Discourses on the State and Grandeurs of Jesus: The Ineffable Union of the Diety with Humanity

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Pierre de Bérulle (1575-1629) is a key figure in early modern Catholicism, and this volume offers the first complete English translation of his renowned work, "Discourses on the State and Grandeurs of Jesus." Bérulle's theology emphasizes the faithful soul's participation in Jesus' states, or inner dispositions, focusing on the self-emptying of Jesus in the Incarnation. This translation conveys the meaning, beauty, and rhetorical features of the original, making it a valuable resource for personal devotion, Catholic Reformation studies, and spiritual theology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: The Catholic University of America Press

Pierre de Bérulle (1575-1629): A Prominent Figure in Early Modern Catholicism

Pierre de Bérulle, a prominent figure in early modern Catholicism, left an indelible mark on the Church throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. As the founder of the French school of spirituality, his influence extended far and wide, shaping the spiritual landscape of the time. However, until now, a significant portion of Bérulle's writings has remained largely unavailable in English. This groundbreaking volume seeks to rectify that by presenting the first complete English translation of his renowned work, originally published in Paris in 1623. Titled "Discourses on the State and Grandeur of Jesus, by the Ineffable Union of the Deity with Humanity, and the Submission and Servitude that Is Due Him and His Most Holy Mother in Response to This Wondrous State," this work represents the pinnacle of Bérulle's theological insights.

Composed in the maturity of his life, "Discourses" offers a profound exploration of Bérulle's theology of the Man-God. Unlike other spiritual writers who emphasized the dissolution of sensory and conceptual awareness and the cessation of all voluntary activity, Bérulle's focus lies in the active participation of the faithful soul in what he refers to as Jesus' states, or inner dispositions. The central state that Bérulle adores and elevates in this text is Jesus' state of self-emptying in the mystery of the Incarnation. Through the hypostatic union, Bérulle believes that our humanity in Christ is lifted to heaven, and Christ becomes the first fruit of humanity-made-divine, the firstborn among many brothers. By adopting us as children of God, Christ enables us to partake in God's divine being, fostering a profound sense of belonging and intimacy.

This exceptional translation not only captures the essence of Bérulle's work but also showcases its remarkable beauty and rhetorical prowess. The "Discourses" will resonate with readers as a poignant source of personal devotion, a primary text of the Catholic Reformation, and a timeless classic of spiritual theology. By making Bérulle's insights more accessible to English-speaking audiences, this volume contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of his profound theological vision.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813237657