The Christian Mysticism Podcast

Evelyn Underhill (1875 - 1941) was an Anglican and a pioneer in the modern study of mysticism who brought the teachings and writings of early Church mystics to a largely Protestant audience. She was the first woman to lecture to the clergy in the Church of England, and the first woman officially to conduct spiritual retreats for the Church. She was also the first woman to establish ecumenical links between churches and one of the first woman theologians to lecture in English colleges and universities, If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Martín de Porres (1579-1639) was a Peruvian mystic, the son of a freed black slave and a Spanish nobleman, who despite the discrimination he suffered for the color of his skin, never lost his humility or his great peace. His mystical life of bilocation, levitation, instances of glowing, and numerous miracles were known only to those who witnessed or experienced them, since he seemingly never wrote any of it down and never tried to explain it. However, it was his great humility, the legend of which has endured for centuries since his death, that has endeared him to his followers and led to his canonization in 1962. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in 1491, St. Ignatius of Loyola was a nobleman who wanted to be a soldier, but a serious injury took him off the battlefield and led to an unexpected conversion. He dedicated his life to God and prayer, leading him to dedicate his sword to the Virgin Mary. His intense mystical experiences were documented in his autobiography and his path to mysticism in his famous work, The Spiritual Exercises. St. Ignatius went on to found the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), with missionaries that spread all over the known world. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in 1566 to one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Florence, St. Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi joined the convent at the age of 16 and soon after began experiencing dramatic and intense visions where she conversed with the Holy Trinity. During these visions, the nuns in her convent wrote down her words as she conversed with the Son, the Father, and the Holy Spirit together, and separately. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Written in the 15th century around the same time as the invention of the printing press, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis was printed in several languages and became a bestseller. It is widely regarded as the most important devotional work in Catholic Christianity and one of the most-read devotional works next to the Bible. It undoubtedly helped many Christian mystics in that era and beyond to develop a closer relationship to Christ on their quest for mystical experiences. Furthermore, it was also a source of personal inspiration and support for Dr. Carlos Eire during a difficult time in his childhood, which he shares with us in this episode. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Gregory of Nyssa was a 4th century Bishop who is highly revered by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church in the west. His take on prayer, Christocentric focus, theosis (divinization), and emphasis on God as infinitely transcendent illuminates a pathway to Christian mysticism and the divine. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque was a 17th century French nun who experienced mystical visions with Jesus, where He revealed to her His Sacred Heart and His love for her and all humanity. In those visions, she was instructed to tell the world all about this love, and she did. This led to the popularization of venerating the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Programming Note: The next episode of the Christian Mysticism Podcast will air on February 22nd, instead of the usual second Thursday of the month. In March, we will return to our regular podcast schedule of the first and third Thursday of every month. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Augustinian nun Marie Yvonne-Aimée de Jésus Beauvais, also known as Mother Yvonne-Aimée de Malestroit, was born in 1901 and died in 1951. A true 20th century mystic from France, Yvonne-Aimée was part of the French Resistance during WWII, helping Jews, Allied prisoners, and others escape Nazi occupied France. Although she could be classified as an affective mystic focusing on the love of Jesus, she also battled Nazis in real life and demons during her ecstasies. Here is a video of Mother Yvonne-Aimée receiving a medal from Charles de Gaulle for her heroric efforts during the Nazi occupation: https://youtu.be/BhPlovxOa6E Here are some of her sayings, highlighting her affective mysticism: https://littlestsouls.wordpress.com/2015/10/04/merciful-revelations-to-sr-yvonne-aimee-d-1951/ If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the phenomenon of a Near Death Experience? Is there a connection with mysticism? In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire explores the visions experienced by some who have died and come back to life with incredible stories to tell of what they saw on "the other side," both wonderful and frightening. Although not short of critics and skeptics, medical studies and veridical evidence provide a compelling argument for their existence and their possible connection to mysticism. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For children, Christmas is full of mystery and mysticism. But many of the Christmas symbols we all enjoy today also have their origins in Christian mysticism. On this special Christmas episode, Dr. Carlos Eire explores some of those symbols and their deep connections to Christian mysticism. