The cloud of unknowing

[JM]

Any thoughts on the Western mystical work titled, The cloud of unknowing?

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

One of my favorites because it acknowledges and experience of God beyond the rational faculties. Big influence on the shape of Christian mystical theology. St. Bonaventure's Journey of the Mind into God is another good example.

 

[ArmyMatt]

what is that work about?

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

what is that work about?

Bonaventure? It about a seven step ascent to the threshold of God.
I. Of the Stages in the Ascent to God and of His Reflection in His Traces
in the Universe

II. Of the Reflection of God in His Traces in the Sensible World

III. Of the Reflection of God in His Image Stamped upon Our Natural Powers

IV. Of the Reflection of God in His Image Reformed by the Gifts of Grace

V. Of the Reflection of the Divine Unity in Its Primary Name, Which Is
Being

VI. Of the Reflection of the Most Blessed Trinity in Its Name, Which Is
Good

VII. Of the Mental and Mystical Elevation, in Which Repose Is Given to the
Intellect When the Affections Pass Entirely into God through Elevation

THE MIND'S ROAD TO GOD

REFACE This translation of St. Bonaventura’s “Itinerarium Mentis ad Deum” is addressed to undergraduate students of the history of philosophy who may wish to read a work of a great medieval Franciscan thinker. I have used the Latin text of the Franciscan Fathers contained in...

www.crossroadsinitiative.com

 

[Lukaris]

I have heard of it and based on a glance from a Wikipedia article, it seems like it might be ok. It is said to draw from Dionysius the Aeropogite ( also haven’t read) although I know St. Maximos the Confessor does also ( have read a fair amount of). The Cloud seems to practice negative or apophatic theology

Apophatic theology - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

I believe that is a major understanding within Orthodoxy. This is above my pay grade. I believe I also heard that “The Cloud” was embraced by people with a fluid sense of spirituality of various faiths. This is not the fault of the writer of “The Cloud” but probably creates misunderstandings of it.

The Cloud of Unknowing - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[JM]

I have this copy.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Bonaventure? It about a seven step ascent to the threshold of God.
I. Of the Stages in the Ascent to God and of His Reflection in His Traces
in the Universe

II. Of the Reflection of God in His Traces in the Sensible World

III. Of the Reflection of God in His Image Stamped upon Our Natural Powers

IV. Of the Reflection of God in His Image Reformed by the Gifts of Grace

V. Of the Reflection of the Divine Unity in Its Primary Name, Which Is
Being

VI. Of the Reflection of the Most Blessed Trinity in Its Name, Which Is
Good

VII. Of the Mental and Mystical Elevation, in Which Repose Is Given to the
Intellect When the Affections Pass Entirely into God through Elevation

THE MIND'S ROAD TO GOD

REFACE This translation of St. Bonaventura’s “Itinerarium Mentis ad Deum” is addressed to undergraduate students of the history of philosophy who may wish to read a work of a great medieval Franciscan thinker. I have used the Latin text of the Franciscan Fathers contained in...

www.crossroadsinitiative.com

thanks!

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I have heard of it and based on a glance from a Wikipedia article, it seems like it might be ok. It is said to draw from Dionysius the Aeropogite ( also haven’t read) although I know St. Maximos the Confessor does also ( have read a fair amount of). The Cloud seems to practice negative or apophatic theology


I believe that is a major understanding within Orthodoxy. This is above my pay grade. I believe I also heard that “The Cloud” was embraced by people with a fluid sense of spirituality of various faiths. This is not the fault of the writer of “The Cloud” but probably creates misunderstandings of it.

I think I got confused. I was thinking of "The mystical Theology" of Pseudo-Dionysius. I like it because it is short. It is very early before The Cloud even. Very influential. St John of the Cross, Bonaventure and other mystics.

http://www.sophia-project.org/uploads/1/3/9/5/13955288/dionysius_mysticaltheology.pdf

even better with notes.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f23bfdbdc63bd117de1a77f/t/60d36ba8eb5e3718b0dd9db8/1624468410717/Dionysius+-+Mystical+Theology+%28%2B+CH+I%29.pdf

 

[Clare73]

I have heard of it and based on a glance from a Wikipedia article, it seems like it might be ok. It is said to draw from Dionysius the Aeropogite ( also haven’t read) although I know St. Maximos the Confessor does also ( have read a fair amount of). The Cloud seems to practice negative or apophatic theology

Apophatic theology - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

I believe that is a major understanding within Orthodoxy. This is above my pay grade. I believe I also heard that “The Cloud” was embraced by people with a fluid sense of spirituality of various faiths. This is not the fault of the writer of “The Cloud” but probably creates misunderstandings of it.

The Cloud of Unknowing - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Amen!