The Christian Mysticism Podcast

St. John Bosco: The dreaming mystic

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

St. John Bosco (1815–1888) was a mystic who received visions in his dreams so vivid they shaped the future of souls and nations. From prophetic encounters and chilling glimpses of hell to a revolutionary approach to educating troubled youth, in this episode, we explore how one mystic's dreams became a divine blueprint for transforming lives.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Merton: A controversial mystic

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Thomas Merton (1915–1968) was a Trappist monk, bestselling author, and mystic whose life bridged cloistered silence and global controversy. From a restless, scandal-marked youth to a dramatic conversion and controversial activism. Merton sought hiddenness yet became one of the most influential Christian voices of the twentieth century.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Catherine Emmerich: A visionary mystic

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) was an Augustinian Canoness born in Flamschen bei Coesfeld, Westphalia, in northwest Germany in 1774. One of nine children, her family was very poor but faith-filled. She is best known for her visions of Christ and the stunning details recorded of those visions that served as one of the primary sources for the portrayal of the Passion of Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson's epic film, The Passion of Christ.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Essential Books on Christian Mysticism

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

After many requests, Dr. Carlos Eire shares a reading list with our listeners.

Great classic introductions:

Evelyn Underhill, Mysticism: A foundational, comprehensive survey of the mystical path.

The Cambridge Companion to Christian Mysticism, edited by Amy Hollywood & Patricia Beckman): An excellent collection of essays

Understanding Mysticism, ed. Richard Woods: Excellent essays of all the foundational scholarly interpreters of mysticism. Including the following:

David Knowles, “What Is Mysticism?”

Louis Bouyer, “Mysticism: An Essay on the History of the Word”

Margaret Smith, “The Nature and Meaning of Mysticism"

Evelyn Underhill, “The Essentials of Mysticism”

Edward Howells: "Mysticism and the Mystical: The Current Debate"

R. C. Zaehner, Mysticism Sacred and Profane: an Inquiry Into Some Varieties of Praeternatural Experience: A classic

More recent introductions

Stephen Clarke, From Athens to Jerusalem: The Love of Wisdom and the Love of God

Olivier Clément, The Roots of Christian Mysticism

John Macquarrie, Two Worlds Are Ours: An Introduction to Christian Mysticism

Carl McColman, The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism: An Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality

Great historical - analytical surveys:

Louis Bouyer, et. al., A History of Christian Spirituality, 3 volumes: an older classic survey

Vol. 1 The Spirituality of the New Testament and the Fathers

Vol. 2 The Spirituality of the Middle Ages

Vol. 3 Orthodox Spirituality and Protestant and Anglican Spirituality

Bernard McGinn, The Presence of God: A History of Western Christian Mysticism:

A monumental multi-volume series that explores the development of mysticism across different historical periods and theological contexts.

Vol. 1 The Foundations of Mysticism: Origins to the Fifth Century

Vol. 2 The Growth of Mysticism: Gregory the Great Through the 12 Century

Vol. 3 The Flowering of Mysticism: Men and Women in the New Mysticism: 1200-1350

Vol. 4 The Harvest of Mysticism in Medieval Germany: 1300-1500

Vol. 5 The Varieties of Vernacular Mysticism: 1350–1550

Vol. 6.1 Mysticism in the Reformation: 1500-1650

Vol. 6.2 Mysticism in the Golden Age of Spain: 1500-1650

Vol. 6.3 The Persistence of Mysticism in Catholic Europe 1500-1675

Vol. 7 The Crisis of Mysticism: Quietism in Seventeenth-Century Spain, Italy, and France

Bernard McGinn, Modern Mystics: An Introduction (not part of the Presence of God series, but a an essential complement to all of its volumes)

Short surveys

Harvey Egan, Introduction to Christian Mysticism

Steven Fanning, Mystics of the Christian Tradition

William Harmless, Mystics

Richard Rohr, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See

Focus on the corporeal dimension of mysticism:

Montague Summers, The Physical Phenomena of Mysticism

Herbert Thurston, The Physical Phenomena of Mysticism

Focus on Practice:

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection

Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart

Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Practice of Contemplation

An Ocean of Light: Contemplation, Transformation, and Liberation

A Sunlit Absence: Silence, Awareness, and Contemplation

Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation

Contemplative Prayer

Anthologies of Christian mystical texts:

The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, edited by Bernard McGinn

Christian Spirituality: The Classics, edited by Arthur Holder

Light from Light: An Anthology of Christian Mysticism, edited by Louis Dupré

Suggestions for approaching the subject gradually

First step: Read a brief modern guide like that of Harmless or Fanning to get context before diving into the mystical texts.

