Thanks, Chris. And thus I am launched into further study, including a re-read of The Interior Castle with refreshed eyes. Long have I pondered the interplay between the erotic and the mystical, right down to the micro and even the math. Your observations inspire me to both scrutiny and meditation thereon.
I did not know any of this about either of them. I’m amazed at how atrevido both of them were. I guess that explains as much of the moniker of mystic as anything else
Pardon me my good man, but by atrevido is that to say something about one's outspokenness or boldness, as I understand it? I am a devotee of the mystic Joan of Arc and am well aware of her being that way. Thank you.
I liked the different perspectives you took. The way you considered what Fray Juan's life must have been like back in the day and putting his work in that (historical) context is a bit of a lost art (no pun intended) these days. And then applying a post-modern take gives the reader a different point of view of everything without detracting from the other. Very nice!
Yes, The Interior Castle is her greatest masterpiece and most helpful spiritual guide. Much of the fascination of The Autobiography is how she throws sparkling catechetical dust into the eyes of The Spanish Inquisition and deploys rhetorical pyrotechnics to outwit them. Most of this deflection and camouflage was no longer necessary by the time she wrote The Interior Castle and she only intones occasional and perfunctory obeisance to dogma and its enforcers.
Thanks, Chris. And thus I am launched into further study, including a re-read of The Interior Castle with refreshed eyes. Long have I pondered the interplay between the erotic and the mystical, right down to the micro and even the math. Your observations inspire me to both scrutiny and meditation thereon.
I did not know any of this about either of them. I’m amazed at how atrevido both of them were. I guess that explains as much of the moniker of mystic as anything else
Very good point—true of the Apostle Paul, Joan of Arc, and Jan Hus as well
Pardon me my good man, but by atrevido is that to say something about one's outspokenness or boldness, as I understand it? I am a devotee of the mystic Joan of Arc and am well aware of her being that way. Thank you.
Fascinating—welcome to the foyer of the castle. Much to unpack. Looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you Jean!
I miss these, Chris. Another epic piece!
I liked the different perspectives you took. The way you considered what Fray Juan's life must have been like back in the day and putting his work in that (historical) context is a bit of a lost art (no pun intended) these days. And then applying a post-modern take gives the reader a different point of view of everything without detracting from the other. Very nice!
Thank you Alvin—I’m glad it meets your standards! You’re an exceptionally clear thinker.
Well, what a surprise! If you hadn't liked my post on Molone's SS, I never would have read this amazing piece. How refreshing.
Thank you for your kind comment!
Yes, The Interior Castle is her greatest masterpiece and most helpful spiritual guide. Much of the fascination of The Autobiography is how she throws sparkling catechetical dust into the eyes of The Spanish Inquisition and deploys rhetorical pyrotechnics to outwit them. Most of this deflection and camouflage was no longer necessary by the time she wrote The Interior Castle and she only intones occasional and perfunctory obeisance to dogma and its enforcers.