Ambivalencia de las referencias a San Agustín en la reprobación de los alumbrados por Juan Francisco de Villava

Abstract

The rise and decline of mystical literature in Spain is an historic process that can be understood if psychological and ecclesiological problems that accompany mental prayer are taken into account. Saint Augustine, whose texts had encouraged the movement of the «espirituales», becomes a key figure as regards the restoral of discipline, and the bringing to trial of the illuminati. The need to rationalize discussion of the subject renders the use of arguments taken from the field of medicine necessary, allowing the phenomenon to be seen from a natural point of view.

Keywords

• agustinismo
• hipocresía
• iluminismo
• medicina del alma
• mística
• sinderesis