Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle is often hailed as a masterpiece of Christian mysticism, but let's cut through the reverential fog and call it what it is: a convoluted, self-indulgent mess. Written in 1577, this so-called spiritual guide drags the reader through a tortuous maze of theological mumbo jumbo, all while Teresa pats herself on … Continue reading The Mystical Maze: Teresa of Avila’s Blueprint for Spiritual Confusion
Tag: God
Cain: A Descent into Darkness
The individual in this painting appears utterly wretched, a little like myself, however, I'm not feeling wretched because I've committed fratricide, thankfully - our subject here though, has. So, for your edification, read on... Julius Paulsen’s painting, Cain, is an unsettling, morose portrayal of one of the most infamous characters in biblical lore. It is … Continue reading Cain: A Descent into Darkness
And Can it Be
For a change, let's have a look at hymn, a hymn very close to my heart for reasons I won't bore you with, except to say, that when I hear it, my chest aches, my throat finds the lump that's happy to be there, and my eyes well up. "And Can It Be" is a … Continue reading And Can it Be
The Sinner’s Inner Struggle
The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg is a complex and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of religion, morality, duality, and the nature of evil. Set in 18th-century Scotland, the novel follows the life of Robert Wringhim, a young man who believes himself to be predestined for salvation due … Continue reading The Sinner’s Inner Struggle
To the Land of Dreams I Run
To the land of dreams I run, When the day makes off with the sun. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28 There comes a time, as the last embers of daylight are swallowed by the abyss of night, when I … Continue reading To the Land of Dreams I Run