This article explores medieval mysticism, memory and prayer, spiritual sensation and emotion, negative theology, affective mysticism, and the connection between the passion of Christ and the history of emotions. The medieval use of the word “contemplation” encompassed various approaches to spirituality, with the monastic ideal of flight from the world for a specialized life of penance and prayer being the institutional context. Martin Luther’s relationship to late medieval mysticism is addressed through a terminological approach focused on Luther’s use of the term.
Contemplation was seen as an action, a form of community-building communication, and a means of engaging with God. In the unitive life, the soul no longer lives or works of itself, but God lives, acts, and works in her. This state allows the mystic to engage with God.
The history of the word contemplation is related to pagan Roman practices of divination, with its roots relating to gazing, musing, and meditating. In the context of western mysticism, being a contemplative means gazing deeply into the mystery of God. Contemplation is considered an intuitive view of the truth accompanied by awe, and it is an unmediated contact with the divine. Meditating on Christ’s embodied presence seeks a direct awareness of the divine that transcends the intellect, often in accordance with religious practices.
In the Western European history of meditation and contemplation, the period from the 12th to the 15th century differs significantly from the times both before and after. The essay also addresses Martin Luther’s relationship to late medieval mysticism through a terminological approach focused on Luther’s use of the term.
📹 A Method For Mysticism
Using guidelines laid down by one of the Church’s greatest mystics, St. Francis de Sales, Fr Gregory Pine explains how you can …
What is the best definition of contemplating?
The verb “contemplating” denotes a profound and tranquil reflection on a prospective course of action or a specific matter over an extended period. This is exemplified by the decision to pursue a year of international study.
What are the three stages of contemplation?
The stages of AA involve three stages: precontemplation, which is not yet acknowledging a problem behavior, and contemplation, which acknowledges the problem but lacks confidence to change it. In precontemplation, people are not serious about changing and may defend their current bad habit(s) without seeking help. This stage is also known as “denial” and may be defensive in the face of pressure from others.
In the contemplation stage, people are weighing the pros and cons of modifying their behavior, considering both the negative aspects and the positives associated with change. They may doubt that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term costs, and it may take weeks or even a lifetime to get through the contemplation stage.
What are the three types of mysticism?
R. C. Zaehner categorizes mysticism into three main types: theistic, monistic, and panenhenic. Theistic mysticism includes Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and Hindu mysticism, while monistic mysticism is based on the unity of one’s soul and includes Buddhism and Hindu schools like Samkhya and Advaita vedanta. Nature mysticism refers to non-categorised examples.
Walter Terence Stace distinguished two types of mystical experiences: extrovertive and introvertive mysticism. Extrovertive mysticism involves the unity of the external world, while introvertive mysticism is an experience of unity devoid of perceptual objects. Unity in extrovertive mysticism is with the totality of objects of perception, while in introvertive mysticism, unity is with a pure consciousness. These experiences are nonsensical and nonintellectual, suppressing the whole empirical content.
Stace argues that doctrinal differences between religious traditions are inappropriate criteria for cross-cultural comparisons of mystical experiences. Mysticism is part of the process of perception, not interpretation, and the unity of mystical experiences is perceived and only interpreted according to the perceiver’s background. This may result in different accounts of the same phenomenon, such as an atheist describing unity as “freed from empirical filling” and a religious person describing it as “God” or “the Divine”.
What is the meaning of mystical contemplation?
Contemplation is a state of mystical awareness of God’s being, an act of considering with attention, and a study. It is often used to explore the meaning of life, make decisions, and engage in self-reflection. Examples of contemplation on the web include Mercury entering Virgo today, teens with an immortal mindset, a memorial in Charleston, and a survivor’s garden. These examples are compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word “contemplation”.
The opinions expressed in these examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. The examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word “contemplation”.
What is the spiritual meaning of contemplation?
Contemplation is a religious practice that involves a content-free mind focusing on the awareness of God as a living reality. It transcends the intellect and is often associated with religious practices like meditation or prayer. The word “contemplation” comes from the Latin word “contempio”, which is derived from the Latin word “templum”, which refers to a piece of ground consecrated for auspices or a building for worship. The Latin word “contempio” was used to translate the Greek word “theōría”.
