Jan van Ruusbroec, Mystical Theologian of the Trinity

Jan van Ruusbroec (12931381), a Flemish mystical theologian, was one of the most original Trinitarian thinkers in the medieval West. Yet, his workswritten in Middle-Dutchhave remained relatively unknown. In this book, Rik Van Nieuwenhove presents the first major study in English of Ruusbroecs thought. Van Nieuwenhove explores in detail Ruusbroecs theology of the Trinity, his anthropology, Christology, and his understanding of union with God. Van Nieuwenhoves study reveals that Ruusbroec, while incorporating aspects of the rich theological and spiritual tradition that preceded him, wrote at the beginning of a modern age in which mystical theology changed radically in nature. Ruusbroec claimed that the divine Persons are subject to an eternal dynamic of procession or out-going from the Father, on the one hand, and returning to the shared divine essence, on the other. The human person is called to participate in this continuous ebbing and flowing by leading a life that combines contemplation and charitable activity. Ruusbroec argued that mysticism should be interpreted in terms of a transformation of the human person rather than in terms of an immediate experience of God. Jan van Ruusbroec, Mystical Theologian of the Trinity is an innovative, original study of one of late medieval theologys undiscovered treasures. Written in clear, accessible language, this new interpretation of Ruusbroecs theology will appeal to all those interested in mysticism, medieval theology, and the doctrine of the Trinity.