Wednesday, May 7, 2008...

Faith and Mysticism PART I: this sounds creepy.

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Faith and mysticism

Should we welcome, and even search for episodes of elevated spirituality?

Last night I went to Seattle Pacific University to watch two friends of mine- host Dick Staub and pastor Earl Palmer, as they spoke with other experts about author C.S. Lewis and his views on faith and mysticism. 

I can’t help but think of levitating spheres, prisms with rainbows and Yanni music when I hear the word ‘mysticism.’ It has been associated with self-righteousness, and many (including myself) are often skeptical about those claiming to have had such experiences. I say this as a Christian, which is admittedly ironic because I believe in God, the supernatural and a Bible which is filled with fantastic and mysterious events. As a person of faith, I still favor an intellectual explanation or a rational argument over the warm fuzzies.

When defined, mysticism becomes less kooky than its reputation. It is: “a doctrine of an immediate spiritual intuition of truths believed to transcend ordinary understanding, or of a direct, intimate union of the soul with God through contemplation or ecstasy.” So really, we’re just talking about anything outside what is immediately known, observed and physical, and by that understanding- even prayer is mystical. That helps to lower my suspicions.

C. S. Lewis wrote about our desire to peek behind life’s curtain. There is an inevitable mystery to living and a natural urge to seek answers. What are the rewards and risks of a spiritual journey that emphasizes feeling over thinking? How does a person balance the two? What is found and what is that worth? Do I even know what I’m talking about? Seems like a pretty vast topic to me, so I’ll attempt to write about faith and mysticism in pieces. Stay tuned (unless I’ve put you to sleep on the keyboard).

 

6 Comments

Filed under doubt, faith, life, reflection, skepticism

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6 Comments

  • cschellenberg
    Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at

    Interesting thoughts - I love Lewis; can’t wait to read your ideas!

    -cs
    http://chrisschellenberg.com/

  • The Broken Telegraph
    Thursday, May 8, 2008 at

    Thanks Chris. Looking forward to your comments.

    -ian

  • Susan Reichmann
    Saturday, May 10, 2008 at

    Hi Ian,
    Thanks for including me on your mailing list! I didn’t see the link to Matt Reichmann?! :)

    I did enjoy what you had to say about mysticism and the beautiful icon…. I converted to the Greek Orthodox Church since you kids were at King’s and mysticism is a huge part of it (did chuckle when you mentioned Yianni). You are welcome to join me at St. Demetrios any Sunday to have a peek.

    Best of luck with this project,
    Susan

  • lauren ebright
    Monday, May 12, 2008 at

    I think feelings should be weighed against what you believe; if Christ is your “end goal” all mystical feelings should be put to His test. And we all know that if someone wants to truly believe in something (or at least claim that they do) anything can be an “elevated experience” meant to suit their agenda. It seems it’s a fine line between jargon and authenticity. And who can really tell?

  • Beth
    Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at

    I too look forward to your thoughts on this. :)

    I just finished Eckart Tolle’s books and found them to be fascinating. How does one connect the TRUTH together? It is easier for me to see the common threads that tie things together. Much like the blind men describing an elephant, many hard core scientists believe in God. Feelings are a series of chemical reactions and vibrations
    on a physical level, but that energy transcends physical boundaries. Why?

    You know I am always questioning. I really look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on this.

  • The Broken Telegraph
    Thursday, May 15, 2008 at

    Thanks Susan- glad to see you stopped by.

    Beth- i’ll be interested to hear your take on the next parts, thanks for the post.

    -ian

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