Anne Hunt (1)

In the sort of fundy-evangelical setting I grew up in, mystics were regarded suspicion for their supposed wooly minded musings on private devotion; however mystics in the Christian tradition were some first rate theologians. In this survey, Angela Hunt examines the Trinitarian thought of eight mystics,— all Western, all Catholic,— four of them men and four women. They range from the twelfth to the twentienth century, and with the possible exception of Miester Eckhart, all were theologically orthodox.

William of Thierry builds on Augustine's psychological model of the trinity (thoughts, heart, volition) and examines how our tripartite inner life participates in the triune God. Hildergaard of Bingen vividly depicts the music of the Triune God. Bonaventure examines the Trinity through the a Christocentric (and Neo Platonic lens). Miester Eckhart images unity in God's inner life, emphasizing the oneness of God. Julian of Norwich unfolds the trinity as a revelation of Divine Love (with Jesus as our mother). Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross show how the mystic's path toward union brings the soul into the Divine life of the Trinity. Elisabeth of the Trinity is the apostle of the Divine Trinity.

Hunts reflections treat one theme in each of these thinkers, albeit a big one (the Trinity). And this is a short book. But often these thinkers are not engaged with, at any depth by contemporary Trinitarian theologians. Some good stuff here, I just wish Hunt broadened her survey to include the Trinitarian mysticism of the Eastern church.… (mais)