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For children, Christmas is full of mystery and mysticism. But many of the Christmas symbols we all enjoy today also have their origins in Christian mysticism. On this special Christmas episode, Dr. Carlos Eire explores some of those symbols and their deep connections to Christian mysticism. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Anthony of the Desert (251 -- 356 AD) was one of the first Christian hermits whose mystical ecstasies had him struggling with demons and eventually led him to an Eden-like way of life. Also known as St. Anthony the Great, he is considered one of the fathers of monasticism, blazing a trail for future monastics and inspiring millions of Christians. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although older, St. Joseph of Cupertino (1603 - 1663) was a contemporary of Sir Isaac Newton, but St. Joseph never cared to obey the law of gravity. Known as the "village idiot" since childhood, St. Joseph went on to levitate in front of countless witnesses, including the pope and even royalty, leading many of them to conversion. His extreme levitation was documented by some of the most prominent people of the day, leaving little doubt he was truly a mystic, and a unique one at that. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire talks about his new book, They Flew: A History of the Impossible. The book explores the seemingly impossible physical phenomena of levitation and bilocation by Christian mystics, as well as some of the charlatans who managed to fake these feats. Dr. Eire's book also delves into malevolent mysticism, including witches and those who claimed to receive their powers from Satan. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Given Christianity's 2,000-year history, the number of mystical heretics is relatively small, but occasionally they pop up. Throughout history, there appear to be outbreaks almost every century, one of the largest ones taking place in the 14th century with the Free Spirit Heretics. In this episode, we explore that movement and others all the way to the 20th century. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Catherine of Genoa (Caterina Fieschi Adorno, 1447 – 1510) experienced mystical raptures that gave her profound insights on purgatory and the afterlife. She was beatified 1675 and canonized 1737. St. Catherine was born to a rich and powerful family in Genoa, Italy and married off at an early age, but endured a horrible marriage. That led to her conversion and life of prayer and penance. St. Catherine devoted herself to working at a hospital, and her husband eventually converted as well and joined her at the hospital. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Catherine of Siena was a 14th century Dominican nun and affective mystic who was very focused on love and the salvific dimension of Christ’s suffering. St. Catherine was also a stigmatist, theologian, philosopher, and helper to the poor and suffering as well as a highly esteemed peace negotiator and political ambassador, even serving as such for popes. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon). If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th century German nun and mystic who eventually was canonized and given the title of doctor of the church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. She was not only a visionary mystic who was given the gift of seeing and understanding the deepest mysteries of the Christian faith through spectacularly colorful images, but St. Hildegard was also a woman with incredible achievements. Among those achievements were being an abbess, a writer, a poet, a composer, a dramatist, a philosopher, a botanist, and a medical writer and practitioner. St. Hildegard's music also matched her incredible visions. There are more surviving chants by St. Hildegard than by any other composer from the entire Middle Ages, Moreover, she is one of the few known medieval composers to have written both the music and the words. Here are some links you can follow to see and hear St. Hildegard's brilliance as we discuss in this episode: Illustrations for Scivias (Know the Way) https://www.healthyhildegard.com/scivias-illustrations/ Text for Scivias (Know the Way) http://www.columbia.edu/itc/english/f2003/client_edit/documents/scivias.html Illustrations and text for Liber Divinorum Operum (Book of Divine Works) http://www.hildegard-society.org/p/liber-divinorum-operum.html Hildegard's music http://www.hildegard-society.org/p/music.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Clyua6LKk (9 hours of music) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8MGiPo5IxU&list=RDEMpkCeOPHCumrjqOP395xk5A&start_radio=1&rv=0YTOiJ-zjP0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYcEChBSClo&list=OLAK5uy_nJez_L5_xEzOeIgUp4rEsPrdri_ZJIG-E If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16th century mystic St. John of the Cross was a very complex man who had a difficult life. However, his moving poetry and scientific detailed accounts showed a pathway to God within. A close associate of St. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross was focused on self-emptying and self-abandonment, with close similarities to Meister Eckhart and the Cloud of Unknowing. If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century not only changed how Christians viewed the Church, but also how they viewed mysticism. In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire discusses the startling differences between Protestant mysticism and the mysticism of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The different conception of human nature and our relationship with God held by Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin led to a completely different perception of mysticism. It also bred rebellion among Protestants, who took mysticism to the extreme. If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast. You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.