In an era marked by ideological divisions and religious strife, mysticism emerges as an intriguing counterpoint—a common spiritual language that transcends borders and dogmas. Where religious institutions erect walls, mysticism builds bridges. Where doctrinal debates lead to strife, mysticism offers a unifying call. But what exactly is mysticism? Isn't it too vague, too undefined to offer any meaningful direction? The critique often levied against mysticism reveals a deeper unease with the uncontrollable aspect of spirituality. What we're really wrestling with is a God that cannot be confined, categorized, or wielded. Isn't that a powerful notion?
As a former Baptist Minister who has extensively studied religious practices and philosophies, I find the juxtaposition between modern American Evangelicalism and Christian Mysticism particularly striking. Evangelicalism in the U.S. is often characterized by a strong emphasis on doctrine and a tendency to view God through the lens of the Bible alone. It often leans toward legalism, measuring spirituality by a set of predetermined rules.
Christian Mysticism, however, takes a different route. It plunges into the depths of spirituality, where dogmas and doctrines dissolve, and only a raw, immediate connection with the Divine exists. In the words of German theologian Meister Eckhart,
"The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which God sees me; my eye and God's eye are one eye, one seeing, one knowing, one love."
The unifying power of mysticism isn't confined to Christianity alone. Sufism, the mystical Islamic belief system, and elements of Buddhist thought also emphasize direct experiences of the Divine. Buddhist philosophy teaches that enlightenment isn't found in scriptures but in direct personal experience. Sufism speaks of divine love and wisdom gained through intimate experiences with God. It's fascinating how these distinct spiritual traditions converge at the point of mystical experiences. As author Alan Watts once remarked,
"We are at war between consciousness and nature, between the desire for permanence and the fact of flux. It is ourself against ourselves."
In this context, the story of Thomas Merton, a Christian mystic who found deep spiritual resonance with Buddhist practices, serves as an illuminating example. Merton's life embodies the bridging potential of mysticism, as he saw the mystical elements in Buddhism not as contradictions but as complements to his own faith.
While detractors argue that mysticism is too vague to be meaningful, scholars like Paul Tillich and Carl McColman offer a different perspective. Tillich emphasized the idea of God as the "ground of being," an omnipresent reality that exists beyond the confines of institutional religion. Carl McColman, an author and spiritual teacher, writes extensively about this in his "Big Book of Christian Mysticism," highlighting how mysticism invites us to engage in a love affair with God, rather than a theological debate.
Throughout history, mysticism has shown remarkable resilience. It has outlasted empires, weathered cultural shifts, and thrived alongside or within dominant religious institutions. As cultures evolved, so did the interpretation and expression of mystical thought, creating a tapestry of unified spiritual understanding that transcends time and space.
So what are the wider implications? Imagine a world where mysticism's ethos of unity and direct connection with the Divine permeates our communities. Could this undercurrent of universal spirituality lessen societal divisions, create greater harmony, and encourage individual spiritual growth?
The pursuit of spirituality is often likened to a journey, and mysticism invites us to venture beyond the religious boxes we construct. Rather than confining God—and by extension, ourselves—to a predetermined set of beliefs, mysticism urges us to seek the Divine in the depth of our experiences, in the interconnectedness of all religious thought. As philosopher Paul Tillich succinctly put it, "Faith is the state of being ultimately concerned." Perhaps, then, the ultimate concern for all of us, regardless of our religious background or lack thereof, should be to explore those mystical depths—to meet the Divine where boundaries cease to exist.
So as you navigate the tumultuous seas of life's questions and debates, consider this an invitation: Dare to dive deep into your own spirituality. Who knows what treasures you might discover when you transcend the surface?