Knowing God by experience
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into the profound theological insights of William of Auxerre, a pivotal yet overlooked figure who shaped medieval Christian thought in the early thirteenth century. Through careful examination of William's groundbreaking work, the Summa Aurea, author Boyd Taylor Coolman reveals how this influential theologian developed a unique understanding of experiencing the divine through what he termed the "spiritual senses."
William of Auxerre emerged during a transformative period when traditional monastic spirituality encountered the rising influence of Aristotelian philosophy at the University of Paris. His theological synthesis bridged these seemingly disparate worlds, creating an approach to knowing God that honored both contemplative tradition and intellectual rigor. This study traces how William pioneered the scholastic understanding of spiritual perception, establishing foundations that would later influence renowned thinkers like Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas.
For contemporary readers seeking deeper spiritual understanding, this work offers valuable insights into how medieval theologians grappled with fundamental questions about divine experience. William's concept of spiritual senses provides a framework for understanding how humans can perceive and connect with the sacred beyond ordinary sensory experience. The book illuminates how this early scholastic thinker navigated the tension between mystical encounter and rational inquiry, offering perspectives that remain relevant for modern spiritual seekers exploring the intersection of faith, reason, and direct religious experience.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 255 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Theologie
- ✓ Explore Gotteserfahrung
- ✓ Explore God
- ✓ Explore Aspect religieux
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
- ✓ Explore God (Christianity)
- ✓ Explore God, history of doctrines
- ✓ Explore Christianisme
