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The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition
Western civilization is closely associated with reason and science, and with exceptional accomplishments in art, architecture, music, and literature. Yet it has also been characterized by widespread belief in the supernatural and the irrational - with mystics who have visions of the divine and entire movements of people who wait in fervent anticipation of the apocalypse.
Moreover, Western culture has also been the setting for repeated acts of barbaric reaction to those beliefs, including persecutions of certain groups, such as Jews, or of people accused as heretics and witches.
This series of 24 intriguing lectures explores the concept of what has been called the "terror of history," a deeply held ancient belief that human beings live constantly on the edge of doom- a doom against which we must protect ourselves, sometimes by scapegoating an "other" whom we blame for this catastrophic plight.
The lectures explore this belief through a study of mysticism, heresy, apocalyptic movements, and the witch-hunting craze that bloomed in Europe from 1000 to 1700. You'll examine sources you may be unfamiliar with, learn to think in new ways, and gain a fresh perspective on how social, economic, political, and religious climates - especially during times of change and stress - exert tremendous influence on the prevalence of irrational attitudes and persecutions.
Runtime 720 minutes (12 hours)
Moreover, Western culture has also been the setting for repeated acts of barbaric reaction to those beliefs, including persecutions of certain groups, such as Jews, or of people accused as heretics and witches.
This series of 24 intriguing lectures explores the concept of what has been called the "terror of history," a deeply held ancient belief that human beings live constantly on the edge of doom- a doom against which we must protect ourselves, sometimes by scapegoating an "other" whom we blame for this catastrophic plight.
The lectures explore this belief through a study of mysticism, heresy, apocalyptic movements, and the witch-hunting craze that bloomed in Europe from 1000 to 1700. You'll examine sources you may be unfamiliar with, learn to think in new ways, and gain a fresh perspective on how social, economic, political, and religious climates - especially during times of change and stress - exert tremendous influence on the prevalence of irrational attitudes and persecutions.
Runtime 720 minutes (12 hours)
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 1, 2022
Absolutely brilliant. Loved everything about these audio lectures, now I'm going to get the book.
Absorbing, refreshing approach of prof. Ruiz made these seemingly unconnected topics flow.
I loved how he described the religious, political, social and economic conditions that were the perfect storm for the witch craze. I thought the lectures on mystics and heretics fascinating and now I'm craving for more.
I've known most of the 'protagonists' and the facts before, but they were presented here with passion which is infectious, and the deep knowledge of the author cannot but leave you in awe. Thoroughly recommended.
Absorbing, refreshing approach of prof. Ruiz made these seemingly unconnected topics flow.
I loved how he described the religious, political, social and economic conditions that were the perfect storm for the witch craze. I thought the lectures on mystics and heretics fascinating and now I'm craving for more.
I've known most of the 'protagonists' and the facts before, but they were presented here with passion which is infectious, and the deep knowledge of the author cannot but leave you in awe. Thoroughly recommended.
December 30, 2019
The sociological and economical aspects of a society are as necessary as the typically taught political with the religious perspective of history for understanding. The period of time from 1100 CE to about 1692 are most relevant to today and this Great Course connects to why heterodoxy is necessary for understanding all of history.
The educated elite needed to escape from the stifling bounds of the conforming orthodoxy and the mystics provided a path. Soon what was not orthodox, part of the stifling conforming norm, would come from the devil and scapegoats were required, oh to be an old widowed women with independent thought they were to be chosen to be the not holy and the scapegoats. It was not so much the inquisition that would blame the ‘witch’ as it would be the man who was impotent that night and remember seeing that old woman on the margins crossing his path the day before and besides seeing another suffer always makes one taller in one’s own eyes.
False framing is always dangerous. When St. Teresa of Avila sees blueness, her only question is it of the devil or is it holy. Perhaps, she should have wondered if it was a figment of her mind, or the proverbial undigested piece of meat from last night’s dinner, but, unfortunately, her confessor would tell her it must be from Jesus since Teresa of Avila was saintly, a nun and knew only goodness.
False framing leads to cults. The start of courtly love comes about in this time period. As the lecturer mentions there was a handbook that would say that if you are a gentlemen and if you happen upon a wench by all means take your liberties against her and rape her if you desire it, after all you are the gentlemen and she is not worthy of consideration. Disgusting right and you would think with today’s sensibilities we could never advocate such a person. You’d be wrong. We as a country did just that when 48% voted for somebody who said practically the same thing when he said ‘I grab them by the p*ssy, they expect it, I’m a star and they really want it from a star like me’.
