Christian Mysticism
Original post published at Mystical Direction.
“For truly our Lover desires that our soul cleave to him with all its might, and that we forevermore cleave to his Goodness.”
In our last post, we explored What is Mysticism by looking at general themes like union with the Divine and mystical movements in each religious tradition. This post will focus on Christian Mysticism and Christian mystical experiences. Keep in mind, that Christian Mysticism hasn’t always been accepted by Christian churches. Even though the teachings of Christian Mysticism ultimately come from mystics within organized Christianity (meaning big denominations like Catholicism, Orthodoxy, or some Protestant churches), their revelations have often been repressed or deemed heretical. The main reason for this is the controversial proclamation that the human soul can directly experience union with God without intermediaries like the church or a religious leader. Moreover, not only can we humans experience union through prayer and devotion, but we eventually can become like God—or become God-like. So, let us dive into Christian Mysticism to see what all this means for Christian mystics today!
“The one who adheres to God becomes one spirit with him.”
Christian Mysticism has often been difficult to define due to its many expressions and experiences. Indeed, scholars often talk about Christian Mysticisms because there are different approaches and spiritualities represented. Christian Mysticism is rooted in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. From his birth to resurrection, Christians have searched for the mystical meaning hidden beneath the surface of the New Testament; often turning to the Johannine texts as sources of inspiration. The Johannine texts (Gospel of John, Epistles of John) present the highest Christological nature of Jesus, meaning that they emphasize the divinity of Jesus rather than his humanity. This is why you get the eloquent prologue using language similar to the Book of Genesis like “In the beginning…” Jesus was mystically at the beginning of all creation. He was with God, was God, is God, and through him all things were made (John 1.1-2). That’s pretty high theological praise.
Over the years, Christian Mystics have turned to the Gospel of John to help them understand the true nature of Christ, a Divine being incarnated as human. Thus, the question arises: If God can become human in Jesus, can a human become God through Jesus? The correct theological answer that has been passed down throughout the church is no, definitely not. Christian Mystics, however, say “Well…kinda, it just depends on what we mean.” Union with God is achievable. It is the way in which we go about it, the experiences during, and the inevitable outcome that makes institutionalized Christianity wary.
Christian Mysticism promotes a healthy spirituality by cultivating one’s relationship with Jesus through prayer and grace. From the outside, mysticism looks no different than regular worship or spirituality. Christian mystics were often monks, nuns, preachers, and laity who led a life similar to what a majority of Christians normally do. However, underneath the seemingly regular expressions of faith dwells a practice of deep devotion, keeping the mystic in contact with God throughout the day. What I mean by this, is that Christian Mystics focus on a life devoted to a contemplative practice which leads to a direct experience of God’s overwhelming Love. These mystical experiences are different for each person and reflect the Loving relationship between them and Christ. For example, Meister Eckhart (one of my favorite Christian Mystics) discusses the Ground of All-Being; whereas Julian of Norwich experiences Christ’s Love as Mother. Personally, my mystical experiences have been powerfully intense—my body feeling like it’s on fire with a passionate Love of God, feelings of angelic beings present with me, or awareness of Mother Mary’s presence holding me as I weep in the Dark Night of the Soul.
“For the Son of God became (human) so that we might become God.”
Mysticism helps one foster these experiences; not to simply have them, but as a result of an intensely loving relationship with God. In other words, mystical experiences aren’t goals for the mystic to achieve, rather they are experiences due to a ritualized spiritual practice and God’s grace. These experiences often leave one filled with love for God and overwhelmed by God’s love for us. And, they can leave us wanting.
Indeed, after experiencing God’s love for us through these mystical experiences our mind, body, and soul are left blinded by the great Light and Love of God. St. John of the Cross uses the metaphor of our eyes adjusting to light after being in darkness for so long. Our eyes, being so used to the darkness of this world—the darkness of being separated from God—is radically blinded by God’s presence. At first, it is splendid; raptured in momentary bliss. But it doesn’t last, the experience slips away and we return to normal consciousness. This departure of God’s Spirit from us feels disorienting at first. Again, leaving us back in the darkness and readjusting to it. This is the Dark Night of the Soul for St. John.
God has graciously given us a momentary glimpse into union with Him, we are overwhelmed with this outpouring of Love, and left blinded by His light. And we are yearning even more for God’s presence to return and comfort us. One cannot experience such a powerful mystical experience without having been changed. Our being, our relationship, our very foundation of faith is fundamentally altered; we come into a different experience of consciousness. Christian Mysticism is the expression of this altered reality, this shift of consciousness, through the direct experience of God through Christ. Rather than thinking about mystical experiences as religious phenomena that happen to somebody, think of them as the mystic undergoing an opening up of consciousness to the cosmic reality: Christ’s eternal presence in our lives.
Christian Mysticism invites all people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship causes the lover (mystic) to experience the Lover (God) in a rapturous glimpse of union; thus, altering the mystic’s understanding of reality and ultimately shifting their consciousness toward the adoration and pursuit of God.
So, do you consider yourself a Christian Mystic? Do the teachings of Christian Mysticism speak to you? Have you had or do you want to have a direct experience of God’s presence in your life? Do you want to take your faith deeper?
If you said yes to any of these questions above, Mystical Direction is here for you. Each of our Mystical Directors has encountered God’s loving presence through mystical experiences. We have been working for years to cultivate our understanding of mysticism, mystical practices, and mystical consciousness. And we are here to share this wisdom with you. We are here for you, and ready to help walk alongside; being a witness to how God/Jesus Christ is working in your life.