What is so Wrong with the word, "Mysticism?"

[Fiosh]

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!

RE: What is so Wrong with the word,"Mysticism?"

Bear with me on this........

Webster's Dictionary defines "Mysticism" as doctrine or beliefs of mystics, specifically, the doctrine that is possible to achieve COMMUNION with GOD through contemplation and love.

Webster defines "Contemplation" as the act of looking at something intently...2 mediatation on Spiritual things...3 the act of looking forward or expectation.

Webs defines "mystery" in thelogy, any assumed truth that cannot be comprehended by the human mind and must be ACCEPTED by FAITH.

Now in the Bible there are 3 references to thw word, "Mysteries>" First....

in Matthew 13:11 ~ Jesus said, "You are permitted to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."

in Luke 8:10 ~ Jesus said, "You are permitted to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God."

in 1 Col. 14:2 ...In the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

The word Mystery has 22 references from Mark 4:11 to Revelations 17:17.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you will lay upon the hearts of my Brothers and Sisters, Your Truth on this topic, in Jesus name. Amen.

Liz

I guess it depends on which definition you refer do.

Some of the greatest holy men and women were "mystics" i.e. were able to attain deep levels of prayer and meditation in their relationship with the Father thru Jesus.

We should all strive for a "mystical" faith that yearns for a deep and spiritual communion with God.

Peace,

Fiosh

[Iryssa]

mysticism refers to a -style- of beliefs; not a set of them. Though the term has been co-opted by particular religions or philosophies (much like the word "pragmatism"... but that's another thread), the meaning of the word itself doesn't change. I consider myself a Christian mystic, and I will explain how:

1. I believe Jesus is the Only Way, Truth and Life.

2. I believe in following the commands and ways of Christ, as He taught us.

3. I believe that in Jesus - and only in Jesus - do we have the remission and cleansing of sin.

4. I believe in a constant, growing, personal relationship with God... this means

5. I believe in talking to God daily, hourly, by the minute.

6. I believe in the Power of God; that when Jesus said to His followers, "you will do even greater things than these", He meant it. Further, I believe He still means it.

7. I believe in Miracles. When Jesus said "if you have faith the size of this mustard seed, you can say to a mountain, get up and walk, and it will obey" - He meant it.

8. I believe there is a mystery to our faith -- the mystery of God. It is the contemplation of that Mystery - who God is; who we are in God; the relationship we have to this Mystery - that makes me a mystic, by definition.

Well said indeed.

[Floatingaxe]

To me, the word, "mysticism" conjures up thoughts of the occult and eastern religions. I believe that is mostly what people mean when they use it. I steer very clear of the word, or anything that is described with that term.

[Leonard]

What was Jesus, if not a mystic?

[Floatingaxe]

What was Jesus, if not a mystic?

He was a man, the Son of God, and God incarnate, and not some romantic, enigmatic notion of a "mystic".

[Iryssa]

To me, the word, "mysticism" conjures up thoughts of the occult and eastern religions. I beleive that is mostly what people mean when they use it. I steer very clear of the word, or anything that is described with that term.

I guess this sort of thing must vary a great deal by the people you tend to talk to. Where I live, it's mostly used in the sense of a style of beliefs, not a set (as rtwo so aptly described it). I live in a Bible College town, though...most of the people I spend time with are Bible College students, graduates, or professors.

The first thing that's always come first to my mind when I've heard the word "mystic"--even before I went to Bible College, even before I became a Christian--is an old guy in ancient robes, praying, in a room lit only by a single candle...sometimes there's gregorian chant-style music in the background. I must've read a story about something like that when I was young, but that's what pops into my head.

[zecha51]

It is important in my opinion to be careful with the word Mysticism.

I just finished a University course called "Christianity and the Middle Ages"

The word "mysticism" was used all the time by the Dr. teaching the class. The problem is he would mix

in vague teachings regarding the Lord Jesus Christ with several other pagan spiritualities like 13th century pagan German

idol representation or things like that. He called it all "mystical experience."

Keep your eyes on the Lord. Using the word mystic can be OK, but it can confuse some fairly easily. Especially if they are unsaved and dealing with problems with seperating the true Gospel that we have in the Bible. So watch your step and pray about the terminology you use. After all, we communicate with words as you know.

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - which is really no gospel at all."

"Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospe of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we peached to you, let him be eternally condemned!"

-Galations 1:6-8

[Floatingaxe]

To me, the word, "mysticism" conjures up thoughts of the occult and eastern religions. I beleive that is mostly what people mean when they use it. I steer very clear of the word, or anything that is described with that term.

I guess this sort of thing must vary a great deal by the people you tend to talk to. Where I live, it's mostly used in the sense of a style of beliefs, not a set (as rtwo so aptly described it). I live in a Bible College town, though...most of the people I spend time with are Bible College students, graduates, or professors.

The first thing that's always come first to my mind when I've heard the word "mystic"--even before I went to Bible College, even before I became a Christian--is an old guy in ancient robes, praying, in a room lit only by a single candle...sometimes there's gregorian chant-style music in the background. I must've read a story about something like that when I was young, but that's what pops into my head.

Me too, and I don't like it. Gives me the creeps.

[Liz4JC]

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!

Bump!!!

[Guest]

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!

Amen Dear Sister, Amen!