Jacob Boehme

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"Highly regarded among Christian mystics, Jacob Boehme (1575-1624) was famous for his inspired and provocative analysis of the nature and being of God.". "Grounded in Paracelsus, the Kabbala, astrology, alchemy and the Hermetic tradition, Boehme articulated a revelatory theology which emphasized the process whereby God comes to know Himself. Boehme reasoned that from His illimitable oneness, God was unable to truly apprehend Himself as God in all His splendor. Thus, God had to become an incarnated, limited being, for only through experience could He satisfy His need for self-understanding. Driven by a series of spiritual epiphanies, Boehme boldly proclaimed his new revelations, rejecting the narrow dogmatism and bibliolatry of mainstream sentiment. His subsequent prosecution by church authorities led to banishment from his home town of Goerlitz, and continued harassment by more orthodox thinkers. After his death in 1624, his writings continued to provoke debate among mystics and scholars investigating the nature of good and evil, creation and God's will.". "This anthology serves as an introduction to Boehme's thought and will bring readers deeper into his philosophy. Part One gives biography and context of Boehme's writings and their influence on later scientists, alchemical researchers and poets. Part Two contains selections from Boehme's works grappling with his main themes including the birth of God and the vindication of His goodness. Of particular interest are a number of letters from Boehme which have never appeared previously in English."--BOOK JACKET.

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