The Mystic Christian: What Is It And How To Become One

Welcome to the mystical world of Christianity. If you’ve ever been curious about Mystic Christianity, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the definition of Mystic Christianity and the steps you can take to embrace this spiritual tradition.

At its core, Mystic Christianity is a spiritual path that seeks a direct experience of the Divine. It’s a tradition that emphasizes the importance of inner transformation and personal connection with God. For many, Mystic Christianity is a way to deepen their faith and tap into the mystical aspects of Christianity.

If you’re interested in exploring the path of a Mystic Christian, keep reading. In this article, we’ll share key characteristics of this spiritual tradition, the importance of contemplative prayer, and how to embrace a Mystic Christian lifestyle. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Mystic Christian Tradition

At its core, mystic Christianity is a path that seeks to develop a deep and personal relationship with God through contemplation and spiritual practices. Its origins date back to early Christianity, with figures like Origen and Gregory of Nyssa embracing mystical experiences as a way to connect with the divine. Over time, the tradition evolved and gave rise to numerous mystical orders, such as the Carmelites and Franciscans.

One of the key tenets of mystic Christianity is the belief that a direct and unmediated experience of God is possible. This experience can take many forms, from visions and ecstatic states to a simple awareness of the divine presence in everyday life. To cultivate this experience, mystic Christians often practice contemplative prayer, meditation, and other spiritual disciplines.

While the tradition has a rich history, it can be challenging to define mystic Christianity in concrete terms. This is partly due to its emphasis on personal experience over doctrine or dogma. As Thomas Merton, a prominent mystic Christian writer, once wrote: “The true contemplative is not one who prepares his mind for a particular message that he wants or expects to hear, but is one who remains empty because he knows that he can never expect to anticipate the words that will transform his darkness into light.”

Despite its elusiveness, the mystic Christian tradition continues to inspire seekers of all backgrounds who are drawn to its emphasis on personal experience, direct connection with God, and transformative potential.

The History and Origins of Mystic Christianity

1. Early Christian Mysticism: Mystic Christianity can be traced back to the early days of the Christian faith, with roots in both the Jewish and Greek mystical traditions. Early Christian mystics sought a deeper understanding of their faith through direct experience of God, often through practices like prayer and contemplation.

2. Middle Ages and Renaissance: Mystic Christianity continued to evolve and gain popularity during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Many famous mystics emerged during this time, such as St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, whose works still influence the tradition today.

3. The Modern Era: In the modern era, Mystic Christianity has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among those seeking a more contemplative and experiential approach to faith. This has led to the emergence of new movements and communities within the tradition, such as the Christian mysticism of Thomas Merton and the contemplative practices of the Centering Prayer movement.

4. Diversity and Unity: Despite its long and varied history, Mystic Christianity remains a diverse and multifaceted tradition, encompassing a wide range of beliefs and practices. However, at the heart of this tradition is a shared belief in the importance of direct experience of the divine, and a commitment to living a life of contemplation, service, and love.

Understanding the history and origins of Mystic Christianity is key to appreciating the rich and complex tradition that has evolved over the centuries. Whether you are new to this path or have been on it for years, exploring the roots and evolution of the tradition can deepen your understanding and enhance your spiritual journey.

Key Characteristics of a Mystic Christian

Spiritual experience: One of the main characteristics of a Mystic Christian is a desire for a deeper spiritual experience, often through prayer, meditation, or contemplation.

Non-dualistic thinking: Mystic Christians often reject dualistic thinking and instead embrace a more holistic worldview that transcends traditional binary distinctions such as good and evil, or self and others.

Love and compassion: Mystic Christianity emphasizes the importance of love and compassion as the foundation for spiritual practice and as a means to connect with God and others.

Mystical language: Mystic Christians often use mystical language and symbols to describe their experiences of God, which can be difficult to understand for those unfamiliar with the tradition.

Radical transformation: Mystic Christianity emphasizes the potential for radical transformation of the individual through the spiritual journey, including the possibility of experiencing oneness with God and all creation.

• Contemplative prayer is the cornerstone of the Mystic Christian’s spiritual practice. It is a form of prayer that emphasizes silence, stillness, and an inward focus on God.

• Through contemplative prayer, Mystic Christians seek to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God that transcends traditional religious practices.

