Sacrifice and Delight in the Mystical Theologies of Anna Maria van Schurman and Madame Jeanne Guyon
Boyung Lee
November 7, 2014 DOI: 10.2307/jj.21995683 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary |
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| Key points | The text recommends a book on Isaac Ambrose, arguing that it offers seven principles for Evangelical and Reformed theology and piety, including theological themes like mystical union and spiritual practices like contemplation and sharing spiritual practices. The reviewer contends that Protestant students need familiarity with their spiritual and mystical traditions to address spiritual hunger in congregations. |
Abstract
136 Finally, seven principles might guide both Evangelical and Reformed theology and piety. The first three are theological: mystical union correlates with several Reformed theological themes; Ambrose consistently holds a balance between Word and Spirit, creating a biblical theology of experience, a development of a sanctified reading of Scripture, and an experience of the fullness of God; and Ambrose teaches a theology of intentionality, including the cultivation of solitude and other spiritual practices. The last four themes identify the spiritual practices that can best be derived from these earlier theological foundations: retrieve Ambrose’s encouragement that people share their spiritual practices with one another; recover a contemplative attitude and piety; cultivate a biblical integration of contemplation and action; and finally, challenge contemporary people to develop a language of delight and enjoyment in their experiences of God. This book will immediately appear on my reading lists for its historical, theological, and mystical teaching as well as Isaac Ambrose’s major works. My Protestant students often have little or no familiarity with their own spiritual and mystical traditions, which they need if they are going to be effective in responding to the spiritual hunger within the congregations they will serve.