both Christianity and world religions, I can warmly recommend A World Transfigured. Taking five categories of the mystical journey: desire and love; knowing and unknowing; wonder and beauty; daily practice and prophecy—
Sheldrake brings a life-time of scholarship to opening up this disputed area. Highly recommended for both the seasoned scholar and the general reader."
Peter Tyler, St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, London
 


"Philip Sheldrake is one of the most important theologians of our time precisely because of his talent for combining his vast historical knowledge of Christian thought and practice together with his ability to address contemporary issues in an inspiring way. He accomplishes this yet again in A World Transfigured, an accessible and succinct reflection on mysticism and the possibilities it holds for what he calls 'the crises of our modern age and with the intense human needs that result from this.' All readers will undoubtedly be inspired by his vision of possibilities for the moral, intellectual, and spiritual transfiguration of our fractured and endangered world. This is a readable, fascinating, and hopeful book.”
Julia A. Lamm, Professor of Theology, Georgetown University

"Offers a wealth of insight and would also be useful for a university course on mysticism."
Theological Studies

From the Publisher