The journey to God through the spirituality of Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582)
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Authors
Vietri, Christopher Daniel
Issue Date
2009-08-25T10:55:41Z
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Christian Spirituality , Teresa of Ávila , Interior Castle , Mysticism , Contemplation , Prayer , Meditation , Humility , Union with God , Dark Night of the Spirit
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study sets out to determine whether Teresa of Ávila's spirituality, especially her treatise, The Interior Castle, can still provide an appropriate guide for the journey to God in the world of the 21st century. This remarkable book offers a particularly unique contribution to Christian literature. To accomplish this goal, a study of the nature of Christian Spirituality is undertaken, followed by a brief history of Christian spirituality. This provides a backdrop for an examination of the historical setting against which the Interior Castle was written. The study then explores the seven mansions of the Interior Castle to gain an understanding of the journey to God and examines some of the most important and recurring themes in the book. The stages and forms of prayer which are central to the Interior Castle are discussed and the mystical experiences of the 'dark night of the spirit' and union with God are analysed. Lastly, the findings are evaluated to ascertain whether Teresa's writings are still relevant in this contemporary era for those embarking upon the journey towards God.
Description
Citation
Vietri, Christopher Daniel (2009) The journey to God through the spirituality of Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582), University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1690>