Power, Gender and Christian Mysticism

A well-known theologian challenges perceived notions of mysticism in relation to power and gender.

Grace M. Jantzen (Author)

9780521479264, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 16 November 1995

404 pages, 6 b/w illus.
21.7 x 13.7 x 2.2 cm, 0.465 kg

'The first major study of Christian mysticism to utilise a deconstructionist approach, Power, Gender and Christian Mysticism illuminates the meaning of gendered rhetoric in the writings of major male 'mystics' from Plato to Dionysus to Eckhart. Most importantly, through a 'deeper' reading of female mystics and visionaries (often ignored - and sometimes silenced) Grace Jantzen has allowed these women to speak eloquently. Her inescapable conclusion is that we can no longer speak of 'Christian Mysticism,' but of 'Christian Mysticisms', and of these not as intense, private experiences, but as manifesting sets of social relations and representations. This is a scholarly, but at the same time most readable and entertaining work, and I recommend it strongly.' Philip C. Almond, University of Queensland

In the western Christian tradition, the mystic was seen as having direct access to God, and therefore great authority. In this study, Dr Jantzen discusses how men of power defined and controlled who should count as a mystic, and thus who would have power: women were pointedly excluded. This makes her book of special interest to those in gender studies and medieval history. Its main argument, however, is philosophical. Because the mystical has gone through many social constructions, the modern philosophical assumption that mysticism is essentially about intense subjective experiences is misguided. This view is historically inaccurate, and perpetuates the same gendered struggle for authority which characterises the history of western christendom. This book is the first on the subject to take issues of gender seriously, and to use these as a point of entry for a deconstructive approach to Christian mysticism.

1. Feminists, philosophers and mystics
2. Mystics, martyrs and honorary males
3. The mystical meaning of scripture
4. Mystical theology and the erotic other
5. 'Cry out and write': mysticism and the struggle for authority
6. The visions of virgins: spirituality and sexual control
7. Heretics and witches
8. The language of ineffability
9. Conclusion: mysticism and modernity
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Christian theology [HRCM]