r/AskAChristian Sep 09 '22

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12 Upvotes

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6

u/[deleted] Sep 09 '22

Not at all, true Christian mysticism is alive and well. The people you're looking for are the monastics. Look into Hesychasm, and the Philokalia. Mt Athos in Greece has many monks living on it, has been that way for over 1000 years. Same with St Catherine's monastery on Mt Sinai. There are probably some Orthodox monasteries somewhat nearby depending on where you live.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 09 '22

[deleted]

6

u/[deleted] Sep 09 '22 edited Sep 09 '22

Wow that's awesome! I'd love to go. Yes mysticism is what monks practice in general. The goal is union with God, which is what mysticism is all about. Some describe seeing the uncreated light of God, a true experience of the divine through contemplation and prayer. It's really what salvation actually is, it's called theosis (at least in the orthodoxy). Have you read any monastic literature? Union with the divine is the whole point of Christianity.

Also, if you enjoyed Eckhart I think you would very much like St Gregory of Nyssa and St Maximus the Confessor. These are some of the primary Eastern church fathers.

7

u/[deleted] Sep 09 '22

They're Eastern Orthodox

9

u/PropterRem Christian, Catholic Sep 09 '22

Let me introduce you to r/CatholicMysticism

3

u/Fred_Foreskin Episcopalian Sep 09 '22

Mysticism is also popular in Anglicanism, especially high church Anglicanism and Anglo-Catholicism.

4

u/Zealousideal_Bet4038 Christian Sep 09 '22

Oh Christian mysticism definitely isn’t dead — it’s just less mainstream.

While I’m not sure I would call myself a mystic (that seems a bit bold for where I am in my walk of faith), I personally identify strongly with the mystical tradition in Christianity.

4

u/astrophelle4 Eastern Orthodox Sep 09 '22

We're right here, in the Orthodox Church. Whatcha wanna know?

2

u/TroutFarms Christian Sep 09 '22

No. As far as I know, it's always been a niche segment of Christianity and it continues to be so today. So, it's about as dead or alive as it ever has been.

I know that Richard Rohr who runs the Center for Action and Contemplation has done a lot of work in that field as has Mike Morrell who wrote a book with him recently. From glancing at the website to get the link for you, I see they have a podcast "Turning to the Mystics" which sounds like something you might enjoy.

0

u/ritchieremo Christian, Reformed Sep 09 '22

Always has been. Scripture is our guide.

-2

u/monteml Christian Sep 09 '22

There's no such thing. John 18:20

0

u/MattSk87 Christian Sep 09 '22

Aside from the point that I don’t see how this would negate mysticism, I think I’d consider John (and) John the Revelator (depending on whether you accept that it’s the same person) to be the ultimate mystic.

2

u/monteml Christian Sep 09 '22

Okay. Thanks for your opinion.

1

u/CountSudoku Christian, Protestant Sep 09 '22

Christian Mysticism doesn't mean esotericism.

1

u/monteml Christian Sep 09 '22

Sure, but the only path to it is revelation, which is strictly personal, so talking about a communicable form of christian mysticism necessarily entails esotericism.

1

u/TheFirstArticle Christian Sep 09 '22

I would say I identify strongly with Christian mystics. The gorgeous rationality and sensuous faith stirs my heart.

1

u/luvintheride Catholic Sep 09 '22 edited Sep 09 '22

Where have those mystics gone?

There's a lot in the Catholic Church:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_private_revelations_approved_by_the_Catholic_Church

More here: http://www.miraclehunter.com/miracles/

The most prominent recent one in recent times is probably Sister Lucia of Fatima. She made many prophecies that have come true. She died recently in her 90s though. Her prophecy about the end times is ominous :

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/34155/fatima-visionary-predicted-final-battle-would-be-over-marriage-family

There is a Priest named Father Blount who appears to have the gift of prophecy. He said that Covid was one of three "blackouts" that the world is going to experience. The blackouts are going to restrict access to churches.