IMC 2017: Sessions
Session 1126: Mysticism and Otherness, I: Others and Otherness in Mystical Texts
Wednesday 5 July 2017, 11.15-12.45
| Sponsor: | Institute for the Study of Spirituality, KU Leuven / Ruusbroecgenootschap, Universiteit Antwerpen |
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| Organiser: | Rob Faesen, Institute for the Study of Spirituality, KU Leuven / Ruusbroecgenootschap, Universiteit Antwerpen |
| Moderator/Chair: | Louise Nelstrop, St Benet's Hall, University of Oxford / School of Critical Studies, University of Glasgow |
| Paper 1126-a | The 'Strangers' (vreemden) in the Work of Hadewijch (Language: English) Index terms: Language and Literature - Dutch, Lay Piety, Theology, Women's Studies |
| Paper 1126-b | The Mystic as an 'Other' in the Vitae (Language: English) Index terms: Language and Literature - Dutch, Lay Piety, Theology |
| Paper 1126-c | 'Difference' and 'Otherness' in Ruusbroec (Language: English) Index terms: Language and Literature - Dutch, Theology |
| Abstract | This session investigates 'otherness' as it appears in mystical texts, especially from the Low Countries. Not only do these mystics experience vividly the otherness of those who do not share their spiritual life - as it is expressed by Hadewijch (13th century) - the mystics themselves also are perceived by their family and friends as 'other' - a theme that appears clearly in the vitae of the mulieres religiosae from the Diocese of Liège. On a theological level, John of Ruusbroec argues that precisely the otherness of God (who is the Other in the most radical sense of the word) is constitutive for the genuine union with Him. |