Mystical Journey of Union According to John of the Cross in the Light of Johannine New Testamental Tradition

Mystical Journey of Union According to John of the Cross in the light of johannine New Testamental Tradition This thesis analyzes the mystical development described in the works of a Spanish Carmelite, Saint John of the Cross. According to his teachings, a mystical journey heading towards the Union with God can be envisioned as a process of establishing an intimate relationship between a human person and God. As a result of the transforming effects of God's Love, the human being becomes detached from all his/her desires as he/she learns to prefer God above all things and to depend only on Him. What moves the soul towards God is an openness of mind formed by the theological virtues of Faith, Love and Hope operating together to produce a progress of the spiritual journey. Apart from presenting the core of sanjuanist teachings concentrated on the Union with God, the thesis also compares this teaching with a loving relationship between a disciple and Jesus as conceived in Gospel of John. The argument focuses on the fact that both johannine and sanjuanist depiction of dynamics that brings the soul and God closer to each other reflects the process of entering into friendship not only with God but also with other people. Three dimensions of a friendship slowly coming into existence are dwelt upon:..