The Apostle Paul: Christianity's Original Mystic

By: Harvey Egan

Narrated by: Harvey Egan

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Join best-selling author and mysticism expert Fr. Harvey Egan in an in-depth look at the mysticism of the Apostle Paul.

In this masterful audio series from Boston College theology professor Harvey Egan, S.J., you’ll focus on an often neglected aspect of Paul’s genius - his mysticism. A mentee of Karl Rahner, Fr. Egan brings to this course the knowledge gained from a phenomenal 60 years of Jesuit spirituality and philosophical-theological studies. One of the world’s leading experts on Christian mysticism, he is the perfect guide for this course.

You’ll learn why Paul has been called - exaggeratedly - the second founder of Christianity. Fr. Egan explains why it might be more fitting to see him as the originator, or the real first exponent, of Christian theology. He, in fact, views Paul as a second Jesus. Just as Jesus interpreted the scriptures concerning himself for the Emmaus disciples, Paul reinterpreted - in the light of Christ - the Jewish Scriptures in terms of Jesus-Messiah and the Holy Spirit.

You’ll explore Paul’s transformation on the Damascus Road, seeing that he clearly possessed a consciousness of the immediate presence of the triune God in Christ. An early use of the word mystical focused on finding Christ’s presence in the Jewish scriptures, something Paul clearly did.

Learn the power of Paul’s mysticism and be filled with awe with Fr. Egan today.

This course is part of the Learn25 Collection.

©2020 Now You Know Media, Inc. (P)2020 Now You Know Media

Critic reviews

“Ninety years ago Albert Schweitzer recognized that Paul was the first Christian mystic. Now, Harvey Egan has expanded and deepened the picture of Paul the mystic in this new and penetrating series, investigating the apostolic, Christological, Trinitarian, and ecclesiological dimensions of the mysticism of the Apostle to the Gentiles. All subsequent Christian mystics read and cited Paul, but Egan’s work shows how much Pauline themes were, indeed, foundational for later Christian mysticism. By considering Paul’s relation both to previous Jewish traditions, as well as to subsequent Christian history, Egan’s incisive work casts light both on the origins and the later story of Christian mysticism. A ground-breaking series for Biblical scholars, as well as for students of mysticism.” (Bernard McGinn, University of Chicago)

“Harvey D. Egan, S.J., brings years of study and writing on the Christian mystical tradition to this rich exploration of one of the foundational sources of that tradition: Paul, Apostle and Mystic. Though rooted in the faith of Israel, Paul’s mysticism is his transformative consciousness of the fulfillment of God’s salvific plan in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. Paul’s mystical consciousness animated his apostolic conviction that fulfillment in Christ is Good News not only for Israel, but for all peoples, indeed for the whole of creation.” (Robert P. Imbelli, author of Rekindling the Christic Imagination)

“Harvey Egan has been engaged with Christian mystical traditions for much of his scholarly life. He now brings his careful scholarship and vast knowledge to a surprisingly neglected field--the mystical consciousness of the Apostle Paul recorded in his letters. Professor Egan is uniquely able to assess and interpret Paul's enigmatic references to his mystical experience and to show its relevance for Christians today." (Richard Clifford, SJ, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry)

Enjoyed the In Depth Study of St. Paul!!

Will listen again because I am trying to understand much more about my Catholic faith. The Trinity lesson was very, very good. Understanding Who Jesus is in relation to it, just helps so much to further my understanding. Thank You for your lecture series!!

Mystics

Great lectures that share aspects of Paul’s life that are important in interpreting his biblical letters.

Egan is a Master

I have listened to multiple audio courses by Fr. Egan now, and have never been disappointed. He studied under Karl Rahner and has decades of experience reading and writing about Christian mysticism. Egan mixes this academic rigor with a true, heartfelt belief in the power of Christianity to redeem and uplift. Can't recommend this course enough for any one looking to learn more about one of the most important figures in Christianity.

Insightful, scholarly, & engaging

Harvey Engan is one of the world's most respected mysticism experts. I found his survey course on Christian mysticism, also published by Learn25, to be excellent. With this course, Egan explores new dimensions of Paul's experience of God. Egan is clearly passionate about this topic, but his balances his enthusiasm with real scholarship. This course is a major contribution to our understanding of Paul. It is also inspiring.