Two Sessions on 'Poor in Ourselves, Rich in God' The Anthropology of the Mystics of the Low Countries'
Presented at the International Medieval Congress in Leeds, UK, July 11-14, 2011
In the development of Western medieval thought, the contemplative, mystical tradition has a controversial role. Especially in the late Middle Ages, some mystical texts appeared to be problematic in the intellectual context of those days. It can be argued that one of the reasons for it is a different understanding of the human person. In order to explore the depth of the experience of the encounter with God, mystical literature presupposes a specific anthropology, which is not necessarily shared by others. In these sessions we will focus on the literary tradition of the Low Countries, and analyze some key concepts of the anthropology of major authors of this tradition, paying attention to the development of these concepts in a changing historical context.
Papers:
The Semantic Field of 'Sinne' in Hadewijch: An Exploration
Veerle Fraeters, Ruusbroecgenootschap, Universiteit van Antwerpen
Jan van Ruusbroec: The Indwelling and Non-Identity of 'Being' (Wesen) and 'Suprabeing' (Overwesen)
Rob Faesen, Faculty of Theology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven / Ruusbroecgenootschap, Universiteit van Antwerpen
Possessing the Unfathomable: Ruusbroec's Anthropology and Its Relation to His Conception of 'Minne'
Patrick Ryan Cooper, Faculteit Godgeleerdheid, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Terminology of the Soul According to Hendrik Herp O.F.M. (d. 1477)
Thom Mertens, Ruusbroecgenootschap, Universiteit van Antwerpen
Encountering God Within: The Innermost Part of the Person in the Arnhem Mystical Sermons
Ineke Cornet, Faculty of Theology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Multilayeredness of the Highest Faculties of the Spirit According to the Arnhem Mystical Sermons
Kees Schepers, Ruusbroecgenootschap, Universiteit van Antwerpen
