 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
Preview first page |
Document Details : Title: Le rôle des mystiques dans la théologie et dans le vie de l'Église Subtitle: Charles André Bernard lit Marie de l'Incarnation Author(s): MUZJ, Maria Giovanna Journal: Studies in Spirituality Volume: 33 Date: 2024 Pages: 209-228 DOI: 10.2143/SIS.33.0.3293663 Abstract : This article delves into Charles André Bernard’s perspective on the role of Christian mystical authors and mysticism in theology. He particularly emphasizes the significance of Marie of the Incarnation’s testimony, recognizing her embodiment of the three classical mystical paths: the inward journey, conformity to Christ, the apostolic mission. Two key points stand out in Bernard’s analysis. Firstly, he underscores the importance of Holy Scripture in mystical life. Familiarity with Scripture not only cultivates the freedom of adhering as well as spiritual understanding, but it also refines theological expression. Secondly, Bernard highlights the consistent use of images taken by mystical authors from the sensitive field, i.e. symbols, to articulate their experiences. He pays special attention to simple or non-formal images: although they look like abstract concepts – ‘the center’, ‘the ground’, ‘the elevation’, ‘the air’ – they have a crucial structuring and unifying role, and thus allow to speak of schemes and of synthetic constellations. Bernard argues that mystical authors’ contribution to theology doesn’t expand the knowledge of Christian faith, but rather organizes it. The point is that their focus rests on a reality, which is first of all a living one. |
|
