A World Transfigured

Reviews / Votes

"Philip Sheldrake has written a compelling and thoughtful account of mysticism-as a critical dimension of religious thought and practice and as a dynamic part of everyday life. Intelligent, accessible and compassionate, A World Transfigured illuminates what it means to live from a deeper ground and why it matters. A beautiful, profound and important book."
Douglas E. Christie, PhD, Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
"A World Transfigured is a stunning work: a deeply informed and quite moving exploration of the origins, interpretations, and practitioners of 'mysticism.' As a seasoned scholar, Philip Sheldrake can be counted on to gather together in a particularly lucid manner the vast and complex scholarship on whatever subject he tackles, wrestling deftly with all vexing questions. At the same time, he manages to lure us into the depths of the human spirit in its various faith expressions as it continues its never-ending journey of desire beyond what can be known."
Wendy M. Wright, PhD, Professor Emerita of Theology, Creighton University
"Mysticism and language have always been complex partners. In his newest book, Philip Sheldrake manages the difficult task of helping these sometimes chaotic partners dance together beautifully. Speaking directly to the reader's mind and heart, his work is succinct yet encompassing, accessible yet groundbreaking, and organically timely. While opening human perception to spirituality, wonder, desire, love, ethics, and more, Sheldrake's comprehensive vision brings mysticism to life. To all of life."
Steven Chase, is research fellow at Studium, St. Benedict's Monastery, editor of the journal Spiritus, and author of Nature as Spiritual Practice, Job: A Theological Commentary on the Bible, and Angelic Spirituality: Medieval Perspectives on the Ways of Angels
"Mysticism, Professor Sheldrake tells us in this fascinating new book, 'has a subversive quality' which will always challenge 'the post-Enlightenment emphasis on knowledge.' For those wanting to explore this fundamental aspect of both Christianity and world religions, I can warmly recommend A World Transfigured. Taking five categories of the mystical journey: desire and love; knowing and unknowing; wonder and beauty; daily practice and prophecy-
Sheldrake brings a life-time of scholarship to opening up this disputed area. Highly recommended for both the seasoned scholar and the general reader."
Peter Tyler, St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London
"Philip Sheldrake is one of the most important theologians of our time precisely because of his talent for combining his vast historical knowledge of Christian thought and practice together with his ability to address contemporary issues in an inspiring way. He accomplishes this yet again in A World Transfigured, an accessible and succinct reflection on mysticism and the possibilities it holds for what he calls 'the crises of our modern age and with the intense human needs that result from this.' All readers will undoubtedly be inspired by his vision of possibilities for the moral, intellectual, and spiritual transfiguration of our fractured and endangered world. This is a readable, fascinating, and hopeful book."
Julia A. Lamm, Professor of Theology, Georgetown University "Offers a wealth of insight and would also be useful for a university course on mysticism."
Theological Studies