Metaphor, Making and Mysticism: Radical Re-Imaginings in Language and Art (Contemporary Theological Explorations in Mysticism)

This volume focuses on the interplay between metaphor, making, and mysticism and sheds new light on the power of the metaphorical and creative dimensions of the mystical for the twenty-first century. It explores the ways a variety of mystical writers deal with metaphor and image by bringing together chapters from interdisciplinary vantage points – theological, philosophical, historical, artistic, and literary. The book touches on a range of historical and contemporary figures, including Jalal al-Din al-Rumi, John of Ruusbroec, Hadewijch, John Scottus Eriugena and Edward Abbey. In reviewing the place of metaphor in mystical texts (both Christian and Islamic), the contributions reflect on the hard and difficult places both metaphor and mysticism can bring us to. They explore contemporary artists’ engagement with the mystical and how these open up new ways of reimagining our present – moving us beyond static categories such as religion versus secular and Christianity versus Islam. Overall, the book highlights the potential of mysticism to push us beyond comfortable spaces and associations and considers the language and images used to do so.

Sheila Gallagher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art, Art History and Film at Boston College, USA.

Louise Nelstrop is Professor of Church History at the Protestant Theological University in Utrecht, the Netherlands, as well as Director of Studies at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology and a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, UK.

Lydia Shahan is a doctoral student in the Committee on the Study of Religion at Harvard University, USA, where she is also affiliated with the Standing Committee on Medieval Studies.