The Counter Reformation: St. John of the Cross

Beginning with an erudite historical essay on the phenomenon of mysticism, Silent Music, chronicles St. John's life story - from his humble birth in 1542, through his career as a professional religious, to his death in 1591 - placing the man and his spirituality squarely in their historical-cultural context. Herrera probes the saint's rigorous life of contemplation and his classic writings on such subjects as union with God and the "dark night of the soul", clarifying St. John's understanding of the mystical experience and paying particular attention to the notion of detachment and the recurring motifs of darkness, flame, and ascent in St.John's writings. His careful analysis of St. John's thought is enriched with examples from philosophy, psychology, literature, spirituality, and art - material not usually found in such a study. -Jacket.

"When Gods Die" is a study that offers a unique insight for adult Christians seeking more substance in their spirituality.It provides an excellent summary of the major writings of St.John of the Cross:The Ascent of Mount Carmel,The Dark Night,The Spiritual Canticle and The Living Flame of Love.Author John Welch offers stimulating reflection by referring to Carl Jung,Bernard Lonergan,and James Fowler for further insight on the teachings of John of the Cross.-Jacket.

The Contemporary Challenge of John of the Cross offers a clear and simple introduction to the life, writings, and message of the Mystical Doctor, stressing always the practical applications of his teaching and example for today's Christians.

Gerald Brenan presents a biography of St.John of the Cross,covering his childhood and education,his association with St.Teresa of Avila, his imprisonment,torture and escape,and his final official disgrace and death.The account is written with great sensitivity and always with an eye to the following exposition and criticism of the poetry which introduces the translations of St.John's poems by Lynda Nicholson.The translations avoid the two extremes of literal prose translation and complete reconstruction into a new poem distinct from the original.They give the reader something very near their literal prose sense,yet catch in many places the rhythm and intonation of the original.By referring to the original version on the facing page,even the reader with a very rudimentary knowledge of Spanish should find accessible much of the purity and richness of St.John's poetry.

"One of the greatest lyrical poets in Spanish of any age, St. John of the Cross (1542-1591) enjoys an authoritative status as a theologian and teacher of the mystical road to union with God. This full-length study, vividly written in a style accessible to contemporary readers, devotes a separate chapter to each of St. John's major works, citing the original Spanish and providing English translations throughout. Looking for connections between his verse and prose, Colin Thompson argues for a theological understanding of the intensely beautiful and moving poems. He seeks to explain the principles that guide St. John in his exploration of the self and its encounter with the divine, and provides an analysis of the poet' most famous symbol - the dark night of the soul."--Jacket.

This volume contains carefully chosen texts that give a picture of the "essential" St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), a Spanish Carmelite. Included are selections from The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night, and Spiritual Canticle.

This volume contains 15 studies on movements of religious reform and the literary conventions of the period from 1491 to 1591. It concentrates on the life and writing of Ignatius Loyola and the writings of John of the Cross.