Thank you for this piece. A very pertinent and piercing read that asks all the right things of contemporary Catholics to consider and reconsider.
When I read your use of “theotic gnosis” I instantly thought “Καθολικὴ θέα”. Sight, or apprehension, according to the whole. The clergy and laity simply MUST recover this if we are to be prepared for the coming logical conclusions of modernity.
On my first reading of Mysticism, Magic, & Monasteries, I approached Sebastian Morello’s arguments on esotericism with a mixture of hesitation and intrigue. Yet after a second reading, an illuminating conversation with Dr. Peter Kwasniewski about my initial reservations, and further reflection, I have been largely won over by his book. I have even begun incorporating some of its insights into my own work, hopefully creatively extending Morello’s worldview into broader realms of literature, imagination, and liturgy. I wish to thank Dr. Morello for his remarkable contribution and to acknowledge his book's deepening influence on my thought.
Painting is "Semele" from Jannik (2025) https://www.instagram.com/p/DRc-MU5jXKs/?img_index=1
Ah thank you! I was really having a hard time finding this one. I will amend. Much appreciated - Nina
Thank you for this piece. A very pertinent and piercing read that asks all the right things of contemporary Catholics to consider and reconsider.
When I read your use of “theotic gnosis” I instantly thought “Καθολικὴ θέα”. Sight, or apprehension, according to the whole. The clergy and laity simply MUST recover this if we are to be prepared for the coming logical conclusions of modernity.
I owe a great deal to Tomberg. His book is beside me now.
The problem, imho, arises when seekers have no Christian foundation. That is particularly true nowadays.
On my first reading of Mysticism, Magic, & Monasteries, I approached Sebastian Morello’s arguments on esotericism with a mixture of hesitation and intrigue. Yet after a second reading, an illuminating conversation with Dr. Peter Kwasniewski about my initial reservations, and further reflection, I have been largely won over by his book. I have even begun incorporating some of its insights into my own work, hopefully creatively extending Morello’s worldview into broader realms of literature, imagination, and liturgy. I wish to thank Dr. Morello for his remarkable contribution and to acknowledge his book's deepening influence on my thought.
https://bernardus66.substack.com/p/ecstasy-a-sacramental-cosmos-and?r=gazm8&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Very interesting piece. Thank you for sharing.