Before we dig into my definition of mystical theology, I think it is important first to define the term mystical. While definitions abound with regard to this adjective, my primary reference point is the succinct description provided by Bernard McGinn: Thus we can say that the mystical element in Christianity is that part of its Read More …
We hear a lot about spectrums (spectra?) these days? There is the gender spectrum, the sexuality spectrum, the color spectrum (which looked like this when I was a kid). My son and I both have intimate, personal experience with the autism spectrum (please pray for my poor wife). It seems that there is a spectrum Read More …
Currently, I am teaching a university course on the mystical experience, and one of the major issues that we confront is: What does a mystical experience look like? There are many answers to this question, but I would like to offer two pictures today: one from Buddhism and one from Christianity. Let’s begin with Buddhism. Read More …
Definitions are important – well, at least, I think so. My wife often accuses me of coming up with my own precise definitions and then expecting others to abide by them. You know what I say to that? I say, “What do you mean by precise and expecting?” Well, all kidding aside, there are a Read More …
Before dealing with the book itself, I have to give a shout-out to this amazing series: The Classics of Western Spirituality. If you are serious about studying the great mystics of the West (including those from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and many less well-known traditions), then you need to read books from this series. Each one Read More …
