Quietism (Molinos / Madame Guyon, historical)
17th-century Catholic mystical movement teaching total passivity of the soul before God. Miguel de Molinos's 'Spiritual Guide' (1675) was condemned by Innocent XI in 1687; Madame Guyon and Fénelon were censured.
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BITE breakdown
0 — 17th-century Catholic mystical movement condemned 1687; historical reference; influence persists via later mystical and Quaker streams.
In context
Quietism taught that spiritual perfection consisted in total passivity (the 'prayer of quiet'), abandonment of self-effort, and acceptance of every impulse — including spiritual desolation — as God's direct action. Molinos was condemned in 1687 (Coelestis Pastor); the Bossuet-Fénelon controversy ended with Fénelon's submission in 1699. Historical reference; influence persists in Catholic apophatic mysticism, Quaker contemplative practice, and Wesleyan Holiness streams. Risk pattern is the doctrinal disabling of personal moral judgment ('whatever happens is God's will'), which can mask abuse.
This profile is in progress — history, deeper BITE evidence and survivor voices are still being added. Contributions welcome via GitHub.
Timeline
- 1675Molinos publishes the Spiritual Guide
- 1687Condemned by Innocent XI
- 1699Fénelon submits in the Bossuet controversy
Sources
- Miguel de Molinos, 'Guida Spirituale' (1675)
- Innocent XI, 'Coelestis Pastor' (1687)
- Ronald Knox, 'Enthusiasm' (1950)
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.