Christian Mysticism: Book & Resource Recommendations

If you are looking for an overview of the history of Christian mysticism, several classic works provide a helpful entry point.

For a foundational study on the nature and development of mystical consciousness, Evelyn Underhill’s Mysticism is a significant resource. She structures her work in two parts: the first serves as a broad introduction to the subject through the lenses of metaphysics, psychology, and symbolism, while the second offers a more detailed examination of the development of the spiritual consciousness [5]. She emphasizes the importance of utilizing critical, accurate texts when studying these figures, noting that many of her own citations have been updated to reflect more reliable scholarly editions [4, 5].

If you prefer to engage with the historical development of these movements through the lens of church history, Philip Schaff’s History of the Christian Church is a helpful reference. His volumes on the Middle Ages cover various figures and currents within the movement, including the German mystics and influential writers like Bernard of Clairvaux, Hugo of St. Victor, and Thomas Aquinas [1, 2]. You may also find value in the bibliography provided in Schaff's work, which points toward a wide range of academic sources and specialized monographs for those who wish to dig deeper into specific periods or individual thinkers [1, 2].

Charles Hodge’s Systematic Theology also addresses the subject, particularly by tracing the historical roots of mysticism in the early church—such as Montanism—and its continued presence throughout the medieval period [3, 6].

I hope these suggestions provide a useful starting point as you explore the history and traditions of Christian mysticism.