Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, and theologian who, in his midlife, became a Christian mystic and visionary after a profound spiritual awakening. Unlike most mystics, however, Swedenborg did not follow the usual steps to mysticism and many of his visions are like nothing we have heard about before, making him a most unusual mystic.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

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What is the connection between relics and mysticism? In this episode, we look at how relics have played an important role throughout church history, including the relics of well-known mystics. Mysticism joins the heavenly realm with the earthly realm, and we find that relics can do the same.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

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Father Thomas Keating (1923 – 2018) was an American Trappist monk who took the form of prayer used by Christian mystics over the past centuries and presented in a modern and accessible manner, so everyone can partake of it. Although considered controversial by some, Centering Prayer bears a very close resemblance to how Christian mystics used prayer to connect with God and the divine.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

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St. Gertrude of Helfta (1256–1302) was a 13th century German nun who enjoyed constant contact with the divine through her mystical experiences. Known also as Gertrude the Great, her writings were very influential and inspired St. Teresa of Avila and many other mystics throughout the centuries.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

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Mystics can experience mystical visions that give them insight into the spiritual realm and that can bring messages from God. Whether they are visions of Christ Himself, the Virgin Mary, Angels, or even other saints, this mystical phenomenon plays a vital role in the life of mystics. In this episode, we go over the three types of visions mystics experience and discuss some of the messages they convey to them and to the world.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

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For many Christian mystics who live holy lives of prayer and dedication, visions of heavenly beings are not out of the ordinary. However, heavenly visions are not always exclusive to mystics. Throughout church history, apparitions of heavenly beings have appeared countless times to regular people, often children, sometimes creating confusion and many times changing lives, countries, and even regions. In this episode, we talk about apparitions, mystical visions experienced by non-mystics.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's latest book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

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Born at the end of the 30-Year’s War, the worst bloodbath ever in Christian history, with Protestants and Catholics killing each other, involving most western European nations, Catholic mystic Madame Guyon (Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de La Motte Guyon 1648 -1717) devoted herself to a life of prayer amidst intense suffering. Ironic for her era, her mysticism crossed confessional lines and appealed to both Catholics and Protestants. 

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

You can visit our podcast website HERE.

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Why do so many mystics endure investigations, persecutions, and even imprisonment and execution? Mystics are always a potential challenge to church and civil authorities. If they are close to God – or united with God – they can claim higher authority than anyone else. Nevertheless, there are also any mystics who escaped close scrutiny and persecution.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) was a French Carmelite nun and a Doctor of the Church. She is known for her autobiography, Story of a Soul, which is still a popular spiritual read today. She is one of the most popular saints of the 20th century and still very popular today. St. Thérèse was never known for exhibiting the physical phenomena or ecstasies many other mystics throughout history have shown, and actually considered herself an anti-mystic. However, her deep understanding of scripture and her connection to God shows she definitely had a mystical connection to the divine.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

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Love is an absolutely essential component of Christian mysticism. It is the driving force as well as the ultimate goal: to know God and to love God. But like all other aspects of Christian mysticism, it is deeply wrapped in paradox.

If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).

If you have any questions, you can email us at [email protected]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.

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