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I've been in a debate online with another Christian of a different tradition (I'm Catholic, he is Baptist, I think) regarding mysticism, specifically Christian mysticism. He stated that mysticism is inherently pagan and non-Christian, and attempts to use the term Christian mysticism are essentially modern attempts to take a pagan concept and "Christianize" it. I believe that it is not necessarily unChristian, if it is done in a Christian manner. Christian mysticism and pagan mysticism may not be the same thing in practice, though similar in concept, where a Christian is experiencing a fuller communion with Christ but through Christ working in him, and a pagan using ritual to try and attain some deeper sense of the supernatural.

Is there such a thing as Christian mysticism? I've heard the term "mystic" used to describe some saints of the Church. Is this a fluke or is it legitimate? Or is it referring to something other than mysticism?

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This is a huge topic -- see this link for an overview of the subject on Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_mysticism. From a Protestant, evangelical point of view, I would make the observation that little of what that link describes derives from the Bible, but rather from tradition. From an evangelical POV, Christian life ought to derive as directly as possible from Scripture (systematic theology), which would preclude spiritual teachings that originate elsewhere and have no scriptural basis. – Roy Tinker Sep 4 '11 at 2:20
@Roy Thanks for the link, but unfortunately I already have looked it up (and referenced it in the aforementioned debate). My friend threw it all out due to its lack of Scriptural references (to his liking) and also considers it to be a shoddy article. So I am hoping for something else, if possible. – Ben Richards Sep 4 '11 at 2:23
By mysticism, are you referring to the belief that direct knowledge of a god can be attained through subjective experience or though intuition? That is the definition in English at least. – Jenny Thomson Sep 4 '11 at 10:17
@Jenny More or less. And in the sense that some saints of the Church, I have read, have been called "mystics of the Church". An example would be St. Teresa of Ávila. – Ben Richards Sep 4 '11 at 16:03

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up vote 1 down vote

It's a matter of definition.

A lot of Christians are confused by the term because it is very much misused today. They are right to condemn it the way that they mean it, as quite a few people call themselves mystics.

Christian mysticism is the belief that you can be closer to God by meditating on His word, but other people mean it a different way then they call themselves mystics. See http://unionwithgod.info/ for a brief overview.

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I like that link, but it seems overly simplified. I'm currently reading "Guidelines For Mystical Prayer" by Ruth Burrows. I like the book, but it seems that the link you posted is only really scratching the surface. What's described in the link isn't wrong information (I know fully well the kind of contemplative prayer it is describing) but it seems to leave a lot out. – Ben Richards Sep 4 '11 at 23:07
@sidran32 Yes I agree, it's just the only link I had to a reliable source. That was originally the 1st handout for a 7 week class taught by a client of mine. It hasn't been worked on much, but has the introduction for the subject. – 2tim424 Sep 5 '11 at 7:34
Mysticism means a lot more than the definition you give. Please read some mystics. – DJClayworth Sep 14 '11 at 16:41
@DJClayworth, please see the above comments. I answered this question when nobody else had, it was only an introduction to clear up the misconception about mystics, or are you unaware that there is allot of people calling themselves mystics that aren't doing anything like the ones on your list? Thanks for the down vote though. Bless you. – 2tim424 Sep 14 '11 at 18:59
I downvoted because your definition of mysticism was wrong. If you want to edit the definition then I'll consider a reversal. – DJClayworth Sep 14 '11 at 19:24
up vote 2 down vote

Mysticism leads one to union or unity. There are many ways to achieve this union. Remember Jesus said,"I and the Lord are One." If one uses Christian symbols and the teachings of Jesus to achieve this spiritual state then it is called Christian mysticism. For more information visit http://thinkunity.com

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Christian Mysticism has a long and honourable tradition. You can read the histories of many holy Christian mystics. Wikipedia will give you a good starting point. Meditation is only one aspect. For a working definition, try: ""that part, or element, or Christian belief and practice that concerns the preparation for, the consciousness of, and the effect of [...] a direct and transformative presence of [the Christian] God" (Bernard McGinn). In effect mystics are those who make real and experience for themselves things that many Christians take as theoretical or abstract - e.g. the presence of God, union with God, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Here are some well-know people and practices that form part of the Christian Mystic tradition:

  • Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola
  • Meister Eckhart
  • Brother Lawrence
  • Julian of Norwich
  • Teresa of Avila
  • St John of the Cross
  • Thomas Merton
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