Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality
September 1, 2025
Hansol Goo
The essay argues that mysticism and sacraments both involve a transforming encounter with God's presence, a theme central to McGinn's work on modern mystics. Drawing on figures like Simone Weil and Michel de Certeau, it suggests that viewing mysticism as a lived, grace-filled reality can enrich sacramental theology, particularly for people on social and ecclesial margins, including migrants and practitioners of popular piety.
Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality
September 1, 2025
Shelby L. Hall
An autistic woman scholar examines Julian of Norwich's life through an autistic lens, arguing that Julian's anchoritic spirituality—her need for solitude, intense focus on special interests, and heightened sensory sensitivity—enabled her mystical experiences and the creation of her Revelations. The essay critiques the deficit narrative of autism in psychology and theology, instead framing autistic traits as strengths within spiritual and monastic traditions. It expands understanding of neurodivergent spirituality by grounding it in long-standing practices.
Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality
March 1, 2025
Miriam Jessie Fisher
An essay explores how the biblical practice of leaving harvest edges for the needy can frame contemplative artmaking and community engagement. Artmakers act as contemplative 'sowers' who create gleaning spaces—publicly offered artworks that invite strangers into moments of contemplation. A project called Pocket Wisdom exemplifies this concept. Stitching is highlighted as a pathway for contemplative practice, and artmaking offers communities and individuals opportunities for contemplation. The artmaker 'sews and sows,' while the beholder 'gleans.'
Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality
September 1, 2024
Bo Karen Lee
Trauma affects both psyche and body, and two Christian spiritual practices—Ignatian meditation and bio-spiritual focusing (BSF)—offer healing pathways. The essay, originally a presidential address, outlines trauma's nature and sources, then explores how imaginative Ignatian prayer and BSF can aid recovery. It also examines the theological significance of Christ's solidarity with sufferers, proposing that Christ provides compassionate witness and embodied presence for those healing from trauma.
Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality
March 1, 2008
Bernard Mcginn
Mystical consciousness, rather than isolated mystical experiences, offers a more complete framework for understanding claims of direct divine presence. Drawing on Bernard Lonergan's transcendental method, the essay analyzes the writings of Meister Eckhart, Nicholas of Cusa, and John of the Cross to argue that mystical consciousness is the meta-conscious co-presence of God throughout the entire process of experiencing, understanding, affirming, loving, and deciding. This approach addresses theoretical and historical complexities surrounding the modern term 'mystical experience' and provides a deeper account of how mystics describe attaining God's presence.