Teresa of Avila: Doctor of the Soul

Description

Following the success of John of the Cross (Continuum 2010) and Return to the Mystical (Continuum 2011), Dr Peter Tyler completes his 'mystical trilogy' with a penetrating analysis of the life, work and context of St Teresa of Avila - this most popular and influential of all saints. To coincide with her anniversary year in 2015 he presents an accessible volume on the saint including the background to her life and times, her mystical theology, instructions on prayer and relevance for today. The book consists of three parts - the context of Teresa's life; an examination of the texts themselves and finally an exploration of Teresa's relevance to our 'postmodern world' including chapters on Teresa and psychology, mindfulness, meditation and personal development. This book is a major contribution to Teresian scholarship and a welcome addition to her anniversary celebrations.

Dr Peter Tyler is Senior Lecturer and Programme Director of Pastoral Theology at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, UK. Previous publications include St John of the Cross - Outstanding Christian Thinker (Continuum 2010), Sources of Transformation: Revitalising Christian Spirituality (edited with Edward Howells) (Continuum 2010) and The Return to the Mystical: Ludwig Wittgenstein, Teresa of Avila and the Christian Mystical Tradition (Continuum 2011).

We will find this little book so valuable ... it maps a sure path to the discovery of Teresa's own works and to understanding them in context ... It reveals rare treasures of the spiritual life and shows us where to find the precious gems of wisdom scattered throughout her pages. -- Paula Moroney, OCD * Mount Carmel *