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casparb's review
3.0
I have very mixed feelings about this text. I don't think it's theologically revolutionary or especially profound. It is entirely a curiosity and a surprise on just about every level. It's also written in a bizarre tone that I can't make my mind up about - perhaps it's the middle english but it's simultaneously ingratiating and jarring. I'd describe this book as the type of cat one encounters with approximately two brain cells that one manages to enjoy in spite of flaws.
The basic principle (which is re-iterated, ad nauseum) is in itself lovely and quite idiosyncratic. One must erect a cloud of unknowing above them (between oneself and God), and a cloud of forgetting beneath (between oneself and the sensible). Though the unknowing seems a barrier it also draws one closer than they would be otherwise. Plenty talk about this text as having similarities with Eastern philosophy and various meditation practises. I maintain that it doesn't seem too unlike kenosis but perhaps that's too much of a relic to be familiar.
There are, so many, digressions,,, and some of them are kind of wonderful in a vaguely comedic way. Maketh sure to have both thy nostrils ghostly.
So a good read to have for those into this peculiar behaviour. Not one for those disinclined to theology.
The basic principle (which is re-iterated, ad nauseum) is in itself lovely and quite idiosyncratic. One must erect a cloud of unknowing above them (between oneself and God), and a cloud of forgetting beneath (between oneself and the sensible). Though the unknowing seems a barrier it also draws one closer than they would be otherwise. Plenty talk about this text as having similarities with Eastern philosophy and various meditation practises. I maintain that it doesn't seem too unlike kenosis but perhaps that's too much of a relic to be familiar.
There are, so many, digressions,,, and some of them are kind of wonderful in a vaguely comedic way. Maketh sure to have both thy nostrils ghostly.
So a good read to have for those into this peculiar behaviour. Not one for those disinclined to theology.
feistyflamingo's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
3.25
hiboluha's review
4.0
A marvelous book in understanding the mystery of following Christ, without fully understanding what it means, as the journey of life presents us with many problems that may hinder our progression towards God. This mysterious, anonymous author has given us an insight on how we are to walk with God and that, rather than it being straight forward, it is like a dark cloud of unknowing. Some might find that bad, but the author says that it is only there, where we are constantly wrestling with God, that we truly find him and get closer to him. However, the journey of following Christ doesn't stop at entering this cloud, but fighting through the darkness. This book speaks of the many things we face in the cloud of unknowing and how to become one with God by allowing God to work in us. We can reach the things of heavens through grace and, only through grace, can we navigate through this cloud of unknowing.
"God cannot be comprehended by our intellect. But only to our intellect he is incomprehensible: not to our love."
"God cannot be comprehended by our intellect. But only to our intellect he is incomprehensible: not to our love."
davehershey's review
3.0
Reading any medieval Christian mystic is difficult, but this made Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross look easy. I think part of the trouble I had was with a poor translation that left lots of old English words in old English. That said, if you are into mystic writings then you ought to check this one out. I enjoy reading a chapter or so of such books each day. There are many nuggets in it that are water for the soul.
"For at the first time when thou dost it, thou findest but a darkness; and as it were a cloud of unknowing, thou knowest not what, saving that thou feelest in thy will a naked intent unto God. This darkness and this cloud is, howsoever thou dost, betwixt thee and thy God, and letteth thee that thou mayest neither see Him clearly by light of understanding in thy reason, nor feel Him in sweetness of love in thine affection. And therefore shape thee to bide in this darkness as long as thou mayest, evermore crying after Him that thou lovest."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Locations 507-510). . Kindle Edition.
"for it sufficeth enough, a naked intent direct unto God without any other cause than Himself. And if thee list have this intent lapped and folden in one word , for thou shouldest have better hold thereupon , take thee but a little word of one syllable: for so it is better than of two, for ever the shorter it is the better it accordeth with the work of the Spirit. And such a word is this word GOD or this word LOVE. Choose thee whether thou wilt, or another; as thee list, which that thee liketh best of one syllable. And fasten this word to thine heart, so that it never go thence for thing that befalleth. This word shall be thy shield and thy spear, whether thou ridest on peace or on war. With this word, thou shalt beat on this cloud and this darkness above thee."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Location 630). . Kindle Edition.
