Entering Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle: A Reader's Companion

by Gillian T. W. Ahlgren

Overview

This book explains the seven stages of the spiritual journey described in the classic Interior Castle. Here, Teresa of Avila, the great Spanish mystic and theological Doctor of the Church, meticulously (and metaphorically, using striking marriage and nature imagery) details the theological doctrine of transformative union with the incarnate, Triune God that systematically evolved over the course of her lifetime of spiritual experiences and scriptural knowledge. In seven sections of this companion, paralleling those of Interior Castle, Gillian Ahlgren clearly and methodically explicates each passage of the soul, which is envisioned as a crystal castle made of many rooms-from stillness and contemplative prayer, to humbling self-knowledge, to understanding of the potentiality of the human-divine union, and to the center of the seventh, the place of transformative union, and the deeper, theological insights into God.
Completing the work is an introductory overview of the saint's life and spiritual output, as well as timelines and bibliography.
An especially valuable chapter considers the potential of Teresa's spiritual journey to shape our own.

Highlights:
" Discusses the concepts of self, psyche, agape and eros
" Includes the insights of Julian of Norwich's Showings, Origen's Commentary on the Song of Songs, Teresa of Avila's Life; and those of Karl Rahner, Bernard McGinn, Edward Howells, and Rowan Williams
" Perfect supplement for college courses
" Accessible as well to general readers
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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780809143160
Publisher:	Paulist Press
Publication date:	07/01/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.38(w) x 8.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Gillian T.W. Ahlgren, who holds a PhD in the history of Christianity from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, is professor of theology at Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH.
She is the author of several books and articles, as well as lecturer, commentator and giver of retreats.