Authentic/Inauthentic mysticism

Authentic/Inauthentic mysticism

Cl. Mario D’Couto sdb

            How do we judge whether a mystical experience is authentic or not? Given the fact that mysticism is a wide phenomenon found in every religion practically, it is certain that there is a wide variety of opinions as to what authentic mysticism is. As a Christian, I would like to share what mysticism means from a Christian standpoint.

            In the Christian tradition, there have been many scholars and doctors of the Church who have written about mysticism. Even philosophers like (mostly Christian) have written about mysticism. One thing common that can be  pointed out among all their writings is that it was always a pointer towards something beyond; something beyond this physical world and thus it is because of this that mysticism is a mystery.

            The French philosopher Gabriel Marcel would define a ‘problem’ and a ‘mystery’ in the following way, “A problem is something that can be solved while a mystery is something that cannot be solved and while we may not have all the answers to all the mysteries, nevertheless, we are called to live with it.” Life is in itself a mystery.

            Mysticism, in the Christian understanding, is not so much about our love for Jesus but Jesus’ love for us. It is about God being the core of our being and the core of all beings. Yet, all the same, in as much as mysticism is about union with God, it is and should never be done in isolation. To enter into the mystery of Christ is not to escape from the world. It is centred on the mystery of the Cross. This means that it is the mystery of the poor, the sick, the afflicted, the deranged, the imprisoned, the dying and all those suffering in various other ways. It is the mystery of the exploited, the manipulated, the terrorized, and the oppressed. It is the mystery of the nuclear war, of hunger, of injustice and of human anguish. It is the mystery of you and me when we suffer and when we sin. Christian mystical experience, far from fleeing from the suffering and sinful world, is an entrance into its very heart.

            Mystical experience is not about some ‘spiritual high’ which gives one a blissful feeling. Of course, we may feel that way but if it has not pushed us towards God and towards our neighbour, then his or her mystical experience is no better than a drug – induced state. This is an important indication to check whether one’s mystical experience is truly authentic or not.  

             

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