Second step: Dive into short excerpts from mystical texts in an anthology such as those listed above

Third step: Pair theoretical texts (like Underhill) with devotional texts (like Brother Lawrence or Merton) and entire mystical texts (like the Cloud of Unknowing or The Interior Castle).

Fourth step: Dive into the great surveys (like McGinn), and explore mystical texts from different eras and traditions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emanuel Swedenborg: A most unusual mystic

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian who, in his midlife, became a Christian mystic and visionary after a profound spiritual awakening. Unlike most mystics, however, Swedenborg did not follow the usual steps to mysticism and many of his visions are like nothing we have heard about before, making him a most unusual mystic.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Relics and Mysticism

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

What is the connection between relics and mysticism? In this episode, we look at how relics have played an important role throughout church history, including the relics of well-known mystics. Mysticism joins the heavenly realm with the earthly realm, and we find that relics can do the same.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fr. Thomas Keating: Centering Prayer

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Father Thomas Keating (1923 – 2018) was an American Trappist monk who took the form of prayer used by Christian mystics over the past centuries and presented in a modern and accessible manner, so everyone can partake of it. Although considered controversial by some, Centering Prayer bears a very close resemblance to how Christian mystics used prayer to connect with God and the divine.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Gertrude of Helfta: Constant contact with the Divine

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

St. Gertrude of Helfta (1256–1302) was a 13th century German nun who enjoyed constant contact with the divine through her mystical experiences. Known also as Gertrude the Great, her writings were very influential and inspired St. Teresa of Avila and many other mystics throughout the centuries.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mystical Visions

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Mystics can experience mystical visions that give them insight into the spiritual realm and that can bring messages from God. Whether they are visions of Christ Himself, the Virgin Mary, Angels, or even other saints, this mystical phenomenon plays a vital role in the life of mystics. In this episode, we go over the three types of visions mystics experience and discuss some of the messages they convey to them and to the world.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mystical Apparitions

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

For many Christian mystics who live holy lives of prayer and dedication, visions of heavenly beings are not out of the ordinary. However, heavenly visions are not always exclusive to mystics. Throughout church history, apparitions of heavenly beings have appeared countless times to regular people, often children, sometimes creating confusion and many times changing lives, countries, and even regions. In this episode, we talk about apparitions, mystical visions experienced by non-mystics.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Madame Guyon: A mystic for Catholics and Protestants

Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Born at the end of the 30-Year’s War, the worst bloodbath ever in Christian history, with Protestants and Catholics killing each other, involving most western European nations, Catholic mystic Madame Guyon (Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de La Motte Guyon 1648 -1717) devoted herself to a life of prayer amidst intense suffering. Ironic for her era, her mysticism crossed confessional lines and appealed to both Catholics and Protestants.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The persecution of mystics

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Why do so many mystics endure investigations, persecutions, and even imprisonment and execution? Mystics are always a potential challenge to church and civil authorities. If they are close to God – or united with God – they can claim higher authority than anyone else. Nevertheless, there are also any mystics who escaped close scrutiny and persecution.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux: The anti-mystic mystic

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) was a French Carmelite nun and a Doctor of the Church. She is known for her autobiography, Story of a Soul, which is still a popular spiritual read today. She is one of the most popular saints of the 20th century and still very popular today. St. Thérèse was never known for exhibiting the physical phenomena or ecstasies many other mystics throughout history have shown, and actually considered herself an anti-mystic. However, her deep understanding of scripture and her connection to God shows she definitely had a mystical connection to the divine.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love in Christian Mysticism

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Love is an absolutely essential component of Christian mysticism. It is the driving force as well as the ultimate goal: to know God and to love God. But like all other aspects of Christian mysticism, it is deeply wrapped in paradox.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mysticism and the embrace of pain and suffering

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Pain and suffering is part of every mystical journey and throughout history, Christian mystics have embraced it. The classic path to mysticism can be described in three steps: purgation, illumination, and union. But for Christian mystics, the purgation never ends. In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire delves into the lives of Christian mystics and explains how they considered pain and suffering a gift from God.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Faustyna Kowalska: The Secretary of Divine Mercy

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:56 GMT

Maria Faustyna Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, OLM (1905 – 1938) was a Polish Catholic religious sister and mystic. Faustyna had apparitions of Jesus Christ, which inspired the Catholic devotion to the Divine Mercy and earned her the title of the "secretary" of Divine Mercy.