Plato believed that through contemplation, the soul can ascend to knowledge of the Form of the Good or other divine Forms. Neo-Platonic philosopher Plotinus also emphasized contemplation as the most critical component for reaching henosis, with the highest contemplation being experiencing the vision of God, the Monad or the One. Plotinus described this experience in his works, including his Enneads, where he experienced God four times.
What is the deep meaning of contemplation?
Contemplation is a long, hard, and profound thought process, often involving long periods of observation or reflection. The term “temple” originated from the concept of a special space for observation, but now refers to any long-term thinking activity. It can include contemplating personal history or family history, or musing on deep or abstruse subjects. In religion, contemplation is particularly important, often focused on spiritual matters, such as religious or philosophical ones. While browsing old photos on Facebook may not count as contemplation, it is a significant part of personal growth and self-reflection.
What is the theory of contemplation?
Contemplation is a crucial stage in human development where individuals become aware of the need for change and deeply contemplate the implications of such changes. This stage can last for a long time, and an examined life is considered a good one. Socrates and Aristotle, both early Greek philosophers, believed that contemplation was the core purpose of all humans. Regardless of whether contemplation is the central purpose of humans, it is an essential part of enjoying the richness and extent of the human experience. By engaging in contemplation, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and happiness.
What is the idea of contemplation?
Contemplation, derived from the Greek word theoria, is a deliberate act of inner observation and investigation, focusing on self-realization and connection with the ground of our being. In recent years, a significant number of UK adults have reported using meditation to improve their mental wellbeing, and 15% have learned to practice mindfulness. This trend is doubling in generation Zers, with some mind-body forms of contemplation like yoga and tai chi also growing in popularity.
Contemplation is not only traditionally associated with religion and spirituality but can also be found in modern secular domains such as education, the workplace, general-living contexts, sports, and the arts. Contemplation is distinguished from routine thinking, thought rumination, and problem-solving by six criteria. This growth in popularity is exemplified by the increasing popularity of meditation and mindfulness in the younger generation.
What are the 4 aspects of mysticism?
The mystical phenomenology is distinguished by a set of characteristics, including ineffability, a mystical quality, transiency, and passivity. James posits that this latter quality represents the most challenging aspect to convey in verbal form.
What are the three stages of mysticism?
St. Thomas Aquinas classified Mount Christian as a journey with three levels: Purgative, Illuminative, and Unitive. The journey offers greater fulfillment and happiness by those who struggle to reach these heights, as they fulfill the reason for God’s descent among men. The first stage of the ascent of Mount Christian may seem cramped and narrow, but it is the path to holiness that leads to life and happiness.
As sons of Adam, we face difficulties in spiritual and physical condition, making the initial climb a hard struggle. However, the journey to Mount Christian is not without its challenges, as it fulfills the reason for God’s descent among men.
What is contemplation according to Thomas Merton?
Contemplation represents a profound expression of the human intellectual and spiritual experience, analogous to spiritual wonder and awe at the sacredness of life. It is a profound realization that life and being originate from an invisible, transcendent, and infinitely abundant source.
📹 Introducing The Christian Mystics
Awakening #Enlightenment #Mysticism #Spirituality #Christianity Here is the timeline of the Christian Mystics from the video: …
When I was a little boy in Catholic school I would ask questions like, “Didn’t Jesus say that God is WITHIN each one of us?” and they would tell me I was being a heretic and proceed to physically beat me. It never deterred my inner feeling though. A lifetime of seeking has grown into the most wonderful sense of oneness with the Source of Creation and Creation itself. “Brian” has dissolved and all that is left is pure loving awareness. Love and blessings to all seekers who read this. Never give up! You are Divine and the Divine is you.
