What is Christian Mysticism? | Discover Christian Mysticism with Jon Adams | Ep. 1
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- What is mysticism? What is Christian mysticism? If you're curious or skeptical about either of those questions, welcome to my channel!
My name is Jon, and I've been studying ancient Christian mysticism academically for several years and applying its principles to my own faith. I think it has great potential to return Christianity to a better practice of Jesus' vision, and to help individual Christians have deeper experiences of the Spirit of our faith. That being said, there's a lot of work to be done to make our mystical traditions more accessible and easier to practice - hence this channel.
So explore Christian mysticism with me, until Christ is formed in us! Questions and comments are more than welcome.
If you want to start with more mystical prayer practices right now, instead of waiting for me to get around to them in a video, check out my book, Present to the Presence of God, available from Amazon: amzn.to/32ywxD1
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#Christianmysticism #spirituality
BIG NEWS: My new book Jesus: A Field Manual is out October 3, 2023! You can pre-order the ebook in the Kindle store right now, and the paperback is out on Oct. 3.
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I’m a Muslim who has always been into mysticism - known as Sufism/‘irfān in the Islamic tradition. I have a deep appreciation for mysticism in all religions but I recently became particularly interested in Christian mysticism through the work of Meister Eckhart. I’m so glad to have found this channel ❤️
Welcome friend :) can you recommend a book or two on Sufism? I'm familiar with the tradition and have read some Rumi, but I'd really like to understand it better.
@@withjonadams Thank you :) I would recommend the work of Seyyed Hossein Nasr who I would argue is one of the foremost authorities on Sufism and Islamic philosophy in the West. He has a lovely book called “The Garden of Truth: The Vision and Promise of Sufism, Islam's Mystical Tradition”, which would probably be a good starting point.
Thank you so much!
@@withjonadams You’re welcome my brother. Also, I came across an article last week which you may be interested in. If you Google “Interreligious Dialogue: Ibn ‘Arabi and Meister Eckhart”, it’s on ibnarabisociety[dot]org. (I tried to share the link but my comment got removed)
I’d love to hear your thoughts on it if you find time to read it. I’ve been introducing Meister Eckhart to my Muslim friends as “the Christian version of Ibn Arabi” :)
I'll check it out. I just got The Garden of Truth from the library so I'm working on it right now. This is the book I was looking for, thanks again
I was a bit resistant to the "Christian" part of "Christian mysticism" but I really enjoy David Hoffmeister's content when it comes to Christian mysticism and he helped me release whatever negative associations I had to that word. Thank you for this video, I enjoyed it 🔥
I’ve been a Christian Mystic for years, although not in any formal sense of it. I’ve had a deep and personal mystical walk with Jesus since I was very little. Once Baptism in the Holy Spirit happened, my walk became even deeper. This side of Christianity is not taught in many churches. I am Catholic but not by birth. I have always been drawn to the Mystics in the Earlier Church, who were often persecuted for their intense and clear connection to the Holy Spirit and the revelations shared by Him. I’m so happy to have found another soul who is promoting this life. It’s often quite lonely. Bless you my brother, for your messages
Can you provide some examples of these early Mystics for research purposes please?
Interesting video, Jon. It's not the word "mysticism" I'm afraid of, it's "Christian." Raised in a very religious family, I tried my hardest to follow the Bible, prayed constantly and did everything I was supposed to do according to the rules and regulations set forth, but could never make myself believe most of what was contained in the Bible. It was like rubbing sandpaper on my skin, so as an adult I shoved it aside, stopped letting many hypocritical "Christians" drag me down because I couldn't make myself believe in many aspects of the Bible, but all along knowing there was something there that I hadn't yet found. It burned deep inside me. I'm not really into labels, but I suppose I aligned with agnostic most of my adult life. A couple years ago I felt guided to a place where I found spirituality (so different from religion!), and the doors were blown open for me! Things started to move in my life like never before. It's a daily education process for me, so your video titled, "...CHRISTIAN mysticism" caught my eye and curiosity. I have to admit that Bible talk is off-putting to me, but I appreciate what you're doing and love your spirit. I sincerely hope the very best for you on your path to finding purpose while helping others find theirs! It's a beautiful thing you are doing!
Jesus didn't call himself a Christian nor did the apostles. Humans tend to try and categorize and quantify everything. Ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Forget the "religion".
