Mystical vision and prophetic voice in St. John of the Cross: Towards a mystical theology of final integration

The purpose of this study is to show that many Sanjuanist commentators err in portraying St. John of the Cross as a world-negating contemplative. This misinterpration is informed by their failure to understand the true nature of the contemplative life. In the Christian mystical tradition, in which the Carmelite saint is deeply immersed, the contemplative and the prophetic are two aspects of the same reality. Mary often symbolizes the contemplative mystic, while Martha best represents the active mystic.; This study sheds light on the essential role that St. John of the Cross played in the history of Christianity by acknowledging both the mystical and the prophetic dimensions of his life testimonies and writings. The notion of prophetic mysticism is not altogether foreign to the Carmelite tradition, especially following the prophetic example of Elijah.; The originality of this dissertation lies in a close examination of John's life and writings using Raimundo Pannikar's tripartite model of salvation, namely the mystical paths of action (karma yoga), intellect (jñâna yoga), and devotion (bhakti yoga). Panikkar borrows the terminology from the Hindu tradition. Yet, he saw the important roles that action, intellect, and devotion play in the Christian mystical tradition by associating the path of action with apostolic service, the path of the intellect with speculative mysticism, and the path of devotion with affective mysticism.; It is time to study St. John of the Cross as a whole person, bringing together his multifaceted dimensions. Attention should be devoted to his active role in the Carmelite tradition as a religious reformer, an administrator, and a prophet; to his intellectual capacity as a mystical theologian and teacher; and to his religious devotion as a poet, friar, hermit, spiritual director, confessor, and priest.; The dissertation presents a brief history of contemplation and action in the Christian mystical tradition and reviews the biography and writings of this Carmelite saint. Furthermore, it examines John's writings through appeal to Raimundo Panikkar's tripartite model of action, intellect, and devotion. Finally, it concludes with an assessment of the Sanjuanist legacy for today's world.