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Jessie Ball duPont Library

Christian Mysticism and Spirituality Research Guide

A guide to the research of Christian Mysticism and Spirituality for the School of Theology at the University of the South

Welcome

This guide is intended to help you find some of the fundamental resources for research in the area of Christian Mysticism & Spirituality. This is not a comprehensive list; rather, these are a few of the best research tools to help you get started.

The tabs to the side will open pages of resources.

Online Reference Collections

Credo Reference Search Box

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Credo Reference

Other Helpful Skills

Polish some of the research skills that will be necessary for research, writing, and presentation across multiple academic disciplines. 

Reference Books in Mysticism/Spirituality in the Library

The New Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality

This new volume, replacing The Westminster Dictionary of Spirituality by Gordon S. Wakefield (1983), stands as the definitive reference work on all aspects of Christian spirituality. Several years in the making and comprised of more than four hundred completely new entries, this volume incorporates the collective expertise of today's foremost scholars in the field of Christian spirituality. Systematically organized and alphabetically arranged for maximum ease of use, the book includes comprehensive bibliographies; a section of short essays on the content, methods, and current debates in the field; and reading lists to encourage additional reading and research.

The Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality

The Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality is a comprehensive single-volume introduction to Christian spirituality, and represents the most significant recent developments in the field. Offers a thoroughly interdisciplinary, broadly ecumenical, and representative overview of the most significant recent developments in the field Comprises essays combining rigorous academic scholarship with accessible and elegant writing Reflects an understanding of the field as the study of the lived experience of Christian faith and discipleship Provides material on biblical, historical, and theological foundations, along with treatment of contemporary issues

The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality

The years 1987 and 1990 saw the publication of two unprecedented and immediately popular reference works, The New Dictionary of Theology and The New Dictionary of Sacramental Worship. The present work, The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, edited by Michael Downey, is intended as a companion to these, with a parallel aim and purpose. The NDCS is a collaborative attempt to take stock of the remarkable developments in the Church and the world since the Second Vatican Council, but with a specific focus on the reform and renewal of Catholic spirituality that the Council set in motion. The dictionary is intended to serve as a reliable theological and pastoral resource, not just for experts, but for al those interested in spirituality: teachers at al levels, writers, preachers, and students. In addition to the over 500 entries, the dictionary includes alphabetical and topical indices, cross-referencing, and running heads al in a durable binding. Entries include: Prayer by John H. Wright, SJ Grace by Roger Haight, SJ Experience by Tad Dunne Praxis by Rebecca S. Chopp Sacraments by David N. Power, OMI Faith by Mary Ann Fatula, OP Hope by Monika K. Hellwig Love by Elizabeth Dreyer Virtue by Paul J. Wadell, CP Discernment of Spirits by Michael J. Buckley, SJ History of Christian Spirituality by Richard Woods, OPWestern Medieval Spirituality by Walter H. Principe, CSB Feminist Spirituality by Sandra M. Schneiders, IHM Early Christian Spirituality by Daniel J. Harrington, SJ Patristic Spirituality by David G. Hunter Reformation and Catholic Reformation Spiritualties by John W. O'Malley, SJ Modern Spirituality by Thomas F. McKenna, CM Contemporary Spirituality by James J. Bacik Apostolic Spirituality by Mary Milligan, RSHM Benedictine Spirituality by Terrence G. Kardong, OSB Cistercian Spirituality by Michael Casey, OCSO Franciscan Spirituality by Michael Blastic, OFM Conv Dominican Spirituality by Ronald J. Zawilla Ignatian Spirituality by Harvey D. Egan, SJ Lay Spirituality by Edward C. Sellner Trinitarian Spirituality by Catherine M. LaCugna and Michael Downey Christian Spirituality by Walter H. Principe, CSB