The Quest for God

William Switala

• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781662402708
• eBook ISBN: 9781662402715
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Studies

The Quest for God is a study of the explosion of interest in newer approaches to spirituality that took place in the west among Christians, Jew, and Muslims in the twelfth century. The book explores the historic internal and external forces that influenced members of the three major faith groups who were looking for new ways to approach their personal relationship with God. It contains a detailed explanation of the new attitudes and religious practices that emerged among the three groups during that century. This includes special emphasis placed on the mysticism of Christian monks and nuns, the Kabbalah of the Jews, and the tenets of Sufism in Islam. It also paints a clear picture of the role played by the leading figures, both male and female, who pioneered this effort. A unique feature of the book is the linkage of similar imagery, biblical references, mystical attitudes, and actual religious practices utilized by all three faith systems to achieve a newer more mystical approach to spirituality. The fundamental development of spiritual approaches initiated by these three faiths laid the foundation for many of the spiritual practices we have today. Each of the three faiths is covered in a separate section. Preceding the discussion of the spiritual elements of each is a chapter dealing with the historical setting in which that faith operated. A final chapter summarizes the entire work and shows the common characteristics that each group had and links them together.

Chapter 13

A Summation

The quest for spirituality underwent a renewed emphasis in twelfth-century Europe. This phenomenon was not only a Christian experience but also one that occurred in Judaism and Islam. While each of these major faiths followed unique paths toward this goal, they did share a number of commonalities. These common factors provided an impetus for the development of new approaches to spirituality. Each group experienced internal and external pressures, promoting a renewed desire to pursue a more spiritual approach to life. They each developed a number of similar practices and philosophies. These included new ascetical practices and new attitudes on how to live one’s daily existence. An emphasis was placed by all three faiths on the role and value of contemplation. Literary motifs and imagery, such as the use of architectural features, as well as the employment of colors and gemstones to symbolize spiritual entities, became a common feature for all three faiths. Finally, the theme of love and its role in the pursuit of enhancing one’s spiritual development appeared as an important element in the spiritual works of all three religions.

Internal and External Influences

The pressures that impacted Christianity, Judaism, and Islam during the twelfth century ...

Table of contents

• The Political and Economic Setting
• Problems Facing the Church
• Reforming Monastic Life and the Emergence of New Orders
• The Leading Male Writers on Spirituality in the Twelfth Century
• The Leading Female Commentators on Spiritual Development in the Twelfth Century
• The Role of Philosophy, Theology, Liturgy, and Other Devotional Practices in the Renewal of Spirituality
• The Role of Architecture, Art, and Music
• The Historical Setting for the Jews
• The Essence of Jewish Spirituality
• The Leading Figures in Judaic Spiritual Development
• The Historical Setting for Islam
• The Development of Mystical Spirituality in Islam
• A Summation