IMC 2019: Sessions

Session 317: Does Matter Matter to Medieval Mystics?, III: Theoretical Approaches

Monday 1 July 2019, 16.30-18.00

Sponsor:	Mystical Theology Network / University of Oxford
Organiser:	Louise Nelstrop, St Benet's Hall, University of Oxford / Department of Theology & Religious Studies, York St John University
Moderator/Chair:	William P. Hyland, School of Divinity, University of St Andrews
Paper 317-a	Does Matter Matter for the Union with God according to John of Ruusbroec? (Language: English) Rob Faesen, Institute for the Study of Spirituality, KU Leuven / Ruusbroecgenootschap, Universiteit Antwerpen Index terms: Language and Literature - Dutch, Theology
Paper 317-b	The Excessive Significance of Resurrected Flesh in Later Medieval Metaphysics (Language: English) Christopher Wojtulewicz, Department of Theology & Religious Studies, King's College London Index terms: Philosophy, Theology
Paper 317-c	Contemplation in Adam Scot’s De tripartito tabernaculo (Language: English) Beatrise Bandeniece, School of Divinity, University of St Andrews Index terms: Monasticism, Religious Life, Theology
Abstract	These three sessions explore questions around the status of (im)materiality in mystical-theological discourse in a variety of medieval places, times, and languages. Is the purpose of mystical discourse ultimately to lead to the annihilation of the body and the self in union with God or is there abiding value to the material world? The papers in these sessions will address this central theological question from a variety of perspectives, including theoretical approaches that inquire into the nature of contemplation and union with God, the use of spatial and material metaphors in mystical texts, and questions surrounding the body and the self.