Jesus was called 'The Christ'. The Enlightened. So Jesus the Enlightened. Jesus never gave his teachings a name. Also remember the bible has been edited and curated over the centuries, so don't feel bad if it doesn't resonate.
Interesting because having grown up agnostic in my teens I became a Christian and was taught by Pentecostals. I have experienced many a spiritual happening since then all while doing “traditionally Christian” things.
I've been looking for something like this for the longest. I knew Christianity had a spiritual part behind it. I always had a feeling about it. Now u found it. Thank you
The apostles prophesied the things that Christianity has suffered for so long.
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
[1 Peter 2:1]
For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
[Jude 1:4]
A concept that is identified in both of the scriptures, above, is the fact that false teachers deny the Lord. Peter points out how they will introduce destructive heresies. Jude points to the way they turn the grace of our God into licentiousness.
Truly, one is the same as the other.
And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;
[2 Peter 2:2]
For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,
[2 Peter 2:18]
The Greek word rendered "sensuality", in 2 Peter 2:18, is aselgeiais. The Greek word rendered "licentiousness" in Jude 1:4 is aselgeian.
The point is this: The Way taught by Christ was a way of suffering. False teachers are sensual and, as such, turn aside from The Way into places more pleasing to the senses.
By turning from The Way, false teachers deny the Lord. They deny the character of Truth that, literally, only belongs to Christ.
Worse than that, they entice others, by fleshly desires and sensuality, to follow them into heresy (i.e., division).
This condition lasts long enough that people will begin to malign the Truth. And, in the last days, those malignant people will openly mock those who have grown up under the various forms of godliness that deny the power thereof- the same religious forms which had, long before, been set up by false teachers.
Peter's remedy is found in 2 Peter 3...
1This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.
Paul says the same...
17Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
[Romans 16]
3If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. 7For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.
[1 Timothy 6]
I am a Christian who practices and teachers meditation. I also study the near-death experience.
I was raised Baptist (my mother was from Georgia) and now, just turning 30, I consider myself a Cosmic Christian; a mystic at heart.
I mentioned to one of my sisters how I was drawn to the inner teachings of Christianity, the esoteric and mystical... and she shook her head and was like, "So you're into witchcraft now?"
I just smiled and changed the subject. Lol.
I'm so glad I came upon this channel and can't wait to watch your other videos. Thank you, and God bless you! 🙏
Eugene Peterson wrote that the difference between him and his church members is not that he believes different things, but that he believes the same things at a level that is so deep it would scare them if they knew :)
@@withjonadams Yes!! That's it! 🙌👏 When family and friends talk about the nominal things of Christianity or church, I'm always of the mind, "but there is SO much MORE!" Lol.
And this is why they were banished from normal Christianity. Mixing Christianity with occult knowledge and practice smh
I am a Sikh I love Christian mysticism this is amazing
That is SO awesome!
@@withjonadams - One question what is your thoughts on biblical unitarianism
I’ve spent a lot of time traveling in India staying at gurudwaras and I really appreciate the Sikh religion. Especially the langhars. Feeding people for free no matter the caste, creed or religion. It was so moving to me. Feels like a beautiful representation of what God would be doing. Cheers to you!
Thank you so much for this video. I was raised Catholic and I always had a great relationship with Jesus thanks to my father. About 20 years ago I first heard about Christian mysticism and knew that was for me. I have mostly been cultivating my relationship with Jesus and God on my own, but recently was feeling like finding other people who experience God this way. This was a great video… I appreciated the explanation. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing :)
@@withjonadams since I posted that comment, I bought the book and I just started reading it and it’s great
@@jencrews it's such an honor :)
I have been a Christian for almost 9 years. For years God has shown me some powerful things, things that hard to explain to others, out of fear they would think that I was crazy.. I know from the moment of conversion that it was a deep experience and intimacy with God that can be obtained.. I have longed to find others that felt the same way.. I have always told others that the other way to truly know God is by taking Him out the box, that bound by tradition and religion.. Thank you I’m so honored and glad that I’ve found this channel..
I also sought to go near Him, but at the moment I don’t feel any love from Him or to Him . I don’t love anyone actually . I hate myself and have become numb and selfless . No fighting spirit . I have given up and have least hope . What should I do ?
