Christian mysticism is an aspect of Christian experience where Christians believe that they have had some contact with God (Boon, lecture, Aug. 24, 2015). It is through these extraordinary claims that give an individual authority, power, and an experience that goes beyond the human realm. Beatrice of Nazareth was an author, a nun, a Christian, and most importantly (for the purpose of this discussion) a mystic. In her writing of early mystic literature, the Seven Steps of Love, she eloquently proses the ways in which a person can become one with Christ through a series of cyclical steps.
By analyzing the techniques that mystic Beatrice of Nazareth utilizes in the Seven Steps of Love, I will expand upon broad topics discussed throughout …show more content…
I argue that Beatrice of Nazareth makes modern readers extremely comfortable with erotic language by the same methods of repetition and
Murray 4 construction of the erotic language. However, she is unique among medieval mystics because her language is arguably less violent and destructive than other mystics like Angela of Foligno and Hadewijch.
In essence, erotic language allows Beatrice and other mystics to conquer their “female flaws” through consummation with Christ, ultimately becoming a part of him and him a part of her. In consummation, Beatrice is no longer a female and Christ is no longer male, allowing Beatrice to surpass the humanizing constraints of gender and body (Hollwyood, “Suffering Transformed,” 104-5). Beatrice, in her sixth stage, capitalized on the idea of the “flawed female” by allowing the feminine nature of the word “love” to transform her soul and conquer her …show more content…
Fire, in regards to the erotic body, represents both a desire to become closer and an agent of wounding. Fire is synonymous for wounding and saving- wounding through desire. This is depicted in the fifth stage of love where suffering achieves salvation in the “devouring flames” that allow the spirit to be awakened and “fed” (Carton, “Beatrice of Nazareth,” 38). It can also be a state of wanting, desire, and passion as exemplified in the first stage, where the word ardent describes the burning desire that comes from love (Carton, “Beatrice of Nazareth,”
By analyzing the techniques that mystic Beatrice of Nazareth utilizes in the Seven Steps of Love, I will expand upon broad topics discussed throughout …show more content…
I argue that Beatrice of Nazareth makes modern readers extremely comfortable with erotic language by the same methods of repetition and
Murray 4 construction of the erotic language. However, she is unique among medieval mystics because her language is arguably less violent and destructive than other mystics like Angela of Foligno and Hadewijch.
In essence, erotic language allows Beatrice and other mystics to conquer their “female flaws” through consummation with Christ, ultimately becoming a part of him and him a part of her. In consummation, Beatrice is no longer a female and Christ is no longer male, allowing Beatrice to surpass the humanizing constraints of gender and body (Hollwyood, “Suffering Transformed,” 104-5). Beatrice, in her sixth stage, capitalized on the idea of the “flawed female” by allowing the feminine nature of the word “love” to transform her soul and conquer her …show more content…
Fire, in regards to the erotic body, represents both a desire to become closer and an agent of wounding. Fire is synonymous for wounding and saving- wounding through desire. This is depicted in the fifth stage of love where suffering achieves salvation in the “devouring flames” that allow the spirit to be awakened and “fed” (Carton, “Beatrice of Nazareth,” 38). It can also be a state of wanting, desire, and passion as exemplified in the first stage, where the word ardent describes the burning desire that comes from love (Carton, “Beatrice of Nazareth,”