• Contemplative prayer involves letting go of our thoughts and emotions, and simply being present with God. It is a way of listening to God, rather than speaking or asking for things.

Through contemplative prayer, Mystic Christians seek to deepen their relationship with God and experience His presence in a profound and transformative way.

The Importance of Contemplative Prayer

Deepening Relationship with God: Contemplative prayer allows us to focus on God’s presence and deepen our relationship with Him. We can experience a deeper sense of peace and a greater understanding of our purpose in life.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Contemplative prayer can reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and a sense of calmness. It can help us to find inner peace, even in difficult circumstances.

Connecting with the Divine: Through contemplative prayer, we can connect with the Divine and access a higher level of consciousness. We can experience a profound sense of unity with all of creation.

Building Self-Awareness: Contemplative prayer can help us to become more self-aware and reflective. We can gain insight into our thoughts and emotions, as well as the underlying patterns and behaviors that shape our lives.

Transforming Our Lives: By cultivating a regular contemplative practice, we can transform our lives and become more loving, compassionate, and forgiving. We can learn to live in the present moment and find meaning in every experience.

Benefits of Contemplative Prayer for Spiritual Growth

Mental Clarity: Contemplative prayer helps to reduce anxiety and promote mental clarity by allowing us to focus our minds on one thing, creating a sense of calm and stillness.

Deeper Understanding of Self: Through contemplative prayer, we can gain a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This awareness can lead to personal growth and transformation.

Closer Relationship with God: Contemplative prayer can help us to develop a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. By setting aside time to be still and listen to God, we can better understand His will for us and strengthen our faith.

How to Start Practicing Contemplative Prayer Today

If you’re interested in becoming a Mystic Christian, one of the best things you can do is start practicing contemplative prayer. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Set aside time for daily prayer: carve out a few minutes each day for prayer and reflection. This can be done in the morning, at night, or any time that works best for you.
2. Choose a focus: choose a word, phrase, or image to focus on during your prayer time. This can help you center yourself and stay focused.
3. Sit in silence: find a quiet place to sit and simply be still. Allow yourself to let go of distractions and be present in the moment.
4. Breathe deeply: take deep, slow breaths and focus on your breath. This can help you relax and enter a more contemplative state.

Remember, contemplative prayer is a practice, and it takes time and patience to develop. Don’t be discouraged if your mind wanders or if you don’t feel like you’re making progress. Simply keep showing up, and trust that the practice will bear fruit in due time.

By practicing contemplative prayer, you can deepen your relationship with God and cultivate a sense of peace and joy in your life. So why not give it a try today?

Steps to Embrace a Mystic Christian Lifestyle

Step 1: Commit to a Daily Contemplative Practice

To fully embrace the mystic Christian lifestyle, a daily contemplative practice is essential. This practice could involve a time of silent meditation, prayer, or journaling. Find a practice that resonates with you and commit to doing it every day.

Step 2: Study the Writings of the Christian Mystics

Reading the writings of Christian mystics like Julian of Norwich, John of the Cross, or Teresa of Avila can deepen your understanding of the mystic Christian tradition. These writings can help you understand the concepts of contemplation, union with God, and the transformation of the self.

Step 3: Practice Mindfulness Throughout Your Day

Being mindful throughout your day means being present in the moment, fully aware of your surroundings and your thoughts. Mindfulness can help you cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and a more profound connection to God.

Step 4: Connect with Like-Minded Individuals

Finding a community of like-minded individuals can be invaluable in your journey towards a mystic Christian lifestyle. Consider joining a spiritual community or attending a retreat focused on contemplative practices.

Step 5: Incorporate Mystical Practices into Your Daily Life

In addition to a daily contemplative practice, consider incorporating other mystical practices into your daily life, such as fasting, silence, or sacred rituals. These practices can help you deepen your connection to God and cultivate a more profound sense of spiritual awareness.

Developing a Habit of Spiritual Disciplines

Developing a habit of spiritual disciplines is key to embracing a mystic Christian lifestyle. Spiritual disciplines help you grow in your relationship with God and deepen your understanding of His love and purpose for your life.

