A Mediaeval Mystic: A Short Account of the Life and Writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, Canon Regular of Groenendael A.d. 1293-1381
1869
A Mediaeval Mystic: A Short Account of the Life and Writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, Canon Regular of Groenendael A.d. 1293-1381
1869
Biographies, History - Medieval/Middle Ages, Religion/Spirituality
A Mediaeval Mystic, published in 1869 by Vincent Scully, is a detailed account of the life and writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, a 14th-century mystic. The book highlights Ruysbroeck's humble beginnings, his journey towards a contemplative life, and his significant contributions to Christian spirituality, including his role in founding the community at Groenendael. Scully aims to introduce English-speaking readers to Ruysbroeck's influence, particularly in relation to his contemporaries like Walter Hilton and Gerard Groote.
Editions
A Mediaeval Mystic: A Short Account of the Life and Writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, Canon Regular of Groenendael A.d. 1293-1381
A Mediaeval Mystic: A Short Account of the Life and Writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, Canon Regular of Groenendael A.d. 1293-1381Current
Project Gutenberg · 38 pages
X-Ray
John RuysbroeckProtagonist
A 14th-century Flemish mystic and Canon Regular, known as the Admirable and Divine Doctor. Born in 1293, he became one of the greatest mystics of the Low Countries, writing extensively on contemplative spirituality.
John HinckaertSupporting
Ruysbroeck's uncle, a Canon of St. Gudule's in Brussels who underwent spiritual conversion. He provided education and guidance to young Ruysbroeck and lived in apostolic simplicity.
Francis van CoudenbergSupporting
A Master of Arts and Canon who joined Hinckaert in living the common life. He became Provost of Groenendael and Ruysbroeck's closest companion for over forty years.
Gerard GrooteSupporting
A prominent reformer and founder of the Devout Brothers of the Common Life. He became Ruysbroeck's devoted disciple and helped spread his teachings throughout the Netherlands.
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About A Mediaeval Mystic: A Short Account of the Life and Writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, Canon Regular of Groenendael A.d. 1293-1381
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Ruysbroeck is born in 1293 in the village of Ruysbroeck. At age eleven, he runs away from his loving mother to join his uncle John Hinckaert in Brussels, where he receives education and spiritual formation.
- 2
- Ordained in 1317, Ruysbroeck serves as a chaplain at St. Gudule's for twenty-six years. He lives in apostolic simplicity with his companions and experiences visions of his deceased mother.
- 3
- Ruysbroeck confronts the heretical teacher Bloemardinne and other false mystics of the Free Spirit movement, writing treatises to refute their errors and defend orthodox faith.
Key Themes
- Authentic vs. False Mysticism
- The book extensively explores Ruysbroeck's battle against heretical movements like the Free Spirit, emphasizing the need for orthodox mystical experience grounded in Church authority and sacramental life.
- The Three Ways of Spiritual Life
- Ruysbroeck's central teaching divides spiritual development into active, interior, and contemplative life, showing progressive stages of union with God while maintaining essential distinctions between Creator and creature.
- Humility as Foundation
- Throughout his life and writings, Ruysbroeck emphasized humility as the cornerstone of all spiritual progress, demonstrated through his own simple lifestyle and obedience to authority.
Characters
- John Ruysbroeck(protagonist)
- A 14th-century Flemish mystic and Canon Regular, known as the Admirable and Divine Doctor. Born in 1293, he became one of the greatest mystics of the Low Countries, writing extensively on contemplative spirituality.
- John Hinckaert(major)
- Ruysbroeck's uncle, a Canon of St. Gudule's in Brussels who underwent spiritual conversion. He provided education and guidance to young Ruysbroeck and lived in apostolic simplicity.
- Francis van Coudenberg(major)
- A Master of Arts and Canon who joined Hinckaert in living the common life. He became Provost of Groenendael and Ruysbroeck's closest companion for over forty years.
- Gerard Groote(major)
- A prominent reformer and founder of the Devout Brothers of the Common Life. He became Ruysbroeck's devoted disciple and helped spread his teachings throughout the Netherlands.
- Bloemardinne(antagonist)
- A heretical teacher of the Free Spirit movement in Brussels, known for false mysticism and immoral teachings. Ruysbroeck spent years refuting her writings and influence.
- Thomas à Kempis(minor)
- The venerable author of the Imitation of Christ, connected to Ruysbroeck through the Windesheim Congregation founded by Gerard Groote.
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Scully, Vincent. A Mediaeval Mystic: A Short Account of the Life and Writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, Canon Regular of Groenendael A.d. 1293-1381. Lex, lex-books.com/book/a-mediaeval-mystic-a-short-account-of-the-life-and-writings-of-blessed-john-ruys-f58d1564-9ee2-4b13-b8e6-fec5885821cb.APA
Scully, V. (1869). A Mediaeval Mystic: A Short Account of the Life and Writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, Canon Regular of Groenendael A.d. 1293-1381. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/a-mediaeval-mystic-a-short-account-of-the-life-and-writings-of-blessed-john-ruys-f58d1564-9ee2-4b13-b8e6-fec5885821cbChicago
Scully, Vincent. A Mediaeval Mystic: A Short Account of the Life and Writings of Blessed John Ruysbroeck, Canon Regular of Groenendael A.d. 1293-1381. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/a-mediaeval-mystic-a-short-account-of-the-life-and-writings-of-blessed-john-ruys-f58d1564-9ee2-4b13-b8e6-fec5885821cb.
