RELG 336 - Embodied Mysticism and Negative Theology

FC ARHU WADV

4 credits
This seminar will focus on two prominent and intertwined strains: the embodied mysticism particularly associated with medieval women and apophatic or negative theology. Negative theology seeks to strip away conceptions and to dismantle language until one is left surrounded by the darkness. No one thing defines medieval female mysticism, but commonalities and distinctive features include eucharistic devotion and bodily mysticism. We will investigate the practice of finding mystical ecstasy through corporeal reality, the medieval association of women with bodies, the political and religious authority granted some female mystics, and the censure or burning of others.