Spiritual Marriage and - Durham e-Theses - Durham University

Chapter 2 will explore the critical theme of examining the biblical-theological
foundation of union with Christ, often called spiritual marriage. A historical survey
will indicate that spiritual marriage played a significant role in Bernard of Clairvaux,
John Calvin, and the Puritans. Unlike Calvin who eschewed the allegorical reading of
the Song of Songs, the Puritans more closely resembled Bernard in their reading of
this exceptional text of biblical mysticism. Just as the Puritans spoke freely of the
intimacy and joys of spiritual marriage with Jesus as the divine Bridegroom they
equally believed in celebrating the intimacy and joys of godly or earthly marriage.
This background enables a careful consideration of Isaac Ambrose’s usage of spiritual
marriage. Additionally, this chapter will examine the points of continuity and
discontinuity between Bernard, Calvin, and the Puritans on spiritual marriage.
Central to Ambrose’s understanding of spiritual marriage is both the person’s
relationship to Jesus in unio mystica as well as the potential for deepening that
relationship in communion with Christ. In the third chapter a contemplative
biography of Isaac Ambrose will be created through the Spiritual Movement Matrix, a
tool derived from the social sciences that assists one in reflecting on the presence and
movement of God within a person’s life. Ambrose follows the common perception of
contemplation as gazing at God in love out of gratitude. While much of Ambrose’s
diary is not extant, the available evidence of these texts produces a vivid description
of his contemplative attitude, personal and communal spiritual practices, and
experiences that emerge from his spiritual marriage with Jesus. The most unique
feature about Ambrose was his annual month-long retreats in May in which he retired
into the woods to more intentionally cultivate his relationship with God. This is all
the more surprising since Ambrose was married and had three children. However, it
would be a mistake to conclude that Ambrose was a recluse since he also