Mysticism and Saints and their Influence
There are a number of very strong influences that have shaped Suzanne’s belief concerning Spiritualism and her development both spiritually and as a Medium. One of the most important influences for her has been her study of religious history and, more specifically, Christian Saints and Mystics. Christianity has a well-documented historical relationship with meditation, religious dedication and discipline, altered states, prayer, spiritual communication, etc.
Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582)
a Spanish Carmelite nun, mystic, and religious reformer.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556)
ASpanish priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1540
Saint John of the Cross (1542–1591)
A Spanish mystic, poet, and Carmelite friar who played a key role in the Carmelite Reform alongside Saint Teresa of Ávila. He is best known for his spiritual writings, including The Dark Night of the Soul, The Spiritual Canticle, and The Living Flame of Love, which explore the soul’s journey toward divine union
Saint Benedict of Nursia (480–547)
A Christian monk and the founder of Western monasticism. He established the Rule of Saint Benedict, a set of guidelines for monastic life emphasizing prayer, work, and community living.
Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430)
a theologian, philosopher, and bishop whose writings profoundly shaped Western Christianity and philosophy.
Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, and theologian, widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in Western Christianity
In his Summa Theologia he makes an argument for the existence of God, and part of that argument concerns movement and the First Unmoved Mover being God. Simply, everything in existence is moved by something else, other than God, who is the instigator of all movement and unmoved and unmovable. For humanity, this means that, for better or worse, aligned with our choices, we are moved and energised by external forces. In Christianity, we are best moved by Spirit, the Holy Spirit. God as Spirit amongst us.