Gregory Barhebraeus' Mystical Hermeneutics of the Love of God in Dialogue with Islamic Tradition

This book explores Gregory Barhebraeus' mystical thought and its contemporary relevance by engaging with critical religious studies and the hermeneutical tradition of philosophy. It emphasizes the need for a new language to study mysticism that avoids phenomenological assumptions and attends to the particularity of mystic traditions, such as the Syriac mystic tradition inherited by Barhebraeus.

Format: Hardback
Length: 374 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Gorgias Press

This book delves into the enigmatic realm of Gregory Barhebraeus' mystical thought, exploring its contemporary significance while offering a comprehensive reading of his mystical texts through the lens of critical religious studies and the hermeneutical tradition of philosophy. The methodological cornerstone of my thesis has guided me to place significant emphasis on the language employed in the study of mysticism, seeking to develop a fresh approach that sidesteps the phenomenological assumptions associated with 'mysticism' and instead attends to the unique characteristics of various mystic traditions, including the Syriac mystic tradition that was passed down to Barhebraeus.

In this exploration, I aim to unravel the intricate tapestry of Barhebraeus' mystical writings, contextualizing them within the broader historical and religious landscape of his time. By engaging with critical religious studies, I seek to shed light on the socio-political and cultural factors that shaped his thought and to understand the enduring relevance of his ideas in contemporary society.

Furthermore, I draw upon the hermeneutical tradition of philosophy to analyze and interpret Barhebraeus' texts, employing a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates insights from various fields such as theology, philosophy, and literary criticism. Through this interdisciplinary lens, I aim to unravel the complex layers of meaning embedded within Barhebraeus' mystical writings and to offer a fresh perspective on his thought that resonates with both scholars and practitioners of religion.

In conclusion, this book serves as a valuable contribution to the study of mysticism, offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of Gregory Barhebraeus' mystical thought and its contemporary relevance. By engaging with critical religious studies and the hermeneutical tradition of philosophy, I hope to provide readers with a deeper understanding of Barhebraeus' unique perspective on the divine and the human experience, and to inspire further exploration of the mystical tradition in its myriad forms.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781463242473