Sooo good 💙🙏 While I recently re established my relationship with Jesus (I have always felt connected to Jesus being brought up catholic) , reading the word and going to church, I knew deep down conforming with biblical Christianity alone was not a fit. I have been heavily involved in the occult for many years and considered myself a seeker of God through mysticism and now come to a place where Jesus Christ is my focus again, Christian Mysticism feels like home. Thank you 👣💙🙏
Kelly Maeve this is somewhat similar to my journey as well 😊🙏🏼 praise the Lord!
This is absolutely where I am now also 🙏🙏🙏 I was in the occult for years and was a "mystic" ....now Yeshua is my focus again and we are in a divine mystical journey together 🙏
Same
Me tooooo! Thank you Jesus
What is Christianity book by Muhammad taqi usmani Amazon Flipkart
You better say this truth! I love the way, you are explaining all of this. There is no support of corruption, a hunger for power, or violen. Jesus forgave, loved, and accepted.
Willing self sacrifice a.k.a. offering of self
Beautiful. I see Christian mysticism as bringing the Divine to the level of our human experience rather than escaping the corporal prison.
Definitely! Which is the story of the Incarnation
I think it’s both at the same time, transcendencing our locus of consciousness while at the same time seeing how that was incarnate in the world at the same time
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thank you
Thank YOU! :)
After 48 years of following fundamental Christianity and feeling separated from God, it made no sense to me. Then Wayne Dyer 3 years ago opened my eyes to Mysticism and it all made sense to me.Then last year I found A Course in Miracles and I woke up...
I've been interested in mysticism - especially Christian mysticism - for 30 years. I'm so glad I found your channel. Thanks for doing this.
Found you!!!!
Needed this.
Subscribed and ready to learn ✍️✝️
I've only recently come into the christian faith and I find the mysticism side of it fascinating. Looking forward to learning more from your videos. God bless you.
Right on, Matt. If you haven’t read Prodigal God by Tim Keller I highly recommend it for people new to the Christian faith (and for those of us who need a reminder, too).
Loved this! Excellent vid bro!
You have aroused my curiosity, but I will watch more before any decision is made.
As a Pentecostal Christian (a form of Christian mystic) I can affirm that becoming like Christ is key to changing the world around us, one step at a time.
I’m really excited that you’re doing this...I’m exploring the same path
That's great Sarah! My goal here is to make the ancient tradition accessible - any thoughts or suggestions?
Discover Christian Mysticism with Jon Adams Well, I have your little blue book and I think a walk through of the practices outlined there would be amazing!
This makes me actually interested in Christianity...that’s no easy task.
Christian mystycism is not equal to Christianity though. But yes, you should definetely look into Christianity.
@@dartheli7400 lol I’m very familiar with traditional Christianity, it’s just never done much for me🤷🏻♂️
@@bretta7057 Fair enough. I assumed from your comment that you hadn‘t looked into it (Christianity) yet. What do you mean by saying it‘s just never done much for you?
Hallelujah my journey begins
This is great! I love it. I think a lot of work needs to be done to demystify mysticism and the world would be much better off with more mystics in it. I've been studying, practicing, and teaching Christian mysticism for several years now and I know it has dramatically changed my life. I'm always glad to find other people spreading the message.
"Demystifying mysticism" is exactly right.
I do not hate myself for what I am NOT. ..during a beautiful mystical experience I was told that these things were as nothing in Gods' sight...that that the thing I needed to learn most was how to love. Wish that I could love as our Father in Heaven does...imagine the person you love...and then imagine that love a million times over...it's s inexpresible...and yet that is Gods' love for us. We are told to witness. THIS IS MY WITNESS.
New to your channel and looking forward to learning. Love your logo!!
Amazing explanation of the Gospel, John, from creation to glorification, and in words not as common in my evangelical and pentecostal world as a pastor!
John did not mention the Gospel and if you‘re not aware of this, you‘re not a pastor. At least not in the biblical sense.
I was hoping for some sort of “finished work… already one with Christ through faith… reconciled… righteousness of God…” any sort of “it’s already been accomplished through Him” sentiment, but yeah… seems like another long journey of as attempting to obtain something Jesus accomplished once for all time. 🥺
Incredibly useful and God has a bigtime purpose for you. No doubt Christian mystics represent less than 1 percent of Christians. I'm very happy to have found you! I hope to learn the remaining lessons for my purpose. Have you had an authentic mystic "born again" experience? Just curious. That's how I discovered this was a thing
I am glad there's a way for us to get closer to God.