"love may reach to God in this life, but not knowing. And all the whiles that the soul dwelleth in this deadly body, evermore is the sharpness of our understanding in beholding of all ghostly things, but most specially of God, mingled with some manner of fantasy; for the which our work should be unclean . And unless more wonder were, it should lead us into much error."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Locations 677-679). . Kindle Edition.
"if thou wilt stand and not fall, cease never in thine intent: but beat evermore on this cloud of unknowing that is betwixt thee and thy God with a sharp dart of longing love, and loathe for to think on aught under God, and go not thence for anything that befalleth."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Locations 736-738). . Kindle Edition.
"Meekness in itself is nought else, but a true knowing and feeling of a man's self as he is."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Location 756). . Kindle Edition.
"For at the first time when thou dost it, thou findest but a darkness; and as it were a cloud of unknowing, thou knowest not what, saving that thou feelest in thy will a naked intent unto God. This darkness and this cloud is, howsoever thou dost, betwixt thee and thy God, and letteth thee that thou mayest neither see Him clearly by light of understanding in thy reason, nor feel Him in sweetness of love in thine affection. And therefore shape thee to bide in this darkness as long as thou mayest, evermore crying after Him that thou lovest."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Locations 507-510). . Kindle Edition.
"for it sufficeth enough, a naked intent direct unto God without any other cause than Himself. And if thee list have this intent lapped and folden in one word , for thou shouldest have better hold thereupon , take thee but a little word of one syllable: for so it is better than of two, for ever the shorter it is the better it accordeth with the work of the Spirit. And such a word is this word GOD or this word LOVE. Choose thee whether thou wilt, or another; as thee list, which that thee liketh best of one syllable. And fasten this word to thine heart, so that it never go thence for thing that befalleth. This word shall be thy shield and thy spear, whether thou ridest on peace or on war. With this word, thou shalt beat on this cloud and this darkness above thee."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Location 630). . Kindle Edition.
"love may reach to God in this life, but not knowing. And all the whiles that the soul dwelleth in this deadly body, evermore is the sharpness of our understanding in beholding of all ghostly things, but most specially of God, mingled with some manner of fantasy; for the which our work should be unclean . And unless more wonder were, it should lead us into much error."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Locations 677-679). . Kindle Edition.
"if thou wilt stand and not fall, cease never in thine intent: but beat evermore on this cloud of unknowing that is betwixt thee and thy God with a sharp dart of longing love, and loathe for to think on aught under God, and go not thence for anything that befalleth."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Locations 736-738). . Kindle Edition.
"Meekness in itself is nought else, but a true knowing and feeling of a man's self as he is."
Anonymous (2010-10-07). The Cloud of Unknowing (Kindle Location 756). . Kindle Edition.
chrysomallos's review
3.0
A very interesting medieval text, albeit somewhat repetitive, and certainly a chore to get through. The description of God as utterly unknowable(too abstract for terms such as "good", "just", "existant", or even "unknowable") is a compelling one. The idea that, to get closer to God, one can only focus on deep spiritual love is wonderful, and for just a day or two, got me genuinely doubting my atheism.
For the secular reader, the way the author has to use language to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of language is likely to be the most engaging part. Personally, I especially enjoyed the spiritual interpretations of specific bible passages. The book falls short in its repetitive nature, and was frequently unable to hold my attention.
For the secular reader, the way the author has to use language to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of language is likely to be the most engaging part. Personally, I especially enjoyed the spiritual interpretations of specific bible passages. The book falls short in its repetitive nature, and was frequently unable to hold my attention.
paganathiest's review
3.0
An interesting read which gives extensive insight into the culture and climate of medieval competitive life. Past that, the religious understanding of which it's based on is so far removed from our current society and my current understanding of religion that I personally gained nothing substantial from it.
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