• Prayer: Set aside time every day for prayer, talking to God about your hopes, fears, and needs.
• Meditation: Take time to quiet your mind and focus on God, meditating on His Word and seeking His presence.
• Bible Study: Spend time studying the Bible, seeking to understand its teachings and applying them to your life.
• Fasting: Consider fasting as a way to deepen your spiritual life, sacrificing food or other activities to focus on God.
• Simplicity: Live a simple life, avoiding excess and focusing on what truly matters, such as relationships and serving others.

By developing these spiritual disciplines, you can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and experience the transformative power of His love and grace in your life.

Cultivating a Life of Simplicity and Humility

Simplicity: Mystic Christians value simplicity as a way to free themselves from distractions and focus on their spiritual lives. This can involve living a minimalist lifestyle, letting go of material possessions, and simplifying daily routines.

Humility: Humility is a cornerstone of the Mystic Christian lifestyle, as it involves recognizing one’s limitations and embracing the unknown. This can involve practicing gratitude, acknowledging one’s mistakes, and seeking guidance from a spiritual mentor or community.

Service: Mystic Christians believe in serving others as a way to express their faith and share their blessings. This can involve volunteering in their community, donating to charity, or simply offering a helping hand to those in need.

Listening: Cultivating a life of simplicity and humility requires a willingness to listen to others and to the wisdom of the divine. This can involve cultivating silence and stillness, practicing active listening in relationships, and seeking out spiritual guidance and direction.

Non-judgment: Finally, Mystic Christians value non-judgment, recognizing that everyone is on their own spiritual journey and that each individual is unique in their path. This can involve letting go of preconceived notions, embracing diversity and inclusivity, and offering compassion and understanding to all.

The Significance of Community in Mystic Christianity

Community: Mystic Christianity recognizes the importance of community in the spiritual journey. Communities of believers provide an environment for sharing experiences, supporting each other and learning from one another.

Fellowship: Fellowship is a crucial aspect of mystic Christian communities. Fellowship creates opportunities for believers to connect with each other on a deeper level, share their struggles and victories, and offer encouragement to one another.

Accountability: Community offers believers a sense of accountability, which is essential for spiritual growth. Members of the community hold each other accountable in matters of faith, life, and practice, thereby helping one another to grow in faith and character.

Mutual Support: In mystic Christian communities, mutual support is a key aspect of spiritual growth. Members support one another by providing emotional, spiritual, and practical help in times of need. This helps to create a sense of unity, care and compassion within the community.

The Role of Community in Supporting a Mystic Christian Life

Connection: Community provides a sense of belonging and connection to others who share the same values and beliefs. This connection can help one feel supported and encouraged on their spiritual journey.

Accountability: In community, there is a level of accountability that can be helpful in maintaining spiritual disciplines and practices. Others can offer support, encouragement, and gentle correction when needed.

Growth: Being part of a community can provide opportunities for growth and learning. Through shared experiences and insights, one can gain a deeper understanding of their faith and spiritual practices.

• Encouragement: Community can provide encouragement in difficult times, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is always hope for growth and healing.
• Service: Community can also provide opportunities for service and giving back, allowing individuals to live out their faith in practical ways and deepen their spiritual practice.
• Accountability: In community, there is a level of accountability that can be helpful in maintaining spiritual disciplines and practices. Others can offer support, encouragement, and gentle correction when needed.

In short, community plays a vital role in supporting a mystic Christian life. By providing connection, accountability, growth, encouragement, service, and more, community can help individuals live out their faith in a meaningful way and deepen their spiritual practice.

Common Misconceptions About Mystic Christianity

Mystic Christianity is a new religion. In fact, it has been around since the early days of Christianity and has roots in the teachings of Jesus Christ himself.

Mystic Christianity is a cult. This is a misconception often perpetuated by those who do not understand the practices and beliefs of mystic Christians. Mystic Christianity is not a cult; it is a branch of Christianity that focuses on the inner spiritual life.

Mystic Christians reject the Bible. While mystic Christians may interpret the Bible differently than other Christians, they still hold it as a sacred text and believe in its teachings. They view the Bible as a valuable resource for spiritual growth.

Mystic Christianity is only for monks and nuns. While there are monastic communities within mystic Christianity, this belief system is not exclusive to them. Mystic Christianity can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their profession or lifestyle.