Scapegoats, false framing, and no regard for the personhood of another are all familiar within these lectures and seems to align with who we are today. In order to appreciate European history from 1100 to 1692 one needs a familiarity with the somewhat arcane topics covered in these lectures. Besides in the end, all history is fun to learn and just might help us from repeating the same mistakes of the past, but the brain dead cult worshippers of the fascist in the Whitehouse should just ignore this lecture series since they have no reason to grow since they already have certainty with their faith in their leader and his world of false framing, scapegoats and making the world great again, just like the handbook for courtly love would advocate.
The educated elite needed to escape from the stifling bounds of the conforming orthodoxy and the mystics provided a path. Soon what was not orthodox, part of the stifling conforming norm, would come from the devil and scapegoats were required, oh to be an old widowed women with independent thought they were to be chosen to be the not holy and the scapegoats. It was not so much the inquisition that would blame the ‘witch’ as it would be the man who was impotent that night and remember seeing that old woman on the margins crossing his path the day before and besides seeing another suffer always makes one taller in one’s own eyes.
False framing is always dangerous. When St. Teresa of Avila sees blueness, her only question is it of the devil or is it holy. Perhaps, she should have wondered if it was a figment of her mind, or the proverbial undigested piece of meat from last night’s dinner, but, unfortunately, her confessor would tell her it must be from Jesus since Teresa of Avila was saintly, a nun and knew only goodness.
False framing leads to cults. The start of courtly love comes about in this time period. As the lecturer mentions there was a handbook that would say that if you are a gentlemen and if you happen upon a wench by all means take your liberties against her and rape her if you desire it, after all you are the gentlemen and she is not worthy of consideration. Disgusting right and you would think with today’s sensibilities we could never advocate such a person. You’d be wrong. We as a country did just that when 48% voted for somebody who said practically the same thing when he said ‘I grab them by the p*ssy, they expect it, I’m a star and they really want it from a star like me’.
Scapegoats, false framing, and no regard for the personhood of another are all familiar within these lectures and seems to align with who we are today. In order to appreciate European history from 1100 to 1692 one needs a familiarity with the somewhat arcane topics covered in these lectures. Besides in the end, all history is fun to learn and just might help us from repeating the same mistakes of the past, but the brain dead cult worshippers of the fascist in the Whitehouse should just ignore this lecture series since they have no reason to grow since they already have certainty with their faith in their leader and his world of false framing, scapegoats and making the world great again, just like the handbook for courtly love would advocate.
February 22, 2023
The edition chosen on Goodreads says "audio casset" but only because there is no option for the physical paperback book I actually picked up from my library; no audio versions were available.
In regards to the book: It is not actually a book, let alone a series of actual lectures, so much as a series of bullet point outlines that effectively amount to little more than an abstract for a case study (if that); a textual rendering of powerpoint slideshows (sand images or anything of interest) played during the real hall lectures and not much else- followed by some minimal "suggested reading" and a few "questions to consider".
Potentially useful as a self-study guide if you're a college student involved infields of academic study as a supplemental text to courses you're already taking. Likely completely useless otherwise- especially if you already know the information in the first place. Although if you want a very brief overview of the events, you may find it semi-useful as a starter so that you have at least some basic knowledge before delving into something larger and more complicated like the The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic.
In regards to the book: It is not actually a book, let alone a series of actual lectures, so much as a series of bullet point outlines that effectively amount to little more than an abstract for a case study (if that); a textual rendering of powerpoint slideshows (sand images or anything of interest) played during the real hall lectures and not much else- followed by some minimal "suggested reading" and a few "questions to consider".
Potentially useful as a self-study guide if you're a college student involved infields of academic study as a supplemental text to courses you're already taking. Likely completely useless otherwise- especially if you already know the information in the first place. Although if you want a very brief overview of the events, you may find it semi-useful as a starter so that you have at least some basic knowledge before delving into something larger and more complicated like the The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic.
