The Mystical Element of Religion, as studied in Saint Catherine of Genoa and her friends, Volume 1 (of 2)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

50205

Title

The Mystical Element of Religion, as studied in Saint Catherine of Genoa and her friends, Volume 1 (of 2)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Baron Friedrich von Hügel's seminal work explores the mystical element of religion through the life and doctrine of Saint Catherine of Genoa. Blending historical criticism, philosophical inquiry, and spiritual depth, this volume offers a profound examination of the soul's journey toward divine union, set against the backdrop of early modern Catholicism.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Mystical Element of Religion,' Baron Friedrich von Hügel presents a profound study of Saint Catherine of Genoa and her spiritual circle, structured to explore the intersection of history, philosophy, and religious experience. The work is divided into three distinct parts: historico-critical, philosophical, and religious. Von Hügel meticulously disentangles the chaotic records of Catherine's life, piecing together original manuscripts from 1547 to reveal a complex tapestry of texts, glosses, and eyewitness accounts. He carefully distinguishes between Catherine's authentic teachings and later legendary additions inserted by Franciscan scribes seeking edification. Central to the text is Catherine's doctrine regarding the soul's self-chosen purification and her intense experiences with 'fire at the heart.' Von Hügel argues that true religion requires a trinity of interests: the external/institutional, the internal/intellectual, and the internal/emotional. He traces these elements through human history, demonstrating their evolution from fetichism to mature faith. A key theme is the compatibility of scientific sincerity with deep spiritual passion; Von Hügel asserts that these are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. The narrative moves from a critical biography to a broader philosophical essay, illustrating how Catherine's life serves as a model for integrating rigorous historical analysis with profound spiritual experience. The author further explores the distribution of these three religious elements among different ages, professions, and races, noting that while tradition provides the vocabulary of faith, individual interiority provides the grammar. He examines how these elements interact within major world religions, from Greek cultus to Christianity, highlighting the persistent tension and necessary balance between institutionalism, intellectualism, and mysticism. Ultimately, the work aims to provide 'substance and spiritual food' by uniting these great interests of the human soul, offering a path where historical truth and spiritual fervor coexist without contradiction.

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Categories

• Religion
• Biography