Status
Available
Collection
Publication
Harmondsworth : Penguin Books, 1961.
Subjects
Original publication date
1957
ISBN
0140441085 / 9780140441086
Local notes
inscription: To Frances, Full circle, - thankyou for coming my way. What a remarkable pilgrimage we're both on, and we both can share! With love Monica
Description
Widely considered a hallmark of Western literature and spirituality,The Cloud of Unknowing is an anonymous English monk's sublime expression of what separates God from humanity. Originally written in the 14thcentury, now part of the HarperCollins Spiritual classics series, this beautiful contemplative resource, has been embraced for hundreds of years for its simple, engaging style and spiritual truths. As the unknown author assures us, "if you are to experience Him or to see Him at all, insofar as it is possible here, it must always be in this cloud." --The Cloud of Unknowing.
User reviews
LibraryThing member roydknight
I wouldn't call this an easy read, but it is truly a classic on Christian mysticism.
LibraryThing member ebnelson
The Cloud of Unknowing is for three types of people: those whose prayer life is lacking, those whose humility is lacking, and those who need both. As I am in the third group, these words were a scalpel painfully cutting into my soul to return my life to God’s original purpose. Surprisingly
(Note: I read Bernard Bangley's 2006 modernization)
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accessible, this book can be not only recommended to Christian laity, a non-Christian who wants to explore traditional spirituality would find this a welcome manual as the monk’s tone and vocabulary are plain—exactly what one would expect from a soul dedicated to finding God’s love through humbling himself. The sovereignty and love of God are front and center, betraying the Protestant view that pre-Reformation Christianity was focused on meaningless rituals and lost a focus on God’s love—love is front and center here. To the reformers’ point, however, priesthood of all believers is not on the radar as Christians are sharply divided into active and contemplative vocations, one clearly seen as superior to the other.(Note: I read Bernard Bangley's 2006 modernization)
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LibraryThing member lschmitt
This is a spiritual experience for people completely devoted to Christ.