For 300 years, renewal swept Europe.

Much medieval mysticism had an unlikely source: the writings of an anonymous monk.

Thomas à Kempis and the Brothers and Sisters of the Common Life 

In Brother Lawrence the desires that had motivated medieval mystics found fresh expression.

From the highest nobility to the lowest working class, medievals heard the call of God over four centuries.

In the twelfth century, renewal winds began to blow.

Readers respond to Christian History.

Scholars agree that around the twelfth century, a variety of forces led to a renewal of lay faith.

Medieval's developed "bridal mysticism."

Women outnumbered men in medieval mysticism.

Margery Kempe’s story gives us a window into the daily lives of many devout medieval people.

The spirituality of medieval mystics inspired Christians for centuries

The world in which medieval mystics worshiped and wrote

catherine of siena invited others into a passionate, physical devotion

We know her only as “Lady Julian of Norwich.”

Here are some recommendations from CH editorial staff and this issue’s authors to help you understand medieval mystics and their world.