Christian Spirituality and Muslim Mysticism in the theological thought and life of Bishop Kenneth Cragg (1913-2012) in dialogue with Dag Hammarskjöld

This thesis is an exploration of the life and theological thought of Bishop Kenneth Cragg (1913-2012). The fundamental research question is to what extent has spirituality and mysticism, both Cristian and Islamic, played in the life and work of Cragg. Cragg is a noted scholar and explorer of Islam and Christian Muslim encounters, who also investigated the character of Sufism and the Muslim Mystical Tradition. The importance of mysticism in the religious thought of Cragg is rarely given account in the existing scholarship. I have attempted to retrieve the foundations of Cragg's theological thought which allow us to review the religious character of Islam as he understood it. Cragg's distinctive account of Christian Spirituality can only be understood from the perspective of his deep attachment to the Church of England, its history and ecclesial tradition. Cragg's thought is Protestant in doctrine and evangelical of instinct. Cragg had been profoundly attached to and influenced by the Swedish religious and public servant who became second Secretary General of the United Nation, Dag Hammarskjöld (1905-1961). I assess Cragg's theology in dialogue with the religious thought of Hammarskjöld, especially noting the idea of mysticism. This thesis offers an original interpretation and account of Kenneth Cragg based upon his extensive writings and his encounters over a long working life.