Although there are many varieties of mysticism, the sub-christian heresy is that mysticism common among purported Christians, also known as Christian Mysticism. Mysticism, as it may reveal itself in any religious tradition, is the attempt or practice of becoming one with a deity through meditation, ecstasy, altered consciousness, or another discipline or practice that manipulate or change one’s state of mind. Mysticism looks eerily the same no matter the diversity in religion where it is prominent. Mystical practices are virtually the same for Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Nativism or Christianity. These include deep meditation, contemplative or centering prayer, obtaining physical positions that enhance mystic experiences, and communing with a supernatural deity outside of the body or outside of consciousness.
Although some claim that the sacraments (or ordinances) of the church are inherently mystical because they promise inexplicable blessings or serve as a inexplicable means of grace, this would not be a correct use of the term. Truly mystical Christianity took root in the Middle Ages as Roman Catholic cultists described the “ecstasy” they would have while contemplating God in prayer. This was very common and grew in popularity among monastic practices in Roman Catholicism, which was directly gleaned from Eastern false religions like Transcendentalism and Buddhism, and that connection is seen strongly in the Eastern Mystic and Monastic influence of Lectio Divina, as practiced and taught by Catholic mystic, Brother Lawrence.
Mystic practices include Meditative, Centering, or Contemplative Prayer, automation, prayer labyrinths, repetitious chanting, trance-inducing music, and prayer mixed with heavy involvement of the arts.
Modern proponents include many in the charismatic movement, and churches like the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City, Missouri have popularized it even further. Adherents include Beth Moore, Mike Bickle, and Sarah Young.
Previous