March 1, 2022
Very good. Ruiz goes into considerable detail concerning all three topics described in the subtitle. The exacting Jesuit uses contemporary methods in social history (analysis based on class, gender, etc.) to successfully weave together a series of narratives that would otherwise appear unrelated-- the rise in Christian (and some Jewish) mysticism peculiar to the 12th century (a movement that continues to largely define the vast majority of what is distinctive to the spirituality of Roman Catholics; and Kabballah), the vast emergence of heretical groups during this period (most notably the Cathars, a bizarre Medieval form of pseudo-gnosticism unfairly repressed from our historical consciousness), and the dread 'witch craze' infamous for Salem's madness in particular.
Most impressive is Ruiz's ability to tie all his material into a coherent thesis. One which, though not entirely unique to his work, builds on several generations of post-war scholarship in the social histories, and one that is ultimately original. Ruiz is a brilliant scholar and an excellent lecturer.
Most impressive is Ruiz's ability to tie all his material into a coherent thesis. One which, though not entirely unique to his work, builds on several generations of post-war scholarship in the social histories, and one that is ultimately original. Ruiz is a brilliant scholar and an excellent lecturer.
April 16, 2012
Fabulous lecture series (24 30-minute lectures with outline for each lecture) about society, economics, politics, religion, prejudice, misogyny and the use/abuse of power in history.
March 6, 2024
One of the best things I've ever listened to
August 2, 2021
Messed up to put "terror" in the title and make it that boring.
August 14, 2018
An interesting lecture series, but a bit different from what I was expecting. The title seems to suggest that the "terror of history" is all of these dark and dangerous movements or ideas, or at least the actions taken by or against the people behind them. And part of my inclination to listen to this came from a mention of it in the advertisements of a podcast on folklore and strange tales, which would sort of fit that interpretation. But in the very first lecture, the "terror of history" is instead defined as something like the anxiety people feel from being aware of their position in history, an anxiety from which many flee, a process which can generate things like heretical movements or mysticism. It really sounds like a sort of 20th-century existentialist philosophical concern, more so than something relevant to the period of European history covered (approximately 1000 to 1700). And sometimes it almost felt like the professor forgot his own definition, and talked about the "terror of history" as though it were actually all of the grim and brutal things that we know happened in the past, rather than idea he first describes.
There is a lot of interesting ground covered in these lectures, and some of it touched on things I've encountered in other lecture series or in my own reading, and this helped give a new perspective on things and reinforce some ideas. One thing is I finally understood the idea of millennialism. In theory I already kind of got it since I've read some of the relevant material, but in practice the idea of the millennium has been so tied up with the calendrical millennium in popular culture that I overlooked how the biblical millennium refers to a thousand years of peace that are supposed to come after a period of great strife. So for example, a phrase like "The Millennium in the Sixteenth Century" (a title of one of the lectures) is not a contradiction.
Although the professor is generally engaging, there are times when his statements are a bit too generalized or vague. One area that was particularly annoying was in a lecture titled "Hermeticism, Astrology, Alchemy, and Magic". In the lectures before it, the professor talked about how he was going to describe Hermeticism in a later lecture, and in a following lecture he said that he spent the majority of a lecture describing it. And I think it did technically have more time devoted to it than any one of the other topics in that lecture, but I was left not really understanding it. It seems to be some mix of magic, astrology, and lore, but it is hard to see how it is distinct from those topics on their own, and it sadly didn't match the hype he seemed to give to it.
There is a lot of interesting ground covered in these lectures, and some of it touched on things I've encountered in other lecture series or in my own reading, and this helped give a new perspective on things and reinforce some ideas. One thing is I finally understood the idea of millennialism. In theory I already kind of got it since I've read some of the relevant material, but in practice the idea of the millennium has been so tied up with the calendrical millennium in popular culture that I overlooked how the biblical millennium refers to a thousand years of peace that are supposed to come after a period of great strife. So for example, a phrase like "The Millennium in the Sixteenth Century" (a title of one of the lectures) is not a contradiction.
Although the professor is generally engaging, there are times when his statements are a bit too generalized or vague. One area that was particularly annoying was in a lecture titled "Hermeticism, Astrology, Alchemy, and Magic". In the lectures before it, the professor talked about how he was going to describe Hermeticism in a later lecture, and in a following lecture he said that he spent the majority of a lecture describing it. And I think it did technically have more time devoted to it than any one of the other topics in that lecture, but I was left not really understanding it. It seems to be some mix of magic, astrology, and lore, but it is hard to see how it is distinct from those topics on their own, and it sadly didn't match the hype he seemed to give to it.