Throughout her life, Kowalska reported having visions of Jesus and conversations with Him, which she noted in her diary, later published as The Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul. Her biography, submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, quoted some of the conversations with Jesus regarding the Divine Mercy devotion.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bible and Mysticism: Part 2 - The New Testament

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:41 GMT

The Christian Bible is full of imagery and instruction that Christian mystics have used as inspiration and direction in their mystical journeys. In our last episode, Dr. Carlos Eire shared a sampling of Old Testament scripture that Christian mystics have used and meditated on over the centuries. In this episode, we explore the New Testament and how Christian mystics used it as inspiration.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bible and Mysticism Part 1: The Old Testament

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:00:46 GMT

The Christian Bible is full of imagery and instruction that Christian mystics have used as inspiration and direction in their mystical journeys. In this episode, Dr Carlos Eire shares a sampling of Old Testament scripture that Christian mystics have used and meditated on over the centuries. In the next episode, we'll explore the New Testament and the inspiration mystics found in that scripture.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mysticism and madness

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:00:44 GMT

Is the human brain the source of mystical experience? You may be surprised to learn scientists have been able to map the part of the brain that becomes active when individuals are in prayer, but that doesn't necessarily mean mysticism is just a hallucination or psychosis. In this episode, we discuss how the brain plays a role in mysticism and how modern psychology's penchant to pathologize mystical experiences as a mental disorder may be too quick to discredit real mysticism.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Gemma Galgani: The suffering mystic

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:00:56 GMT

St. Gemma Galgani (March 12, 1878 -- April 11, 1903) was a “Daughter of the Passion” and lived a short life of intense veneration and imitation of Christ’s passion despite her own physical and emotional pain. She received the gift of the stigmata at the age of 21 and experienced mystical experiences with Christ, the Virgin Mary, and her guardian angel.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mysticism and exorcism

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:00:11 GMT

In this episode, we discuss the intersection between Christian mysticism and the phenomena of demonic possession and exorcism.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Padre Pio: The modern-day mystic

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 04:00:28 GMT

St. Padre Pio (1887-1968) was a 20th century ecstatic mystic, much like the mystics from the early age. A healer who was obviously influenced by St. Francis, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and several other mystics, he was best known for the physical and paranormal phenomena that accompanied his ecstasies, especially the stigmata, bilocation, levitation, the ability to read minds and predict future events.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evelyn Underhill: A pioneer in the modern study of mysticism

Thu, 02 May 2024 04:00:55 GMT

Evelyn Underhill (1875 - 1941) was an Anglican and a pioneer in the modern study of mysticism who brought the teachings and writings of early Church mystics to a largely Protestant audience. She was the first woman to lecture to the clergy in the Church of England, and the first woman officially to conduct spiritual retreats for the Church. She was also the first woman to establish ecumenical links between churches and one of the first woman theologians to lecture in English colleges and universities,

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Martin de Porres: Living a mystical life without explaining it

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:00:19 GMT

St. Martín de Porres (1579-1639) was a Peruvian mystic, the son of a freed black slave and a Spanish nobleman, who despite the discrimination he suffered for the color of his skin, never lost his humility or his great peace. His mystical life of bilocation, levitation, instances of glowing, and numerous miracles were known only to those who witnessed or experienced them, since he seemingly never wrote any of it down and never tried to explain it. However, it was his great humility, the legend of which has endured for centuries since his death, that has endeared him to his followers and led to his canonization in 1962.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Ignatius of Loyola: The nobleman and soldier who became a mystic

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:00:34 GMT

Born in 1491, St. Ignatius of Loyola was a nobleman who wanted to be a soldier, but a serious injury took him off the battlefield and led to an unexpected conversion. He dedicated his life to God and prayer, leading him to dedicate his sword to the Virgin Mary. His intense mystical experiences were documented in his autobiography and his path to mysticism in his famous work, The Spiritual Exercises. St. Ignatius went on to found the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), with missionaries that spread all over the known world.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi: The dramatic mystic

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 04:00:17 GMT

Born in 1566 to one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Florence, St. Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi joined the convent at the age of 16 and soon after began experiencing dramatic and intense visions where she conversed with the Holy Trinity. During these visions, the nuns in her convent wrote down her words as she conversed with the Son, the Father, and the Holy Spirit together, and separately.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Imitation of Christ: The mystic's handbook