Excellent video!!
Wow, thank you. That was a wonderful and understandable introduction to Christian Mysticism.
Really amazing video! I totally agree with you, and for me mysticism is the only way FOR ME to make sense of christ, and his mission on earth. I think, all ways to christ are good ways, so long as you are loving thy neighbour as thyself. However, i do truly believe that if one wishes to seek a much closer relationship with god, then mysticism is for you.
Amazing video Jon, came at the perfect time. I've subscribed. Keep 'em coming!
I was meant to watch this video. Thank you so much, Jon! God Bless 🙏🏼
One question do you believe that Jesus is the son of god (human/created being) or god
@@theguyver4934 definitely his Son
@@nuufoualo5934 - That's great because that's exactly what the holy Bible teaches
@@theguyver4934 I think Jesus was a mystic too tbh lol but a great guy to follow fr
@@nuufoualo5934 - And who is your favorite apostle of Jesus ? Paul, James, peter or john etc
Glad I found you
What are the odds, my name is John Adams too. I have been meaning to look up christian mysticism for years since my conversion. Today of all days. Peace fellow star travelers. TY JA
This channel might be an answered prayer for this Christian searching for more!
WOW! I needed this so badly today. Thank you! Merry CHRISTmas!
Merry Christmas!
Outstanding! Thank you for posting
Beautiful. A new journey begins for me.
I'm so glad I found this video. I feel like I've fallen into a deep rabbit hole of gaining all the knowledge that is purposefully so hidden from us starting back to the very beginning of everything in my own understanding that's not standardized by a specific religion. It seems religion is all just theory of ones opinion or understanding, brought to a council of several churches or tribe leaders(using my own labeling as example. Not to be taken as literal) to agree to be the best way of explaining, then separated into different theology that we take as facts rather than theory. As if one person does, or could ever know the truth behind our existence. What theory every(if not most.. [I'm still learning]) religion does agree on is that each person does have some sort of "soul" or "conscience" that was some how created either before or during our conception.
Very clear delivery of beautiful words. Well done.
God bless you, God bless you! Thank you much much gratitude! ❤️
I am so grateful for you for doing this series! Thank you so much!
I enjoyed this video so much and look forward to hearing more from you.
Great vid Jon. Great to hear you exploring these topics😇🙂
I want to start practicing this to get closer to God.
Great stuff!! Why are we mystics so alone and unaccepted? I would love to know if anyone knows a Christian Mystic fellowship hall or church? Thanks and may God's peace be with you.
Matt S there’s an international group physically located in Venice, Los Angeles, California. They also travel and hold meetings all over the world. The ministry is called AACTEV8 and they meet at Venice united Methodist church. Very loving and welcoming community, they truly love the Lord and one another and it’s encouraging to be able to ask questions of other Believers that we often don’t get to ask in a typical church setting. The international community is also fairly active online. I’ve met some absolutely incredible people there who have a deep love for the Lord. I attended in person while I lived in LA, changed my life completely. We are all connected around the world by the Holy Spirit if not in the physical. 😊 I’ve personally felt alone much of my life in my deeper pursuit of God but I discovered there are MANY of us. The more I engage stepping into Heaven the more I feel connected with the Body of Christ in the Spirit and the more I’m aware of Heaven in my present world and begin to see the Spirit in my natural everyday life. Heaven really is at hand, it’s all about tuning in to His frequency, His name. Just keep engaging the Kingdom and trust the Lord to take care of community, He will connect you. Sometimes we are also Pioneers within our community, so embrace being unaccepted as we share in the suffering of being hated for Christ. It is a blessing :) you’re so awesome, bless you bro!
Mysticism can't really be bound by any denomination and any denomination that claims to be made up entirely of mystics, is almost guaranteed to not be full of mystics. Mystics exist as a tiny minority in almost all major denominations- especially Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. However, Lutheranism and Anglicanism do allow for mysticism- although Protestants are more skeptical. But it's not super common in any denomination. I recommend going to a church that follows the historical blueprint of Jesus and Apostles. Any of the churches I named before should be fine. That's just what I would recommend though. Also, pray the Jesus Prayer often. God bless.
