Comments on: Mysticism, Part 2

By: Tina

Tina — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 04:03:53 +0000

You are right on about the spiritual maturity part of mysticism. Dabbling in that before you are a mature disciple is like a baby trying to eat steak without teeth. So many writers of mysticism were men and women whose whole lives consisted of seeking and knowing God, day and and day out. They spoke clearly of the dangers of such practices…and warned of what to watch for. You have to be firmly rooted and extablished in Christ first. The purpose of mysticism is to know God in deeper, more intimate ways. But, like a relationship between a man and a woman, you have to start out dating, getting to know each other, eventual engagment, then marriage, then years of progressive intimacy. In that anaology, mysticism is a “raised our kids, worked our jobs, know each other better than we know ourselves” kind of practice.

Thanks for all your great thoughts…very thought-inducing!

By: Diane Roberts

Diane Roberts — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 02:16:06 +0000

OK..you’ve redeemed yourself in Part 2…LOL I think one of the problems I have is the name–Christian mysticism. There must be a better name for what you described here. Perhaps just the work of the Holy Spirit and let’s drop the “mysticism” part?

By: Peter Smythe

Peter Smythe — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:53:09 +0000

Dan, two comments. First, if you look through the Book of Acts, the gifts of the Spirit operated only with or through the five-fold ministry except for two occasions. That should provide the Body with guidance that, although we are all united in Christ, God still recognizes ministers of his own choosing for the gifts to flow. Second, looking at the life of Jesus and then at the disciples, you leave with the frame of mind that God works hand in hand in getting the Gospel out. Personally, I do not see any experiences in the Word happening for the purpose of “personal growth.”

Thanks for the essay.