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:00:05 GMT

Written in the 15th century around the same time as the invention of the printing press, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis was printed in several languages and became a bestseller. It is widely regarded as the most important devotional work in Catholic Christianity and one of the most-read devotional works next to the Bible. It undoubtedly helped many Christian mystics in that era and beyond to develop a closer relationship to Christ on their quest for mystical experiences. Furthermore, it was also a source of personal inspiration and support for Dr. Carlos Eire during a difficult time in his childhood, which he shares with us in this episode.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Gregory of Nyssa: The father of mysticism

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:00:32 GMT

St. Gregory of Nyssa was a 4th century Bishop who is highly revered by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church in the west. His take on prayer, Christocentric focus, theosis (divinization), and emphasis on God as infinitely transcendent illuminates a pathway to Christian mysticism and the divine.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque: The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:55 GMT

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque was a 17th century French nun who experienced mystical visions with Jesus, where He revealed to her His Sacred Heart and His love for her and all humanity. In those visions, she was instructed to tell the world all about this love, and she did. This led to the popularization of venerating the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Programming Note: The next episode of the Christian Mysticism Podcast will air on February 22nd, instead of the usual second Thursday of the month. In March, we will return to our regular podcast schedule of the first and third Thursday of every month.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mother Ivonne-Aimée: Battling demons and Nazis

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:46 GMT

Augustinian nun Marie Yvonne-Aimée de Jésus Beauvais, also known as Mother Yvonne-Aimée de Malestroit, was born in 1901 and died in 1951. A true 20th century mystic from France, Yvonne-Aimée was part of the French Resistance during WWII, helping Jews, Allied prisoners, and others escape Nazi occupied France. Although she could be classified as an affective mystic focusing on the love of Jesus, she also battled Nazis in real life and demons during her ecstasies.

Here is a video of Mother Yvonne-Aimée receiving a medal from Charles de Gaulle for her heroric efforts during the Nazi occupation:

https://youtu.be/BhPlovxOa6E

Here are some of her sayings, highlighting her affective mysticism:

https://littlestsouls.wordpress.com/2015/10/04/merciful-revelations-to-sr-yvonne-aimee-d-1951/

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Near Death Experiences and Mysticism

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 05:00:33 GMT

What is the phenomenon of a Near Death Experience? Is there a connection with mysticism? In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire explores the visions experienced by some who have died and come back to life with incredible stories to tell of what they saw on "the other side," both wonderful and frightening. Although not short of critics and skeptics, medical studies and veridical evidence provide a compelling argument for their existence and their possible connection to mysticism.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Mystical Christmas

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:15 GMT

For children, Christmas is full of mystery and mysticism. But many of the Christmas symbols we all enjoy today also have their origins in Christian mysticism. On this special Christmas episode, Dr. Carlos Eire explores some of those symbols and their deep connections to Christian mysticism.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Anthony of the Desert: The father of monasticism

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:30 GMT

St. Anthony of the Desert (251 -- 356 AD) was one of the first Christian hermits whose mystical ecstasies had him struggling with demons and eventually led him to an Eden-like way of life. Also known as St. Anthony the Great, he is considered one of the fathers of monasticism, blazing a trail for future monastics and inspiring millions of Christians.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Joseph of Cupertino: The extreme levitator

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:00:40 GMT

Although older, St. Joseph of Cupertino (1603 - 1663) was a contemporary of Sir Isaac Newton, but St. Joseph never cared to obey the law of gravity. Known as the "village idiot" since childhood, St. Joseph went on to levitate in front of countless witnesses, including the pope and even royalty, leading many of them to conversion. His extreme levitation was documented by some of the most prominent people of the day, leaving little doubt he was truly a mystic, and a unique one at that.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They Flew: A history of the impossible

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 04:00:11 GMT

In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire talks about his new book, They Flew: A History of the Impossible. The book explores the seemingly impossible physical phenomena of levitation and bilocation by Christian mystics, as well as some of the charlatans who managed to fake these feats. Dr. Eire's book also delves into malevolent mysticism, including witches and those who claimed to receive their powers from Satan.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mystical Heresy: The Troublesome Dimension of Mysticism

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:00:43 GMT

Given Christianity's 2,000-year history, the number of mystical heretics is relatively small, but occasionally they pop up. Throughout history, there appear to be outbreaks almost every century, one of the largest ones taking place in the 14th century with the Free Spirit Heretics. In this episode, we explore that movement and others all the way to the 20th century.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Catherine of Genoa: Purgatory and the Afterlife

