The Letters of an Unexpected Mystic

Encountering the Mystical Theology in First and Second Peter

Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
200 Pages
Reviewed on 08/01/2022
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

If you have an interest in Christian mysticism, you’ll find The Letters of an Unexpected Mystic: Encountering the Mystical Theology in First and Second Peter by Reverend Dr. Robert D. Flanagan both thoughtful and thought-provoking. With a foreword by Dr. Yvonne Dohna Schlobitten of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Father Flanagan approaches the topic using the “Threefold Seeing” developed by German theologian Romano Guardini in which art is viewed through the perspectives of the artist, the artwork, and the observer. After an introduction to mysticism and a discussion on knowledge and spiritual discernment, Father Flanagan examines the life and writings of Peter. “Within the Petrine writing is a robust, empowered, and beautiful mystical theology,” he writes, “which makes Peter an unexpected but vital Christian mystic.” An extensive bibliography is included.

In The Letters of an Unexpected Mystic, Reverend Dr. Robert D. Flanagan gives us a commentary on the first and second epistles of Saint Peter which is scholarly, spirit-filled, and intended to fill a gap in biblical study. Peter’s apostolic role is well known but not his mysticism. While Father Flanagan’s approach and methodology are consistent with academic standards, his narrative is written in an approachable style. I found his analysis of the Petrine writings of the ancient world utterly insightful, but I was touched even more by his priestly focus on the transformative power that mystical experiences can bring to our lives, surrounded as we are today by forces of materialism, greed, lawlessness, and the desire for immediate satisfaction even if only in a virtual metaverse. Highly recommended.