For the medieval mystical tradition, the Christian soul meets God in a cloud of unknowing, a divine darkness of ignorance. This meeting with God is beyond all knowing and beyond all experiencing. Mysticisms of the modern period, on the contrary, place mystical experience at the centre, and contemporary readers are inclined to misunderstand the medieval tradition in experientialist terms.

Denys Turner argues that the distinctiveness and contemporary relevance of medieval mysticism lies precisely in its rejection of mystical experience, and locates the mystical firmly within the grasp of the ordinary and the everyday. The argument covers some central authorities in the period from Augustine to John of the Cross.

Darkness Of God and Julian of Norwich, Theologian

Write a review

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account