Christian Mysticism

Presenter: Dr Bernard McGinn

Subject: Intellectual discussion by a college professor about what mysticism is.

Examples: Jullian of Norwich, St John of the Cross, St Theresa of Avila, ….

My Main takeaways:

Normative for Christian life

Must remain balanced with participation in organized church life, and intellectual understanding of the truths of Christianity

Ecstatic and mystical experiences are not given solely for the person experiencing the mystical experience but are to be shared with other Christians so that they can be introduced and to eventually experience the closeness and their love of God and His love for them as well.

Mystical experiences should have an effect on the life lived, for example loving others.

I dunno... Maybe it's because I'm a simple guy so God has to talk to me simple. But God never does all that mysticism stuff with me. Maybe He knows I just wouldn't understand it.

Yes a bit academic!

Let me translate: It’s simple! You long for God when you don’t feel His presence, when you do feel His presence you want to be with Him in His Glory directly. You know He loves you overwhelmingly, in common language you know He is crazy about you! Do you love others with a love you don't have usually? If these be true, no doubt you are a mystic.