The Cloud of Unknowing and Epistle of the Privy Council

In the Absence of the World, God Resides

De: author unknown

Narrado por: Mel Jackson

"The Cloud of Unknowing," a profound and timeless work of Christian mysticism, is an anonymous 14th-century spiritual guide that delves into the depths of contemplative prayer and the pursuit of a closer union with God. Written in Middle English, this mystical treatise challenges traditional approaches to spirituality, emphasizing a direct and experiential connection with the divine. As the author remains anonymous, scholars have often referred to the text as "the Cloud author," adding an air of mystery to an already enigmatic work. This version is kept at the British Museum and was edited by Evelyn Underhill in 1922.

The Cloud of Unknowing draws on the mystical tradition of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and Christian Neoplatonism, which focuses on negative theology as a way of discovering God. The concept is very simple, yet almost impossible to achieve. If one were to eliminate all things that can be experienced, sensed, thought, dreamed, and conceived, one might “meet” God. All other things made, perceived, sensed, experienced, dreamed, or thought are only creations, reflections, or emanations. They are no more God than the things we create are ourselves. Since God created all things, including our minds, He is beyond all of our abilities to conceive or perceive.

This tradition has reputedly inspired generations of mystics, from John Scotus Eriugena, Nicholas of Cusa, and John of the Cross. Prior to this, the theme of The Cloud even appeared in the Confessions of St. Augustine (IX, 10) written in AD 398.

©2024 Joseph B. Lumpkin (P)2024 Joseph B. Lumpkin