In the first view, St. John's teaching was widely understood and accepted in his Order before his death, and it was developed and elaborated by the second generation of Carmelite theologians in the early years of the 17th century. Thus, his ideas on contemplation made their way down to us without serious distortion.

In the second view, the value of St. John's writings was appreciated by only a part of the Order before his death, and some of his ideas on contemplation was substantially altered by the second generation of Carmelites who believed they could discover in his writings, alongside of his infused contemplation, an active or acquired one. It is this altered view of contemplation that has come down to us as St.John's teaching.

Which view is true? Does St. John know an active or acquired contemplation? Why is this question important? Just what did John of the Cross mean by contemplation?

For more on this theme, see From St. John of the Cross to Us.

Now it is your turn to contribute to this discussion. Send us your questions and comments: arraj@innerexplorations.com

A Response

Site magnifique!

Mon opinions personnelle est que les laics ont bien du mal a mettre en pratique la "voie" de St. Jean de la Croix et accepter le principe de la "souffrance" comme condition (sine qua non?) d'une union a Dieu (voir aussi Ste. Thérèse d'Avila).
Leur méthodes sont bonnes pour un consacré et un hermite, mais inadaptées pour les laics. C'es comme vouloir à tout prix endosser un habit, très beau, mais de taille extra-large qui ne serait qu'un obstacle à la marche et aux mouvements habituels des hommes vivants dans le monde.

C'est pourquoi j'apprécie bien mieux la spiritualité de Saint François de Sales qui veut que chacun respecte l'etat que la Providence lui a assigné. Il met en garde contre le désir de l'Evèque qui veut devenir moine et de l'impulsion du Moine à vouloir devenir Evèque. Où irait l'Eglise dans ces conditions?
Allons vers d'autres mèthodes spirituelles; St. Jean de la Crois et Sante Thérèse d'Avila ne sont pas fait pour les laics.

C'est mon opinion personnelle et je prie ceux qui se sentent offensés de m'excuser par cherité chrétienne.

Merci.

Antonio Tirinnanzi
Anzio (Rome)

e-mail: gedy0031@gedy.it