Christian mysticism?

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1:42 " . . . early church fathers and later Christian thinkers like Augustine of Hippo and Origen influenced Christian mystical thought. They drew from Greek philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism, to explain Christian ideas in a more mystical context."

I think this pretty much says it all. They weren't trying to understand God's word to us, but were interpreting their own ideas through the lens of Greek philosophy.

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:8
 
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ResidentAlien said:
1:42 " . . . early church fathers and later Christian thinkers like Augustine of Hippo and Origen influenced Christian mystical thought. They drew from Greek philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism, to explain Christian ideas in a more mystical context."

I think this pretty much says it all. They weren't trying to understand God's word to us, but were interpreting their own ideas through the lens of Greek philosophy.

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:8
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Where did you get your information because every time I do any research on it it never says anything like that
 
This is what google says about it at least

. It involves practices like contemplation, prayer, and seeking a deeper, personal relationship with God, often described as a journey towards union with the divine. This tradition is not about escaping the world but rather about transforming it through love and union with God.

Key aspects of Christian mysticism:

  • Direct Experience of God:
    Mystics believe it's possible to have a direct, unmediated experience of God's presence, beyond intellectual understanding.

    • Union with God:
      A central theme is the desire for union or communion with God, often described as a loving, transformative experience.
    • Spiritual Development:
      Mystical paths often involve stages of spiritual growth, such as the purgative, illuminative, and unitive stages, guiding the soul towards God.
    • Love as the Foundation:
      Christian mysticism is rooted in the love of God, which leads to healing, transformation, and growth in holiness.
    • Not an Escape:
      Mysticism is not about escaping the world, but rather about transforming it through love and union with God.
    • Examples of Mystical Practices:
      Practices include meditation, contemplation, prayer, and various forms of spiritual exercises aimed at cultivating a closer relationship with God.
    • Historical and Diverse:
      Christian mysticism has a long history, with diverse expressions across different Christian traditions and periods, including both Western and Eastern churches.
    • Notable Mystics:
      Figures like Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, and Teresa of Avila are recognized for their mystical writings and experiences.
Christian mysticism, while sometimes controversial, has played a significant role in shaping Christian spirituality and continues to be explored by those seeking a deeper connection with the divine.
 
ResidentAlien said:
From your own video dude, at 1:42.
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Yeah it says that but how does that mean they weren't trying to understand God's word? in fact it seems they were trying to view it from a more intimate view even meditating on his word.
 
Blain said:
Yeah it says that but how does that mean they weren't trying to understand God's word? in fact it seems they were trying to view it from a more intimate view even meditating on his word.
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Believe what you want, which I'm sure you will anyway. To me it's not even debatable.
 
ResidentAlien said:
Believe what you want, which I'm sure you will anyway. To me it's not even debatable.
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Tell me how, how is what they are saying is what you say it is. I am just asking for an explanation because it seems to me you are saying this but how can you back it up? like what in particular makes them not wanting to understand God's word?

Yes they were viewing it from a different perspective but even so they were trying to understand it as far as I can tell. It doesn't matter what I believe I want to get a firm grasp and understanding of this subject so if they were not trying to understand his word I need to know how
 
Blain said:
So I came across this term recently and I have never heard of it before so I did a google search on it and it says this

It involves practices and theological understandings aimed at preparing the individual for, and facilitating, an intimate encounter with the divine. This encounter is often described as a union with God, characterized by divine love and presence, but within the framework of maintaining a distinction between the Creator and the created.
Further explanations say.....
Core Concepts:
Practices:
  • So unless I am mistaken it seems to be a more personal and interactive form of Christianity
  • which to me is what it should be in general anyways a intimate personal and interactive relationship but maybe I am not understanding it does anyone have any insight on this?
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Depends on whether you follow a traditional form of Christianity or what the scripture alone teaches.

Here is what the scripture teaches according to Chat GPT.

Here is a concise, clear NT-only synthesis on the interaction of the Holy Spirit with a believer:


1️⃣ The Spirit Indwells the Believer

  • Romans 8:9 – “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
  • 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19 – believers are God’s temple; the Spirit dwells in them.
  • John 14:17 – the Spirit “dwells with you and will be in you.”

The NT consistently sees the Spirit’s indwelling as the seal of belonging to Christ.


2️⃣ The Spirit Leads and Empowers

  • Romans 8:14 – “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
  • Galatians 5:16-18 – “walk by the Spirit,” “led by the Spirit,” contrasting flesh vs. Spirit.
  • Acts 1:8 – the Spirit gives power to witness.
  • Acts 13:2,4 – the Spirit directs ministry decisions.