Mystic Christianity is Not a New Age or Occult Practice

There is a common misconception that Mystic Christianity is a New Age or Occult practice. This is not true. While both New Age and Mystic Christianity may focus on spiritual experiences, the roots and beliefs of the two are quite different.

It is important to note that Mystic Christianity has a strong foundation in traditional Christian teachings and has been practiced for centuries. It is not a recent phenomenon or trend.

Furthermore, unlike the occult, which often involves the use of spells or rituals to manipulate the supernatural, Mystic Christianity emphasizes prayer, meditation, and contemplation as means of connecting with God.

In summary, while there may be similarities between Mystic Christianity and other spiritual practices, it is important to recognize that they are distinct and separate from each other.

Mystic Christianity is Not Exclusive or Elitist

One of the common misconceptions about mystic Christianity is that it is an exclusive or elitist practice that is only for a select few. However, this is far from the truth. While mystic Christianity does require a certain level of commitment and dedication, it is open to anyone who seeks a deeper relationship with God.

In fact, many mystic Christian traditions emphasize the importance of inclusivity and reject the idea of hierarchy or elitism. They believe that all individuals, regardless of their background or social status, have the potential to experience the divine presence and grow spiritually.

Myth	Fact
Mythic Christianity is for a select few.	Fact: Mystic Christianity is open to anyone who seeks a deeper relationship with God.
Myth: Mystic Christianity is elitist.	Fact: Many mystic Christian traditions emphasize inclusivity and reject hierarchy or elitism.
Myth: Mystic Christianity requires a certain level of education or social status.	Fact: Anyone can practice mystic Christianity, regardless of their background or social status.
Myth: Mystic Christianity is only for the spiritually advanced.	Fact: Mystic Christianity is a path that anyone can embark on, regardless of their spiritual level or experience.

It’s important to remember that mystic Christianity is not about being better or more special than others. It’s about cultivating a deeper relationship with God and experiencing the divine presence in our lives. This is something that is available to all of us, regardless of who we are or where we come from.

Mystic Christianity is Not Separate from Orthodox Christianity

There is a common misconception that mystic Christianity is a separate and distinct branch of Christianity. However, mystic Christianity is rooted in the same beliefs and teachings as Orthodox Christianity, and is not separate from it. Rather, mystic Christianity emphasizes a more experiential and intuitive approach to spirituality within the context of Orthodox Christianity.

Through practices such as contemplative prayer, meditation, and spiritual disciplines, mystic Christians seek a deeper connection with God and a greater understanding of the divine mysteries. These practices are not meant to replace traditional Orthodox Christian practices, but rather to complement and enhance them.

It is important to note that mystic Christianity is not a new or modern invention, but has been a part of Orthodox Christian tradition since the earliest days of Christianity. Many of the great mystic Christian saints, such as St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, were recognized by the Orthodox Church for their contributions to mystic Christian theology and practice.

By recognizing the connection between mystic Christianity and Orthodox Christianity, we can better understand the rich history and tradition of this spiritual path, and see how it fits within the broader context of Christian faith and practice.

Resources for Further Exploration

Books: There are many books available that explore mystic Christianity in depth. Some popular titles include “The Cloud of Unknowing” by Anonymous, “The Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross, and “The Interior Castle” by St. Teresa of Avila.

Online Communities: Joining an online community can provide an opportunity to connect with others who share an interest in mystic Christianity. There are many forums and social media groups available that cater to this community.

Retreats: Attending a retreat can be a great way to deepen your spiritual practice and connect with others who share your interests. Many retreat centers offer programs focused specifically on mystic Christianity.

Spiritual Directors: Working with a spiritual director can provide guidance and support as you explore mystic Christianity. Look for a director who has experience with this practice and who shares your values and beliefs.

Recommended Books on Mystic Christianity

The Cloud of Unknowing: This anonymously written 14th-century text is a classic of Christian mysticism. It teaches the contemplative practice of focusing on God with a “cloud of forgetting” that obscures all distractions.

The Interior Castle: This spiritual treatise was written by Saint Teresa of Avila, a prominent Spanish mystic of the 16th century. It describes the journey of the soul through seven rooms of a castle, each representing a different stage of spiritual growth.

Frequently Asked Questions