Grace in the Ordinary
The Mysticism of Ordinary Life January 26, 2023 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780192866967.003.0002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Rahner's universalized mystical theology, built on the experience of uncreated grace and rooted in Christian mystical sources, remains theologically Christian despite its scholastic and idealist philosophical framing. The chapter also contends that Rahner favors an Ignatian ascetical "indiferencia" in his account of ordinary life, raises questions about his approach to gender while noting possibilities for feminist reception, and interprets his lifelong practice of mystical prayer. |
Abstract
Abstract This chapter clarifies the contributions of one of the most significant Catholic theological proponents of the mysticism of ordinary life. It discusses Rahner’s understanding of mysticism in relation to his account of the experience of uncreated grace and his retrieval of mystical sources from the Bible and early, medieval, and modern Christianity. It demonstrates that although he draws on scholastic and idealist forms of philosophy to universalize mystical theology, these do not undermine the Christian theological status of his work. It explains different ways that he parses the meaning of ordinary life, while showing his preference for an Ignatian style of ascetical indiferencia. It raises questions about his approach to gender, while noting possibilities for feminist reception. Finally, it interprets his lifelong practice of mystical prayer.