Great description.The Desert Fathers, which I think has an Eastern Orthodox origin and also Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross. I think these people discovered that it is easier to communicate with God, if we don't use too much left brain, our logical thoughts. That our creative, non-dualistic side has more potential to let God speak to us and vice versa.
You can't make someone into a mystic. It's their natural state -- they either are or they are not. Just like you can't do anything to make a mystical experience happen--it comes when it comes.Benedictine monks could be viewed as Christian mystics because they practise lectio divina every day. (prayerful reflection of the Gospel)
Gnosticism has not relationship to mysticism.Gnosticism.
Just going by the wiki definition, that's allYou can't make someone into a mystic. It's their natural state -- they either are or they are not. Just like you can't do anything to make a mystical experience happen--it comes when it comes.
I use William James well known defining qualities of mystical experiences:Just going by the wiki definition, that's all
wiki definition againChristian mysticism refers to the development of mystical practices and theory within Christianity. It has often been connected to mystical theology, especially in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christianity (both the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox traditions).
The attributes and means by which Christian mysticism is studied and practiced are varied. They range from ecstatic visions of the soul's mystical union with God to simple prayerful contemplation of Holy Scripture (i.e., Lectio Divina).
sounds a bit elitist to me. I cant see why the average monk wouldn't be experiencing mystical states every day doing such tasks as lectio divina.You can't make someone into a mystic. It's their natural state -- they either are or they are not. Just like you can't do anything to make a mystical experience happen--it comes when it comes.
Because they don't have the kind of brain structure (personality) that is conducive to it. What you are saying is that you don't understand why anyone in the world can't be a genius if they just go to grad school, since geniuses go to grad school, or why anyone can't be Magic Johnson if they just don't go out every day and shoot hoops. We're all made differently with different gifts and talents. Why is that elitist?sounds a bit elitist to me. I cant see why the average monk wouldn't be experiencing mystical states every day doing such tasks as lectio divina.
You are correct: no one goes around in a constant mystical state. A mystic is simply someone who experiences those states.you don't have to be full-time mystic to experience mystical states, is what I'm saying. In addition, Merton was considered a mystic but he didn't go round in a mystical state all the time. And he was fully developed in both sides of his brain.
point well made. Also I think we forget that even canonised saints committed sin in their lives. Wasn't it Mother Theresa who was reported to be short-tempered and demanding as a leader?In the end he resolved himself yet it reminds us that even those mystics within the Church who have been permitted to experience God on a different level are in danger of falling away like the rest of us.
To apply Tolkien, for the saints are as wizards in being more learned and wise than the masses..point well made. Also I think we forget that even canonised saints committed sin in their lives. Wasn't it Mother Theresa who was reported to be short-tempered and demanding as a leader?
Yes I think you are right. And honestly being a hermit is NOT the same thing as being a mystic. Although it is POSSIBLE for a hermit to be a mystic.It appears as if some people are confusing mysticism with eremitism (being a hermit.)
It appears as if some people are confusing mysticism with eremitism (being a hermit.)
Both are the antithesis of Christianity, so does it really matter?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?