I love that you talk about having a radical experience that is indescribable because that is absolutely the truth. It’s not the same to just grow by learning in your mind, as opposed to having these experiences. When you experience it, you know that you are experiencing the embodiment of truth. Really it drives me nuts I have trouble bringing other people into the fold—I’ve tried to get others to seek this and fall short. I pray that I’ll get there one day and witness other people I love desire the mystic life. There’s just so much more we can have in this life. The understanding of Christ in us, we really could not possibly get any closer to Him than we already are but so many teachings trick people into believing they are further away. However I’ve had a lot of trauma in my life that had led me to this point so that resonated with me. I’m also commenting to let you know I’m out here, and others like me, who have found ourselves on this path. I know it’s one of my greatest joys to become aware there are others who are understanding this and continuously seeking to live it, because it is such a gift
Over 10 years ago I had a life altering experience with Christ and I can’t believe I just now discovered the Christian Mystic line of the disciples of Christ. I see this becoming more mainline. It is essential. For so long I’ve described my connection to Christ as something closer to Buddhism but with the language of Judeo-Christian experience. Not a perfect sentence, but good enough. Blessings to all.
I have sever PTSD about all those that call themselves Christians or Catholics. I was raised Catholic, and beaten by racist, violent, catholic Nuns and Priests. I know there is a GOD!! There has to be something GREATER THAN ME. I don’t want to hear there is a difference between God and Jesus. I don’t want to hear that your interpretation is the only way for me to believe! I don’t want to hear that there is only one way to kneel to God. My God has no face, no body, only PURE LIGHT. I love listening to those that invite me to open my heart and mind to SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE. I seek what we as humans are supposed to be and practice….. TO LOVE. TO SEE EACH OTHER AS A MIRROR OF ONES SELF REFLECTION. TO BE COMPASSIONATE . TO BE KIND. This is what OUR CREATOR, OUR HIGHER SELF, OUR DIVINE LIGHT, WANTS US TO BE. WE AS HUMANS MUST BEHAVE AS IF ALL OUR RAGE AND HATRED OF OTHERS, WILL HURT AND DESTROY OUR SOULS!
This is a very good summary on Christian Mystic. The purging for me was on shame, fear, rage and then purging on hopelessness, nothingness and powerlessness. The illumination creates these different educational principles and mainly learning to just let go. The dark night, for me, is this weaning from needing to accomplish and achieve. The dark night creates little concern with doing and being whatever I believe will make me feel worthwhile, such as having success, achieving goals, building myself up and winning rewards. There is no role to play nor can I make the role valuable. There is no purpose, which is why it is a dark night. For me the dark night has become this transparency bridge and the real transformation is needing to draw upon a Deeper Source and being unable to do it. It is like moving from a state of consciousness to a stage of consciousness and the stage is empty, which creates this powerlessness within. The stage seems to be setting up Divine Union and to allow the ego to slow down and rest, as the stage becomes this awareness of Being itself as the source of this identity as Essence. The stage is simply resting and the stage becomes real peace when nothing sticks in the consciousness. Serenity moves in and the stage becomes this acceptance of the conditions I am working with, nothingness. When I am in acceptance and serenity the stage seems to allow the energies of life to flow without this need to resist or trying to control this emptiness. This Divine Union as this nobility of love I know not, as I am still adjusting to this empty stage.
I loved this. I see Moses in this. He breaks away from the norm, goes up Mt. Sinai, and brings divine revelation of the law to the people below and brings the Logos, (order) to the confused/misguided people of Israel. I see myself in the “Illumination” stage. Pray for me that I get to union with God.
Nothing is so pleasing and so delightful in human life than this mystic experience–parallel with the discovery of ones Inner Self, or the True Image of GOD in Oneself–and it is now a year since I had experienced this reality. Yet, it only recently that I came to realize that MYST ISM is theologico-philosophical concept dealing essentially about such experience. Sudden, dramatic and immediate. Oh GOD, I THANK YOU FOREVER FOR HAVING LET ME EXPERIENCE YOU IN THIS WAY.
I run into this documentary and I loved it, I have extensive experience in therevadin Buddhism and I believe the study of all mystic traditions and even tribal shamanism to have amazing gems of wisdom and one should not shun other traditions. I’m happy as a budhist to search everywhere for any pieces of knowledge that further my spiritual evolution
Superlative! Thank you, Brother Marc, for this succinct yet meticulous introduction to the world of Christian mystics. You’re one of the best I’ve seen at teaching the mystic way. I’ve noticed a somewhat alarming trend today with many advocates of Christian mysticism that tends to omit the miraculous component that was always extant in the lives the ancient, medieval and renaissance mystics. They seem to believe that one can achieve union of the soul with God without the natural consequence of miraculous gifts and prophetic oracles. Nowadays, if one can write flowery spiritual poetry or engaging essays about sublime piety, that alone is deemed enough to encapsulate authentic mysticism. This appears, to me, to be a subtle and dangerous drift from the beauty of true Christian mystagogy which is always accompanied by some sort of preternatural phenomena.
This makes a lot of sense for me . it’s not an easy path to walk but it seems once it is started and you see reality there isn’t a way to turn back . easiest way would be to live a hermit life . But it’s not conducive. Especially the way the world is now . It is a hard path but the rewards are incendiary. i can barely imagine how I survived without God before . I don’t know why I deserve this path but I am thankful ✨
I believe in the divine, because of an experience I had, not that I understand it all, but I know that there is a heavenly presence amongst us. The problem is that I have not cultivated this experience, so I live day to day like everyone else. But I enjoy life and wait for slipping into the unknown. I think St. John of the Cross is a great example. He gives an account of darkness making us acutely aware of the smallest light.
What you presented here is ingenious. I have been a practitioner of Buddhism, especially in the esoteric traditions (Vajrayana), for years due to my affinity with the Buddhist traditions. However, what you have presented here is similar to many steps of the mystical path, even in the Buddhist path. As a naturopathic doctor, I understand the importance of fasting, meditation in solitude and the love towards living beings. The consequence of such practices can bring us closer to the divine. I think this is the true religion–a personal connection to the divine. When politics and ego get in the way, however, it taints the essence and purpose of the spiritual path. Thank you for presenting this. Now, I am reading the Bible and when I see it as a map of the spirit, there is not much difference from my Buddhist learnings–only words and terms. I do wish and pray for more insights and path towards becoming closer to Divine Union. Thank you for your work.
I am a mystic that believes in Christian Universalism meaning that we will all be Reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. God bless I Timothy 4:10-11 NKJV For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach.
I can understand Christians getting mad at normal psychic/witch craft abilities, but why get mad at practicing Christian Mysticism? I’m Christian, but not a mystic, however I do want to be one because being in a divine state of awareness sounds amazing. It also seems like a great way to always have the presence of god within you.
Christism..Can’t imagine what you are thinking about this crazy place of the way the secularists have no idea of its wonders of the wonders of our holy trinity of father son and the holy spirit thus far we live in the scriptures and the family natives of our life and love ❤agape and Eros!!!I am who I am.
This is very helpful. I have come to understand the union of the godhead within and the inner transformation of my inner being. Not always have the ability to articulate this divine mystical seamless union of the divine that is within me. I tabernacle the godhead within me, my body being his temple and that the triune God is comfortable within human being. Thank you for defining this process of want it means to be a mystic, I will certainly watch this over and over again so that I can digest this beautiful union with the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
This might have been enhanced by expanding the experience of mysticism beyond the relatively narrow constraints of Christianity. Mysticism is a human experience that transcends western thought – Hunduism and Buhdism both have rich mystic traditions – that connection between different human tribes to engage in ‘higher thought’ is a richer vein to tap into.
Yes, we are a weird lot. An excellent explanation of the subject. I particularly like your definition of a mystic as someone who has had personal experience of that, which lies beyond. I don’t know a lot about Christian mystics but I know they exist and as it has been said; we speak the same language. I have found the Light in Darkness and yet, it’s the same thing as with every other mystic. Few, however, will ever believe this. Oh well…
Transcending concepts is not the same as contradicting sound infallible doctrine. It transcends it in the sense that such things can never be fully understood. However, it is important to realize this because the idea of mysticism without limits leads many good Christian souls astray into self-deception.
Interesting article. I am an awakened Christian Mystic and have been on the path for 35 years. In my direct encounter with the Divine, I experienced intense ecstacy. G-d’s Light makes a Soul ecstatic, joyful, blissful, and full of love. Every Being has a Divine spark located deep inside the heart, regardless of religion or whether one is an atheist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, etc. This is always the case and is simply the way it is. This is our Reality. Reality is multi dimensional and Life is infinite. We are multi dimensional Beings. Yet, most people are completely unaware of their own Divine Nature. This is because most people suffer from low self esteem and try to find Being and Value outside of themselves…in objects. The Divine is utterly transcendent but is also immanent in every person and every thing. No one can define or express everything the Divine is. Yet, we can know directly that the Divine is Love, Light, Bliss, Consciousness, and existence itself. The purpose of life is to develop and evolve yourself as a person, then to integrate your conscious self with the Divine Soul, deep inside the heart. This is Self Realization or Soul Realization. Next, the Soul must integrate with an even Higher Self…this is your Spirit. At this level you always have been and always will be directly connected and sustained by the Divine. Peace.
The Rosicrucians sound interesting. I heard something about them on History website and looked them up. I’m definitely lacking in Spirituality and know I need it especially from past trauma that I need to heal from. I’m not big into Christianity I’m a baptized Catholic but this sort of thing sound more like what I’m interested in.
Experiences of mystery with the Holy Spirit is often the result of trauma and brokenness. Sometimes described with psychology conditions which there is a fine line. I had to discern my experiences through the Bible to separate the true witness of the Spirit and psychological psychosis . Brokenness breaks self and sanctifies you. Reborn Christian’s are IN Christ and we witness in the Providence of God that is God’s Providence and we only witness in it never participate in it.
I think I very clearly belong to the Apophatic tradition – and maybe that’s wwhy I have a question for any who would like to help me. I fully understand that this website is about Christian Mystics and I am very impressed with what I have heard. However, I would like to ask how do those who find this approach (Christian Mysticism) towards the Absolute sit with the alternative forms of expression such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Advaita, Taoism, etc.. I guess I’m really asking is whether people see the Christian path as one way but by no means exclusive way towards experiencing the Divine? Are Eastern paths as meaningful – just different cultural representations of the same thing – or is there something ‘special’ about the Christian approach?
St John was a mystic. My angels tell me when to pray for people being harmed and threatened by darkness. Mabbas (bad fallen spirits) are all around. Archangel Michael and his friends are still helping us. Archangel Nathaniel. They turned Nicademus into a snake, dropped his spirit down. We are all one is explained with scientific string theory. Some string connections are stronger than others between nature and other beings.
According to the Orthodox mystical experiences for the sake of ecstasy or visioning Jesus or Saints is a type of spiritual delusion to be avoided. The standard Apophatic model embraced by Catholicism is the god is a being without being (without matter, aphysical, lacking light, sound). According to the definition of the occult mystical experience without some sort of temperance mechanism (religion or science) is occult behavior. Contextually certain groups practice a meditative stance that produces visions. The book of acts mentions profane visions. No one knows what Christ or the Virgin Mary looked like, saying that you saw either of these and heard there voices in English is profane. Practiced mystics seek to dispel such visions in search of an inner profoundness. I am not Orthodox but I appreciate their concern.
Wow! Excellent basic introduction on Christian Mysticism. Thank you for sharing this teaching with us. I was taught in my theological-denominational background to reject everything Mysticism even if is Christian. That it was (is) heretical!! What basic books would you recommend regarding Christian Mysticism, and websites/blogs on this topic?? @prmentor (12/16/18 Sunday)
We have traditional Christian or Catholic mysticism, anthroposophy, theosophy, Jewish mysticism ( Kabbalah), Islamic mysticism ( Sufi), most eastern religions have strong mystic traditions, new age mysticism and then all the secret societies that have a strong mystical influence. There are similarities between all of these. Some use drugs to have these experiences, some use repetitive drumming or prayer or saying Om, some strike certain poses and meditate, some look into a flame, all are trying to silence the mind to allow spirits to speak. The big problem is I think it’s generally not the Holy Spirit but spirits of deception that we are not capable of discerning, we are told in the Bible to avoid praying like the pagans and to remain sober minded, we are warned against mysticism. I think it will be a big part of the end times and the rise of a one world religion, beware!
You´ll probably never going to stop clinging to this phrase in your desperate hopes of a “Transformation of the inmost being.” It really sounds special. And people want that. They´ve got everything else, mostly. But that didn´t satisfy them. Truth is; nothing will. Yea, they also want to experience this “Mysterium Tremendum et fascinans.” I´d rather go for Father Christmas; at least we get the gifts.
10:58 I don’t know why you say, the invitation goes to say come and participate in the dance, when you are part of the ones, that when people go because there is an invitation, you don’t interact. And they go we are one, yes in your imagination, if you want oneness you are going to have to stop treating people like garbage.
Hello Marc, thank you for this great lecture! I want to recommend this 20th century German Mystic, Carl Welkisch, to add to your list. He is still rather unknown to the English speaking world, but has been an incredible inspiration to me and many other people in Germany. 2 of his books are translated into English, definitely a great source of fresh input. I would love to hear what you think. Here is a website-link for more info: en.welkisch.org/biography.html
There are not enough distinctions being made. St Benedict and all the Catholic mystics were definitely different than the status quo – that is true. And they for sure saw God as everywhere present. However we should not pretend that they did not see sin as a hindrance to God. God of course is still involved with the sinner because every moment of life is sustained only by Him. But sin, since it is a rejection of God if of the grave kind, clouds our judgement – so in that sense we become separate from God by our own obstinance, because we ignore the truth that He is with us and loves us. We reject that when living in sin because we do not want a reminder of our need to change. That is why those drowning in sin will find true Christian meditation/mental prayer to be nearly impossible without a change in life. The silence reminds us of our own faults. We must be willing to rid ourselves of those faults in order to face them in contemplation.
Christian mysticism makes me uncomfortable because it often leads to other practices,b away from one true God, idolatry. Christian mystics seem to have been adopted by occultists, reiki, Buddhism, Hinduism, witches, magicians, and so on. It’s important for Catholics to know their Saints, the truth about their mystics in heaven and on earth.
There is a problem brought about by being Religious Mystic . That being the need by the Mystic to include it’s religious teaching in with it’s learnings from their mystic side. Because of that inclusion, the teachings are never true mystical teachings. I am an 80 year old Born Mystic, I know what I am speaking of .
Great example of a “A Gardner in a War.” If you can’t explain it, you didn’t do it. And if you didn’t do it and can’t explain it and have other also do it. It’s useless. Start by making your electromagnetic watery spirit body you’ll need to travel the other realms by “rest and repose” (moving without moving.)
What stops this from becoming a cult? This is a genuine question. Where is the ruler. Christian and mysticism don’t seem to go together. It seems like you’re either a Mystic or you’re a Christian. It seems like experience trumps everything in mysticism… But truly what stops this from becoming a cult?
“We may be a Christian or a mystic. We cannot be both a Christian and a mystic.” (Benjamin Warfield) Mysticism is the desire on the part of a spiritual enthusiast to sidestep the fact that God is another self with whom we must reckon, with whom we must be reconciled. True mysticism does not need the cross the instrument thru which the sinner can be reconciled to God. The “Christian” mystic is not only one with God in purpose but one with God in essence. This is Hindu blasphemy.
Contemplative Prayer begin with monastic monks experimenting with prayer practices they observed Buddhist and Hindus doing. Therefore, contemplative prayer is a pagan prayer practice. When one does what pagans do then one gets what pagans get. Pagans worship demons. 1 Timothy 4:1 is to be applied to Contemplative Prayer for it is the doctrine of demons. Anyone who is a Holy Spirit filled believer will be corrected and rescued from engaging in Contemplative Prayer. Anyone who defends it is spiritual deceived and undiscerning. Pray for Hebrews 5:14. -Blessings from Tajji in Tanzania
Where are mystics of Orthodox today? Where I would not want to be around a bunch of dysfunctional guys. No toxic machismo. Where a Skete would be better. Then being wealthy, I’d find others who are righteous, not self righteous types. But righteous, good natured, pleasant to be with, those who can dominate their egoes, as well as practice simple basic ethics, who share my interests, goals, some might have their own, as there’s always exceptions to the rule. Attitude has so much to do with it. Make totally self supporting and preserving abilities. But move into some of the old skills as meds from nature. Modern meds are needed, but some can not be afforded. But some earthy meds are more effective than some chemically synthesized. Oh well.
-God had clearly commanded His people never to consult witches or mediums (Leviticus 19:31 20:27). When psychics claim to be contacting spirits of the dead, they are really in touch with Satan’s fallen angels (Isaiah 8:19, 20). God commanded that witches, wizards and those with familiar spirits to be executed (Leviticus 20:27). The Bible says, after death a person: returns to dust (Psalms 104:29), knows nothing (Ecclesiastes 9:5), possesses no mental powers (Psalms 146:4), has nothing to do with anything on earth (Ecclesiastes 9:6), does not live (2 Kings 20:1), waits in the grave (Job 17:13), and continues not (Job 14:1, 2) until the Resurrection Day. The Bible refers to death as sleep. Death is a state of total unconsciousness. The dead praise not the Lord (Psalms 115:17), have no memory (Psalms 6:5), don’t return to their house (Job 7:10), don’t celebrate God (Isaiah 38:18), and their thoughts perish (Psalms 146:4). The teaching that the spirits of the dead are heavenly angels, or some righteous ghost like entity that can be contacted, is without scriptural foundation. I am not calling for anyone to be put to death. I am saying there are several scriptures that say mystics are wrong.
Can a mystic be a Christian. Can a Christian be a mystic. This is a classic example of Mathew15/14. The blind leading the blind into the pit. Beyond logic, rational thinking and scholarship into the realm of EXPERIENCE is mysticism. Kindly Google Papal bull 1492,1493, 1452,1453. CONQUER, CONVERT and ENSLAVE. Could Christianity issue such a command and claim the right to talk about mysticism. And what about the inquisition. Roman, Portuguese, Spanish . Christianity is a cult involved in world domination on behalf of vested interests. Mysticism in Christianity is discussed to lend some authentication to the discredited church.
i will pray for this guy and all of you agreeing with him in the comment section😲 “western religious tradition”? God Himself, in His WORD, calls us separate from Himself relationally and we are so because of our sinful nature, brought near only by Christ and no-one or -thing else… what on earth does one’s ego have to do with anything?? if you’re talking being within God as in somehow being a literal part of God, like panentheism, that’s not Christianity. this is new age. we are DUST, nothinggg compared to God. like… what are you on about?? you can have weird beliefs if you want but don’t drag Christ’s name into it. THIS IS NOT CHRISTIANITY
2 Tim 3 speaks of those having s form of Godliness, but deny the power thereof. Which priests van be said at fault, where teach the whole truth, who is willing to purify themselves or do anything to please God? Ask Christians to sacrifice food of pleasure as pork and other unkosher foods? God might as well grab the backseat.
So do you believe in the Word of God? Mysticism is a form of Magic, witchcraft, or sorcery. So why do you meddle in this form religion? Have you not read the Bible? To understand where you end up when you practice Mystics? Revelation 21:8 8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Deuteronomy 18:10-12 10 “There shall not be found among you (anyone) who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, (or one) who practices witchcraft, (or) a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 “or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 “For all who do these things (are) an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. Micah 5:12 12 I will cut off sorceries from your hand, And you shall have no soothsayers. AND NO WHERE IN SCRIPTURE IS THE FATHER IN HEAVEN REFERRED TO AS “the mystic god”
What I find is that Christian mystics depart in significant ways from traditional Christianity and start sounding like Advaita Vedanta adherents. Given that the “New Testament” was engineered to portray “Jesus” (not his name) as “God” to satisfy that fraction of the early “church” who wanted to believe that, they tend to stick on that part of it, but as to the sayings recorded from “Jesus” (not his name) they sound an awful lot like Jesus (not his name) was teaching Advaita Vedanta.
All your talking about is what the WORD of God says we already have! If these Modern Day Mystics are having such “awakenings” from God why aren’t they going around laying Hands on people and imparting this special Gift?? God is no respecter of persons. What He gives to one…He will give to ALL who seek His Face and His Holy presence.Mystics? Just Tomato or Tomoto. It’s all the same thing. If it doesn’t line up with the Word of God….it is Blasphemy!!!
a complete union with the divine ? GOD?……what makes you think God wants a complete union with you? or other humans?…..if He did He would have provided for that, left Jesus on earth…..desiring MORE ?…….good luck with that……read the bible…..there are a FEW instances when folks weren’t satisfied with the blessings God provided…….you should check them out !……specially the ENDINGS !