Unanticipated Inner Experiences: Three Cases and a Reflection on Discernment
Frans Jozef van Beeck
Toronto Journal of Theology March 1, 2003 DOI: 10.3138/tjt.19.1.7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that a distinctive phase of growth in the affective life with God and with "the neighbour" can be described, has been described by mystics and spiritual theologians familiar with the phenomenology of mysticism, and has been accounted for in philosophical and theological terms. |
Abstract
This essay, "a spiritual-theological sinfonietta in five movements of unequal length" is written to draw the reader's attention to a distinctive phase of growth in the affective life with both God and God's entire human family, the latter often referred to as "the neighbour" (i.e., any actual neighbour(s)). Being distinctive, it is possible to describe it; it actually has been described, not just by "light on" mystics, but also by spiritual theologians familiar with the phenomenology of mysticism. Unsurprisingly in this light, it has also been accounted for, in strictly intellectual—i.e., philosophical and theological—terms.