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:00:15 GMT

St. Catherine of Genoa (Caterina Fieschi Adorno, 1447 – 1510) experienced mystical raptures that gave her profound insights on purgatory and the afterlife. She was beatified 1675 and canonized 1737. St. Catherine was born to a rich and powerful family in Genoa, Italy and married off at an early age, but endured a horrible marriage. That led to her conversion and life of prayer and penance. St. Catherine devoted herself to working at a hospital, and her husband eventually converted as well and joined her at the hospital.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Catherine of Siena: The Affective Mysic

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 04:00:20 GMT

St. Catherine of Siena was a 14th century Dominican nun and affective mystic who was very focused on love and the salvific dimension of Christ’s suffering. St. Catherine was also a stigmatist, theologian, philosopher, and helper to the poor and suffering as well as a highly esteemed peace negotiator and political ambassador, even serving as such for popes.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Hildegard of Bingen: The Visionary Mystic

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:21 GMT

St. Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th century German nun and mystic who eventually was canonized and given the title of doctor of the church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. She was not only a visionary mystic who was given the gift of seeing and understanding the deepest mysteries of the Christian faith through spectacularly colorful images, but St. Hildegard was also a woman with incredible achievements. Among those achievements were being an abbess, a writer, a poet, a composer, a dramatist, a philosopher, a botanist, and a medical writer and practitioner.

St. Hildegard's music also matched her incredible visions. There are more surviving chants by St. Hildegard than by any other composer from the entire Middle Ages, Moreover, she is one of the few known medieval composers to have written both the music and the words.

Here are some links you can follow to see and hear St. Hildegard's brilliance as we discuss in this episode:

Illustrations for Scivias (Know the Way)

https://www.healthyhildegard.com/scivias-illustrations/

Text for Scivias (Know the Way)

http://www.columbia.edu/itc/english/f2003/client_edit/documents/scivias.html

Illustrations and text for Liber Divinorum Operum (Book of Divine Works)

http://www.hildegard-society.org/p/liber-divinorum-operum.html

Hildegard's music

http://www.hildegard-society.org/p/music.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Clyua6LKk (9 hours of music)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8MGiPo5IxU&list=RDEMpkCeOPHCumrjqOP395xk5A&start_radio=1&rv=0YTOiJ-zjP0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYcEChBSClo&list=OLAK5uy_nJez_L5_xEzOeIgUp4rEsPrdri_ZJIG-E

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. John of the Cross: The poetic and scientific mystic

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT

16th century mystic St. John of the Cross was a very complex man who had a difficult life. However, his moving poetry and scientific detailed accounts showed a pathway to God within. A close associate of St. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross was focused on self-emptying and self-abandonment, with close similarities to Meister Eckhart and the Cloud of Unknowing.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Protestant Mysticism: Is there such a thing?

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 04:00:18 GMT

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century not only changed how Christians viewed the Church, but also how they viewed mysticism. In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire discusses the startling differences between Protestant mysticism and the mysticism of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The different conception of human nature and our relationship with God held by Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin led to a completely different perception of mysticism. It also bred rebellion among Protestants, who took mysticism to the extreme.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Venerable Maria de Jesus de Agreda: The Lady in Blue

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 04:00:42 GMT

The Venerable Maria de Jesus de Agreda was a 17th century Franciscan Conceptionist nun whose life was filled with mystical ecstasies and revelations. She experienced extreme bilocation, traveling to the other side of the world to spread the gospel to Native Americans without ever leaving her convent. She also received visits from the Virgin Mary where she dictated her life story to Maria de Agreda, who wrote it all down in a multi-volume tome with a million words.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Francis of Assisi: The Nature Mystic

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:00:49 GMT

St. Francis of Assisi was the first Christian mystic to manifest the Stigmata, and he went on to experience almost every other mystic physical phenomena along with divine encounters with Christ. Francis had a deep love for God's creation and was known as the "Nature Mystic," but he also extolled the virtues of poverty and was on the front lines confronting the Cathar heresy and Waldensian heresy in the 13th century.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Physical Phenomena of Mysticism

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 04:00:47 GMT

On this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire discusses the physical phenomena exhibited by mystics from both past and current history. From cataleptic ecstasies, levitation, and bilocation, to stigmata, telepathy, and incorruptible bodies, Dr. Eire explains the amazing feats of Christian mystics that defy nature. We also talk about the failed attempts by science to explain these phenomena, which brought about the rise of dogmatic materialism.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Teresa of Avila: Part 2

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 04:00:54 GMT

Few Christian mystics wrote so much about their divine encounters with God and provided as much rich detail as St. Teresa of Avila. The Spanish saint described them as ecstasies, all while the Spanish Inquisition was examining her experiences and looking for heresies. In this episode, the second and final pert of this two-episode series on St. Teresa, Dr. Carlos Eire describes some of the many mystical encounters she wrote about and how her mysticism continued until her death and beyond.

