The Return to the Mystical Ludwig Wittgenstein, Teresa of Avila and the Christian Mystical Tradition

The 'return of religion' since the beginning of the century has created a renewed interest in spirituality and mysticism. This book is intended as a guide to the most recent scholarship regarding mystical theology. The author takes as his starting point then philosophical writings of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Using these writings he crafts a tool to interpret the Western mystical tradition beginning with the works of Dionysius the Areopagite in the High Middle Ages and moving through such figures as Osuna, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Jean Gerson. His central argument is that what he terms the theologia mystica is an ancient method for effecting transformation of the heart in the individual and as such is ripe for return as an object of serious academic study.

Dr Peter Tyler is Director of the Pastoral Theology programme at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, London. His previous writings include John of the Cross: Outstanding Christian Thinker (Continuum, 2010), Sources of Transformation: Revitalising Christian Spirituality (Continuum, 2010, edited with Dr Edward Howell's) and The Way-of Ecstasy: Praying with St.Teresa of Avila (Canterbury SCM, 1997).