The Spirit guides, prompts, and leads believers in daily life and ministry.


3️⃣ The Spirit Produces Fruit

  • Galatians 5:22-23 – “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…”
  • Romans 8:4-6 – the Spirit sets the mind on things above, producing life and peace.

The Spirit’s presence transforms the character of the believer into Christlikeness.


4️⃣ The Spirit Teaches and Illuminates

  • John 14:26, 16:13-14 – the Spirit teaches, brings to remembrance, and guides into all truth.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 – the Spirit searches the depths of God and reveals spiritual truth to believers.

The Spirit enables the believer to understand and apply the Word of God.


5️⃣ The Spirit Gives Gifts

  • 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 – “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit…”
  • Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13 – the Spirit distributes gifts for the building up of the body.

The Spirit equips believers with different gifts for service, encouragement, and edification.


6️⃣ The Spirit Assures and Intercedes

  • Romans 8:15-16 – “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
  • Galatians 4:6 – the Spirit cries “Abba, Father.”
  • Romans 8:26-27 – the Spirit helps in our weakness and intercedes for us according to God’s will.

The Spirit gives assurance of adoption, helps in prayer, and provides comfort.


7️⃣ The Spirit Sanctifies

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – “sanctification by the Spirit.”
  • 1 Peter 1:2 – “sanctified by the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ.”

The Spirit sets believers apart, making them holy for God’s purposes.


Summary Statement:

The NT shows the Holy Spirit actively indwelling, leading, empowering, teaching, gifting, assuring, and sanctifying the believer. This is not a theoretical relationship but a living, dynamic interaction, producing love, obedience, holiness, and effective service in the believer’s daily life.
 
Blain said:
Tell me how, how is what they are saying is what you say it is. I am just asking for an explanation because it seems to me you are saying this but how can you back it up? like what in particular makes them not wanting to understand God's word?

Yes they were viewing it from a different perspective but even so they were trying to understand it as far as I can tell. It doesn't matter what I believe I want to get a firm grasp and understanding of this subject so if they were not trying to understand his word I need to know how
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What part of "They drew from Greek philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism, to explain Christian ideas in a more mystical context" don't you get? (See above, post #82) Just think about that. If you still don't get it, I doubt I could explain it to your satisfaction.
 
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ResidentAlien said:
What part of "They drew from Greek philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism, to explain Christian ideas in a more mystical context" don't you get? (See above, post #82) Just think about that. If you still don't get it, I doubt I could explain it to your satisfaction.
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As far as I can tell they are just trying to view it from a different perspective, but we can agree to disagree. either way I know that you are against it and I won't try to change your mind about but I would encourage you to do some research on it at least to try to understand it.
 
Blain said:
As far as I can tell they are just trying to view it from a different perspective, but we can agree to disagree. either way I know that you are against it and I won't try to change your mind about but I would encourage you to do some research on it at least to try to understand it.
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I don't agree to disagree. I disagree, period.
 
Cameron143 said:
In one way, your contentment is admirable, but your complacency is just sad. There is much more to eternal life than you know, and even care to know.
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Cam, I regarding contentment I just remembered another Scripture I should have cited about Paul's contentment,
which also was not complacency: Phil. 4:11-12.
 
Aaron56 said:
You're slightly correct.

Any way, he could not tolerate the use of "apostle" for anyone beyond the twelve and Paul. He said it didn't exist. I even suggested we stick to a text-only-approach to support our points. So, I showed him examples from the scripture (several places). I believe he was embarrassed and offended so he blocked me. Of course, out of the gate he wondered if I was really saved because I wasn't Baptist so... he was fully entrenched in his traditions. Poor kid.
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Yes, and IMO the same could be said about many who believe TULIP.
 
I don't understand why some christians like the idea of being a christian mystic.
To me it's like being a christian wiccan. I don't want that anywhere near me.
 
ResidentAlien said:
1:42 " . . . early church fathers and later Christian thinkers like Augustine of Hippo and Origen influenced Christian mystical thought. They drew from Greek philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism, to explain Christian ideas in a more mystical context."
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Neoplatonism screams gnosticism. Augustine was a gnostic and platonician before becoming a Christian
 
GWH said:
Cam, I regarding contentment I just remembered another Scripture I should have cited about Paul's contentment,
which also was not complacency: Phil. 4:11-12.
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That is contentment with circumstances, not in one's relationship to God. See Philippians 3:13-14
 
GWH said:
It is contentment despite adverse circumstances because of his relationship with God!
Why would you divorce them?
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One is contentment with the circumstances of life. The other is an active pursuit of God. I didn't distinguish the two; God did.
 
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