Louis Dupre (1925–2022)

I'm somewhat puzzeld by the subtitle of this book. "Introduction"? To whom is Christian mysticism being introduced? The book is based on a series of lectures given to Cistercian monks at Gethsamani Abbey, Kentucky. Does this audience need an "introduction" to the topic? Especially when much of the text consists of quotations from and allusions to (and, hence, would seem to presume familiarity with) the classic authors in the field: Pseudo-Diounysius, Meister Eckhart, Jan Ruusbroec, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Catherine of Siena, Evelyn Underhill. Far from the writing exemplifying "engaging, conversational style", as claimed by the book jacket, most of it is written in acadamese, except, of course, for the quotes. So the general, lay public is unlikely to find this a particularly stimulating introduction. And yet, Dupre combusts in the central chapters "The Divine Love of the Creature," and "The Imitation of Christ." Here, he speaks with more than scholarly conviction and, as a result, grazes the nub. Perhaps this represents something of a self-introduction.… (mehr)