May 26, 2021
The very last line makes such an amazingly powerful knot to connect the entire piece together because it's reflected in the title -- the terror of history isn't dark magic, it's humanity (at least that's what I got from it). I think this is a must read (albeit it's actually the Great Courses audio lecture series) for just about anyone because it helps shed light on the ways in which perceptions can create history, and how in many ways we are still overcoming the dramatic changes that took place during the Middle Ages. I also found it provides a map for thinking about how technologically, societal changes, etc aren't always as great as we purport them to be -- there's a cost involved. I was very impressed with this series.
June 14, 2010
This fascinating discussion of mystics, heretics, and witches sets those individuals and their followers within appropriate historical context. My daughter and I enjoyed this audio, and we look forward to listening to others.
July 19, 2022
Decent overview of the subject matter. It was a lot to cover, so nothing was delved into too deeply. It's a survey course. The professor is a little scattered in his approach and that can be a bit distracting.
December 21, 2020
Super interesting and informative! I wish certain parts would have delved deeper, but it was 12 hours so... lol
May 6, 2022
Ruiz just seemed to be overflowing with knowledge and insight, and to be so eager to share it. These lectures are very rich. They are definitely worth another listen.
July 17, 2022
Just a fantastic lecture. A few times with the constant corrections I was considering lies and deceit but sometime with lectures they do auto correct as the brain makes adjustments later. Like all who follow my writings know I love a great bibliography and this course has one so now I have lots more to read and that is wonderful because I love those Accompanying PDFs and to imagine a real Professor who includes his contact information like I used to do so you have a life long mentorship program and life long learning plan to always find the exciting, the hidden, the truths and now I wonder if Ruiz was the author I read years ago and loved his books. I will have to save the search for a different day thought.
This book covers everything from how the concept of Terror began and Dante ran with it. How sex and witches are seen humping or is that flying on their broom sticks or perhaps just stopping out ants lol a little humor. Surely I am now the scary woman in the big house at the end of the street...lol I do go walking in the woods, talk to the animals, grow my own mushrooms... and READ!
This book covers everything from how the concept of Terror began and Dante ran with it. How sex and witches are seen humping or is that flying on their broom sticks or perhaps just stopping out ants lol a little humor. Surely I am now the scary woman in the big house at the end of the street...lol I do go walking in the woods, talk to the animals, grow my own mushrooms... and READ!
Read
June 14, 2023This book was interesting and well worth listening to. I was expecting more information on what Mystics, Heretics, and Witches tended to do, spells, the philosophies they ascribe to, etc. Instead what I received was an amazing history lesson that worked to explain the social constructs that had individuals being identified as Mystics, Heretics, and Witches. The author is very straightforward that they do not believe in any sort of mysticism though they have had experiences that they feel have taken them into an altered state of being or appreciation for nature. Given that they tend to take certain aspects of these beliefs with a grain of salt, though they are respectful througout. They take time to explore different time periods and attempt to cover aspects of these traditions from as many cultures around the world as they can. I found it incredible to gain a deeper understanding that these traditions can be found in one form or another all around the world. If you have a deep abiding interest in history and learning more about these traditions within a historical and world wide context then this is the book for you.
May 19, 2020
I guess the title alone told me plainly enough how broad this was going to be, but it was shallower than I expected. I just didn't learn a lot. Also I don't think I'll ever be able to forget the professor's absolutely bizarre, emphatic insistence that I had to have a clear understanding that in the seventeenth century any woman who lived to be forty years old would absolutely necessarily be a decrepit crone with "hanging breasts" and "almost all her teeth gone".
That came almost at the end of the series and I almost wish he'd said something that mind-bogglingly dumb earlier so I could have skipped the rest. But really it wasn't bad -- I guess I just know more about the subject matter than I thought I did. Also he has a cool accent, so there was that.
That came almost at the end of the series and I almost wish he'd said something that mind-bogglingly dumb earlier so I could have skipped the rest. But really it wasn't bad -- I guess I just know more about the subject matter than I thought I did. Also he has a cool accent, so there was that.
December 4, 2023
A great deal of focus on mystics and their beliefs, I'd have liked more focus on the witches. He mentions that two villages killed all their women but two--I'd have liked more on that story and why the two women survived when all the others were killed.
