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Mysticism in Early Modern England examines a vital juncture in the history of Christian mysticism. Exploring both Catholic and Protestant views across the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, the book argues for a re-evaluation of the cross-denominational appeal of mystical spirituality. It traces the mysticism of figures such as the Benedictine Augustine Baker, the Familist preacher John Everard, the millenarian Jane Lead, and the Cambridge Platonist writers Henry More and John Worthington. At the same time, it explores the arguments of a number of early modern critics including Meric Casaubon and Edward Stillingfleet, who viewed mysticism with suspicion and ridicule, a product of melancholy and madness incompatible with learned theological and doctrinal discussions. The book contends that the early modern period ultimately saw the association of mysticism with sectarianism, radicalism and religious enthusiasm, resulting in a negative connotation that lasted well into the twentieth century. It also explores connections between England and the Continent, suggesting that parallel and interconnected criticisms of mysticism occurred in France, Italy and Germany over the period. In analysing this significant change in attitude towards mysticism, the book suggests that recent scholarly attempts to 'return' mysticism to modern religious institutions and mainstream histories of religion can be viewed as a direct response to the rejection of mysticism in the early modern period.

Mysticism --- 248 <420> "17" --- 248 <420> "17" Spiritualite. Ascese. Mystique. Theologie ascetique et mystique. Devotion--Engeland--18e eeuw. Periode 1700-1799 --- 248 <420> "17" Spiritualiteit. Ascese. Mystiek. Vroomheid--Engeland--18e eeuw. Periode 1700-1799 --- Spiritualite. Ascese. Mystique. Theologie ascetique et mystique. Devotion--Engeland--18e eeuw. Periode 1700-1799 --- Spiritualiteit. Ascese. Mystiek. Vroomheid--Engeland--18e eeuw. Periode 1700-1799 --- Dark night of the soul --- Mystical theology --- Theology, Mystical --- Spiritual life --- Negative theology --- History --- Christian spirituality --- anno 1600-1699 --- anno 1700-1799 --- Great Britain