Spiritual Formation as the Heros Journey in John of Ruusbroec

This book examines the theology of spiritual formation developed by fourteenth-century Flemish mystic John of Ruusbroec, arguing that his formational path clearly and consistently displays the characteristics of the archetypal narrative structure of the heros journey. To start with, a hermeneutical dialogue between scholars of the heros journey and Ruusbroec is established, employing the work of Hans-Georg Gadamer. The author then examines the stages and tropes of the heros journey according to Vladimir Propp, Joseph Campbell, Northrop Frye, Ren Girard, Dean Miller, and others, exploring the parallels in Ruusbroecs writing and theology of spiritual formation. The book follows Ruusbroecs story of answering the divine call, journeying inward and experiencing the trials of spiritual transformation, attaining the treasure of divine union, and returning in loving service to others. Finally, the ramifications of the argument for the interpretation and application of other mystical and heroic narratives are considered. Offering a new perspective on John of Ruusbroec, mystical theology, and the heros journey as a spiritual quest, this volume will be of interest to scholars of mysticism, theology, formative spirituality, narrative theory, and religious literature of the Low Countries.