About the book
In spirituality and mysticism, many seek a counterbalance to the strong emphasis on the self that modernity demands of us: We desire a fixed self on the one hand and are fascinated by selflessness on the other. But is our fascination with selflessness not a ruse to make that self of ours even stronger? And is that self-critical question not the kernel of even traditional mysticism? Marc De Kesel investigates some dark rooms of the mystical tradition to clarify this. This is a book for all who want to free themselves from the conceptual frameworks and rigid dogmas of late-modern religiosity.
The first part of the volume deals directly with early modern Christian mysticism, and more specifically with the French spiritualité and discussions centered around the problem of what it means to love God in a pure, radically unselfish way. The second part explores the paradoxical dialectics between self and selflessness in relation to the way Christian religion deals with its own identity. If Christian love is selfless, why has Christianity in the end not given up its own self, its own identity? The third and last part of the volume discusses the dialectics between self and selflessness in three other domains: popular spirituality, politics, and modern science. It makes clear that \"selflessness\" is not limited to mysticism but is both a fascination and a problem/paradox for modernity in many fields.
Editions of Effacing the Self
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438494142
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438494159
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438494166
Read an Excerpt
In spirituality and mysticism, many seek a counterbalance to the strong emphasis on the self that modernity demands of us: We desire a fixed self on the one hand and are fascinated by selflessness on the other. But is our fascination with selflessness not a ruse to make that self of ours even stronger? And is that self-critical question not the kernel of even traditional mysticism? Marc De Kesel investigates some dark rooms of the mystical tradition to clarify this. This is a book for all who want to free themselves from the conceptual frameworks and rigid dogmas of late-modern religiosity.
The first part of the volume deals directly with early modern Christian mysticism, and more specifically with the French spiritualité and discussions centered around the problem of what it means to love God in a pure, radically unselfish way. The second part explores the paradoxical dialectics between self and selflessness in relation to the way Christian religion deals with its own identity. If Christian love is selfless, why has Christianity in the end not given up its own self, its own identity? The third and last part of the volume discusses the dialectics between self and selflessness in three other domains: popular spirituality, politics, and modern science. It makes clear that \"selflessness\" is not limited to mysticism but is both a fascination and a problem/paradox for modernity in many fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Effacing the Self about?
In spirituality and mysticism, many seek a counterbalance to the strong emphasis on the self that modernity demands of us: We desire a fixed self on the one hand and are fascinated by selflessness on the other. But is our fascination with selflessness not a ruse to make that self of ours even stronger? And is that self-critical question not the kernel of even traditional mysticism? Marc De Kesel investigates some dark rooms of the mystical tradition to clarify this. This is a book for all who want to free themselves from the conceptual frameworks and rigid dogmas of late-modern religiosity.
The first part of the volume deals directly with early modern Christian mysticism, and more specifically with the French spiritualité and discussions centered around the problem of what it means to love God in a pure, radically unselfish way. The second part explores the paradoxical dialectics between self and selflessness in relation to the way Christian religion deals with its own identity. If Christian love is selfless, why has Christianity in the end not given up its own self, its own identity? The third and last part of the volume discusses the dialectics between self and selflessness in three other domains: popular spirituality, politics, and modern science. It makes clear that \"selflessness\" is not limited to mysticism but is both a fascination and a problem/paradox for modernity in many fields.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Effacing the Self?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Aspects of religion > Spirituality and religious experience > Mysticism
Where can I read a sample of Effacing the Self?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438494142
How long is Effacing the Self and how many pages does it have?
Effacing the Self has 292 page(s)
Is Effacing the Self part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Theology and Continental Thought
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Effacing the Self?
Marc De Kesel
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Effacing the Self is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438494142) and paperback(ISBN 9781438494159) and pdf(ISBN 9781438494166)
Where can I buy Effacing the Self online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Effacing the Self from below
Where can I buy Effacing the Self?