Medieval Lay Mystics
Christian History Institute (CHI), publisher of Christian History magazine (CHM), announces its latest issue, titled: Medieval Lay Mystics. The entire issue explores a mysterious question for many Christians, historians and scholars – What did it look like and what did it feel like to be a medieval Christian?
Spanning four vivid centuries, from 1000 to 1473, CHM issue #127 takes an in-depth look at the lives of notable medieval mystics, especially those who were not ordained clergy.
By the twelfth century devout women, monks and hermits came out of seclusion to preach and minister to others, proclaiming the gospel in local languages so that common people could understand it. They called on both fellow laypeople and clergy to repent and enter a genuine relationship with Christ. This spiritual process, culminating in an inner, mystical union became known as mysticism.
Scholars agree, that around the twelfth century, a variety of forces led to a cultural and spiritual renewal among those living outside formal religious institutions and traditions. First by thousands, then by the tens of thousands, common people responded to the gospel. Thirsty for a vital Christian life, they fostered devotional lifestyles, joining various movements of piety and service to others that offered opportunities to grow spiritually.
Three centuries before the Reformation, scholars began to also translate the Bible into local languages. Outdoor preaching became common and itinerant preachers traveled across Europe calling people to a life of repentance. This led to 300 years of repeated revival movements and waves of spiritual renewal across Western Europe leading up to the Reformation, which began around 1500.
“People from these movements penned timeless devotional classics, many still popular, writing of their desire to reach a mystical oneness with the Christ they loved,” said the managing editor of Christian History, Jennifer Woodruff Tait. “Here, I think, is the point where we can connect their lives with ours. We both desire to learn how to be more devoted to Jesus.”
CH issue #127, contains 7 features and 4 shorter side-bar articles; a chronology time-line; an archive of rare art-work & photos; a ‘letter to the editor’ section and an extensive reading list compiled by the CHM editorial staff. The magazine is available on-line and can be conveniently read, on screen at: www.christianhistorymagazine.org.
The entire CHM archive of 127 issues can be searched, along with related books, videos and study-guides, using the website’s search engine feature. A magazine subscription, combined with its accompanying website, is offered at no-cost as a study resource for home & homeschoolers, church libraries, middle/high schools, as well as to colleges & universities. It is the mission of CHI donors and staff to make this resource as widely and freely available as possible (donations gratefully accepted).
The following articles can be accessed on-line at: What’s Inside?
A spiritual awakening for the laity by Glenn E. Myers
For 300 years, renewal swept Europe.
Everyone a bride of Christ by Glenn E. Myers
Medieval’s developed “bridal mysticism.”
Mystic women’s voices in the Middle Ages by Elizabeth Alvilda Petroff
Women outnumbered men in medieval mysticism.
Like and unlike God by Edwin Woodruff Tait
Much medieval mysticism had an unlikely source: the writings of an anonymous monk.
Seeing Christ crucified in her soul by Joseph Lynch Margery
Kempe’s story gives us a window into the daily lives of many devout medieval people.
Paths of influence by The editors
The spirituality of medieval mystics inspired Christians for centuries.
Timeline: Four vivid centuries by Daniel Bornstein, Thomas O. Kay, and the editors.
The world in which medieval mystics worshiped and wrote.
Imitating Christ by Greg Peters
Thomas à Kempis and the Brothers and Sisters of the Common Life
The agony and the ecstasy by F. Tyler Sergent
Catherine of Siena invited others into a passionate, physical devotion
“A little thing like a nut” by Edwin Woodruff Tait
We know her only as “Lady Julian of Norwich.”
A medieval mystic untimely born? By Kathleen Mulhern
In Brother Lawrence the desires that had motivated medieval mystics found fresh expression.
The fires of love by Matt Forster
From the highest nobility to the lowest working class, medievals heard the call of God over four centuries.
Recommended resources by The issues authors and editors
Here are some recommendations from CH editorial staff and this issue’s authors to help you understand medieval mystics and their world.
Christian History Institute
www.ChristianHistoryInstitute.org
Worcester, PA
August 22, 2018