In the previous episode (Part 1), Dr. Eire went over her incredible life that some would say was as amazing as her mystical encounters with God. We spoke about the life of St. Teresa of Avila, her setbacks and amazing accomplishments during the Spanish Inquisition, and the family secret that if it had ever been discovered, might have ended her calling in the Church.

Dr. Carlos Eire has written a wonderful book on the life of St. Teresa of Avila: The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila: A Biography. You can get a copy of it HERE.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Teresa of Avila: Part 1

Thu, 18 May 2023 04:00:13 GMT

St. Teresa of Avila led an incredible life that some would say was as amazing as her mystical encounters with God. In the first part of this two-part series, we look at the life of St. Teresa of Avila, her setbacks and amazing accomplishments during the Spanish Inquisition, and the family secret that if it had ever been discovered, might have ended her calling in the Church.

In the next episode of the podcast, we will delve into St. Teresa's mystical experiences and divine encounters.

Dr. Carlos Eire has written a wonderful book on the life of St. Teresa of Avila: The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila: A Biography. You can get a copy of the it HERE.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julian of Norwich

Thu, 04 May 2023 04:00:09 GMT

Julian of Norwich was a 14th-century English hermit nun whose extreme dedication to God led to her having intense visions of Christ. Julian wrote extensively about those visions, providing us with unique perspectives on the Christ's love for us, sin and redemption, and our place in God's universe. The story and visions of Julian and her message of hope have regained popularity in modern times, where she is perhaps best known for the words she received from Christ in one of her visions: “All things shall be well, all manner of things shall be well...”

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meister Eckhart

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 04:00:16 GMT

Meister Eckhart was a unique mystic who believed the spark of the divine existed inside every person and God was found within oneself, not outside oneself. A very popular 14th century theologian and preacher, Eckhart's teachings were ultimately deemed heretical by Pope John XXII, who put him on trial for heresy. Nevertheless, even though he died before his trial was completed, Meister Eckhart's loyal disciples continued his legacy for centuries.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hesychasts and The Cloud of Unknowing

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:00:46 GMT

The Hesychasts in the Eastern Orthodox churches and The Cloud of Unknowing from the western church both hold up mystical prayer as a pathway to the spiritual realm and closer communion with God. In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire discusses the similarities and differences between these two methods of prayer, which provide what some may call a mystical How-To manual.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:00:11 GMT

Dr. Carlos Eire takes us through the history of 12th century mystic St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a mystic theologian and Cistercian reformer who had incredible influence not only in the church but in politics as well.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monasticism: The struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:00:59 GMT

In this episode we learn about monasticism and how the monastic lifestyle of unceasing prayer and extreme denialism in a fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil produced countless mystics in the early church as well as today, making monetarism and mysticism inseparable.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Augustine: The Prince of Mystics

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:00:23 GMT

Born in 354 A.D., St. Augustine was a convert to Christianity who went on to become the Bishop of Hippo. His search for the Truth and God led him on a path of discovery both intellectual and mystical, which we discuss in this episode.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 05:00:28 GMT

Unhappy with the influence of Greek philosophy on Christianity, third-century Christian author Tertullian once asked, "What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?" In this episode, Dr. Carlos Eire takes us on a deep dive into the influences of Greek philosophy regarding the concepts of body, mind, and soul and how it helps us to better understand Christian mysticism.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Origins of Christian Mysticism

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 05:00:13 GMT

In this episode of the Christian Mysticism Podcast, Dr. Carlos Eire discusses the origins of Christian mysticism, from its roots in Jewish tradition to the pagan influences of Greek philosophy.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is mysticism?

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:17:27 GMT

In our first episode of the Christian Mysticism Podcast, Dr. Carlos Eire defines what is mysticism and explains what traits makes a person a mystic.

If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming Soon! The Christian Mysticism Podcast

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 15:15:08 GMT

Introducing the Christian Mysticism Podcast with your hosts Alberto de la Cruz and Dr. Carlos Eire, Religious History Professor at Yale University, coming soon in January 2023.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.