The Mystical Element of Religion

In 'The Mystical Element of Religion' by Friedrich von Hügel, the author explores the nature of mysticism and its relationship to organized religion. Hügel delves into the ineffable experiences of mystics across different religious traditions, highlighting the common threads that unite their encounters with the divine. His prose is characterized by a thoughtful and scholarly tone, drawing upon a wide range of historical and philosophical sources to support his arguments. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the mystical tradition within the context of religious studies, offering readers a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimensions of faith. Hügel's analysis challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between the rational and the transcendent, inviting them to explore the mysterious and awe-inspiring aspects of religious experience.

Friedrich von Hügel (1852-1925) was an influential Austrian Roman Catholic layman, religious writer, Modernist theologian and Christian apologist. He was deeply engaged in theological discussions with a wide group of scholars associated with the turn-of-the-century Modernist controversy. Von Hügel's scholarly concerns included the relationship of Christianity to history, ecumenism, mysticism, the philosophy of religion, and the rejection of much of the immanentism in 19th-century theology. His major work was The Mystical Element of Religion, first published in 1908.