Christian mysticism

Christian mysticism is a long-standing tradition of spiritual practices and theology. It focuses on the preparation for, the awareness of, and the effects of a direct presence of God. This presence is often described as divine love. Rather than just studying religious facts, mystics seek a transformative encounter with the divine. Some scholars, like Bernard McGinn, suggest that "presence" is a better term than "union." This is because not every mystic describes a total union with God. Instead, many describe a profound consciousness of God's presence that changes their lives.

The mechanics of contemplative practice often follow a specific sequence. This process is frequently divided into three distinct stages. The first stage is catharsis, which involves a process of purification. Once purified, the person enters the second stage, which is contemplation proper. This involves deep prayer or meditation, such as Lectio Divina, where one meditates on holy scripture. The final stage is the vision of God. This can result in theosis, which is a spiritual union with God, or even ecstatic visions of the soul.

Historically, the language used to describe these experiences has evolved. Until the sixth century, the practice was often called contemplatio in Latin or theoria in Greek. The Greek term theoria comes from the word theorein, meaning to consider or look at. It implies the state of being a spectator or a viewer. In early Christianity, the term mystikos was also used. This term originally referred to those connected to secret religious mysteries. Over time, it came to represent three intertwined dimensions: the biblical, the liturgical, and the contemplative.

The roots of Christian mysticism are deeply connected to older philosophical and religious ideas. In the second century AD, early Church Fathers began linking mysticism to the vision of the divine. They used the term as an adjective for mystical theology or contemplation. Greek philosophy, specifically Neoplatonism, became a major influence on these thoughts. Thinkers like Augustine of Hippo and Origen incorporated these ideas into the Christian tradition. This helped explain Christian concepts using the sophisticated logic of Greek thought.

Ancient philosophers provided a foundation for these mystical ideas. Plato, a major Greek philosopher, believed that contemplating the "Forms" provided a superior perspective on reality. These Forms are the underlying realities behind everything we see. Later, Plotinus founded Neoplatonism and wrote the Enneads. Plotinus taught that everything is derived from contemplation. He believed that the first principle, "the One," subsists by thinking of itself. He argued that the highest life involves a detachment from earthly pleasures to seek the divine.

Jewish spirituality also provided important antecedents for Christian mystical thought. Concepts like Shekhinah, which refers to the presence of God, influenced Christian ideas of mystery. The Jewish focus on Binah (understanding) and Chokmah (wisdom) through scripture meditation also played a role. Furthermore, the idea of God's hiddenness and the value of poverty shaped Christian monasticism. In the transition to Christian mysticism, certain terms shifted. For example, Da'at, meaning knowledge, became related to the concept of gnosis.

Today, these practices remain significant across different branches of Christianity. Contemplative traditions hold a prominent place in Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy. There has also been a renewed interest in these practices within Western Christianity. Scholars sometimes compare these Greek ideas to other traditions, such as the Indian concept of darśana. This shows how the human desire to gaze upon the divine is a widespread phenomenon. Mysticism is not just an individual experience; it is often embedded in a larger religious matrix of liturgy, scripture, and ritual.