One of the best pieces of information was the belief that in antiquity all real wisdom/truth had been discovered so that made all ancient knowledge the best...and you still see that playing out in fiction or old stories about great lost knowledge..ie, the great discoveries of Atlantis/"the ancients", and the lost library of Alexandria....but for fiction and historical curiosity, all the discoveries of the ancients would long ago be superceded.
One of the best pieces of information was the belief that in antiquity all real wisdom/truth had been discovered so that made all ancient knowledge the best...and you still see that playing out in fiction or old stories about great lost knowledge..ie, the great discoveries of Atlantis/"the ancients", and the lost library of Alexandria....but for fiction and historical curiosity, all the discoveries of the ancients would long ago be superceded.
September 4, 2020
In 2002 the Teaching Company released Professor Teofilio F. Ruiz’s 24 lectures audio course “The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition.” Teofilio is a National Humanities Award winning historian and an esteemed educator-author. His course traces the historical movements of mysticism and heretical judgements from the 1st to 17th century. His history culminates in the 1692 witch craft events in Salem, Massachusetts. He believes fear and uncertainties underpin an historic terror that touches deeply our beliefs and way of life. (P)
May 21, 2024
bro genuinely invaded my mind when he talked of some of the topics. Also, the essay I wrote on this book is perhaps the best academic paper I have ever written. It’s written so beautifully and I can’t believe he told me he doesn’t like it and it’s shocking that I’m reading a reflection my history/religion professor wrote. this is someone that I have met and talked to in person and they exist?? it all felt so much more intriguing and vulnerable in a way knowing that I knew the person writing these words. I also promise that this said essay is much much more sophisticated than this review.
October 21, 2018
Had a good time with this one. I learned lots
At times, though, I had to listen rather closely because of the professor's accent. Also, it wasn't exactly what I thought based on a cursory reading of the title. I had thought that the "Terror" of history was simply the sort of stuff brought about by superstition and the Inquisition. This was not exactly what he meant.
This is definitely an interesting one. I recommend it.
At times, though, I had to listen rather closely because of the professor's accent. Also, it wasn't exactly what I thought based on a cursory reading of the title. I had thought that the "Terror" of history was simply the sort of stuff brought about by superstition and the Inquisition. This was not exactly what he meant.
This is definitely an interesting one. I recommend it.
July 7, 2022
An interesting lecture series on the religious beliefs, superstitions and mysticisms. The author does a remarkable job in guiding through such a novel topic. Something that stuck out to me: all records of witches and heresy are actually not first-hand account which makes tackling this subject very challenging for historians. Some of the more enjoyable parts had the author reciting contemporary accounts. My main issue was that the subject matter itself was not the most interesting (to me).
January 2, 2024
Story of the fight against the terror of history. I really liked the philosophy of history composed into this piece. History of beautiful pointers to the moon - but the moon we all have to see/experience by ourselves. In any tradition, the form or route to the mountain differs, but the top is always the same.
May 3, 2020
Sometimes the information could be repetitive, it is very interesting though. If you're already familiar with witch history, it might not give any new information. It's more of a 101 and for people who are just learning that witches "existed" or are historically relevant in society.
November 9, 2023
It is a little outdated which is understandable for being 20 years old. My bigger problem with it though was that it tried to cover too much. It ended up being a mile wide and an inch deep which didn't allow me to learn anything new.
August 23, 2018
Lots of interesting information that never quite congealed into a single topic. Part of that is the nature of audio learning for me? It’s better suited to broad overviews than exploring a thesis for me, and this is more the latter than the former. But I’m not convinced the thesis would have gelled even if I had read it rather than listened to it. Still, the information presented was fascinating.
September 8, 2020
مجموعة من الحاضرات الصوتية عن تاريخ الصوفية والمبتدعين والساحرات في أوروبا الغربية من عام 1000 ميلادي إلى نهاية القرن السابع عشر. لم يشد انتباهي بالكتاب إلا القسم الأخير الذي يتكلم فيه عن الساحرات.
January 23, 2021
It's a good and informative overview, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 29, 2021
Good 24-lecture series on less of witches and specific cases and more into the history of the conditions that made mystics and witches a thing in Western culture.
April 5, 2022
Man does this guy like using, "in a sense."
December 27, 2022
It was fine he’s just very casual and it’s not particularly academic for a history book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews