Robbie - Mysticism

Christian Mysticism

Context/Historical/Impact

            Mysticism focuses largely on the inner workings of God in man, with some mystic theologians defining mysticism as involving significant “union” or “inner presence” with God and man. Bernard McGinn, a modern Christian Mystic theologian, defines mysticism as an activity about “new ways of knowing and loving based on states of awareness in which God becomes present in our inner acts.”

            In early Christianity, mysticism was focused on a few dimensions, which are, the biblical dimension (focusing allegorical interpretation of scripture), the liturgical dimension (referring to the mystery of the Lord’s supper/Holy communion), and lastly the contemplative, experiential knowledge of God. The Hellenist movement was focused largely around mysticism and the mystery of God portrayed through ritual and scripture.

            Today, mysticism is ever present. Mysticism plays into any church that has traditions in liturgy or other rituals focusing on personal, inner experience and connection with God. Meditation is also a practice that is deeply connected in mysticism and experiencing God through inward focus.

Summary

The essence of Christian Mysticism is focused on the mystery God through ritual and scripture. Mysticism turns these things into a personal, inner and mysterious experience between man and God. This, in turn, causes man to contemplate on the mystery of God and the scriptures, and focuses largely on the experience and mystery of who God is.

Quotes

"God became human so that man might become god." – Athanasisus of Alexandria

“We are more truly in heaven than on earth.” 
— Julian of Norwich

“Nothing in all creation is so like God as stillness.” 
— Meister Eckhart

Evaluation

            My personal evaluation of Christian Mysticism is that it is largely inwardly focused on the self and our relationship to God through emotional experience. While meditating on God and praying contemplatively is a good thing, it would be easy to make this the focus over important things like The Great Commission, Jesus’ other teachings, etc.

Opponents

            Opponents like William Parsons and Richard King oppose mystic views citing that it detracts from the importance of  “shared community” and “social justice” issues, respectively. King says that too much of the focus in mysticism is placed on the individual and seeks to alleviate stress on the individual rather than “transform the world.”

Resources

Wikipedia, other online articles.