I am a Mystic because the Holy spirit dwells with me. I am a Mystic because i know Jesus on a personal level. I have a deep connection with my Lord through Meditation. Through meditation i try to walk with Jesus in the the heavenly realm. Yea i know bible verses, yes i have listened to Christian radio and tried to cram all that i read into my mind but when i started to Meditate i just felt my relationship with Christ is a little deeper. So i will continue to grow this way.
You should look into attending a Quaker Meeting, once they reopen after the pandemic.
William B W Quaker meeting? Have you been to one?
I would love to become a Christian Mystic, I'm a Christian already, so this would be like a next step.
It definitely was the next step for me
Great overview! I’ve been feeling a pull towards this for some time now. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts in the future.
Have u ever seen an energy within a tree ??
Anti Gov No.
@@stretch3172 just thought I'd ask as I saw it before and wondered what it meant
Maybe I’m missing something but this just sounds like what God called all people to do, all Christians should be doing this I feel like because that’s what the Bible calls for.
That's exactly how I feel. So why don't we?
@@withjonadams - One question do you believe that Jesus is the son of god (human/created being) or god
I think I was meant to be here.
Exactly what I’m looking for. I can’t wait to follow your journey!
Beautiful! Thank you Jon.
Beautifully described, thank you for your kind and wise words :)
I am a messianic jew. After finding yeshua/jesus directly from a TALMUD study. I later found him in the Zohar. (Jewish mysticism/kabbalah) like you said. It may be popular belief right now to think it is black magic. It is not. There IS other books within kabbalah not accepted by all. Alot of us personally reject these teaching and stick to exactly what you said. It's the direct connection to god. Christian mystics also admit it's come from Judaism. I would love to stay in touch and learn more about christian mysticism and share our thoughts.
Jesus is the son of God (human) not god
I'm so happy to find this channel 😄 thank you
I'm a rosicrucian gnostic, we practice Christian mysticism.
That sounds very interesting, I'd love to learn more about the Rosicrucians. Send me an email?
@@withjonadams To what address?
@@Babylon2060 jon@withjonadams.com
These guys need to make a TV show.
I just found out about this.
Fantastic stuff, we need more of this
"Hope is as hollow as fear".
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
Great video ❤️
interesting
What is with the bizarre sound? Is this being filmed on a Star Ship?
I Timothy 4:10-11 NKJV
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach.
with my SkullCandy ANCs .. this video was literally physically pleasant to listen to 😌
Haha that wasn't the intention but thank you for literally the only positive comment about the sound of my first video.
@@withjonadams I figured that wasn’t the intention lol But those who own SkullCandy ANCs will know what I’m talking about
Awesome 👏🏼
What is that rumbling? Did you record this while on the Starship Enterprise?
I think maybe a submarine possibly in the Marinara Trench or whatever it's called
Hi I’m new to this channel, I hope I can find some of the help I need with my spiritual life here. I go to a Protestant Church but I haven’t been finding the healing and help I need from the method of reading the Bible and Praying. I think I need something a little deeper. I have been recently following thinkers like Carl Jung, Jordan Peterson, Jonathan Pageau, and John Vervaeke. Hope that yourself Mr. Adams and the others here are doing well and continue progressing forward and upward on your journeys.
Glad to meet you Dennis! When you get a chance check out the Live tab on the channel, in the latest streams I explain how to get connected with our online community.
@@withjonadams Will do! Thanks
To get to God is through Jesus. Jesus died to reconcile man with God. Nothing man can do.
Is there a way I can contact you to talk about this more. I have studied alchemy, mysticism, divine magic, as well as Christianity, Islam and hinduism, ancient Egypt etc. It would be nice if I could ask a few personal questions to do with Christian mysticism and the links to potential other mystic perspectives and alchemy if you have any takes on it. Such as in alchemy the philosopher stone and in Christianity the Christ
Absolutely. Send me an email to jon@withjonadams.com I look forward to hearing from you.
Around 6:07, 'all the parts competing'...I think this is why the formation of a new ego / identity / persona structure, likely within the framework of some form of Christian dogma (dogma meaning a non falsifiable view or worldview which is nevertheless examined, and accepted), is the formation of 'new vessels' which allow the 'New Wine' to be poured into, so as to not 'burst the vessels', as sometimes happens with some 'mystics' or 'new age' types, who receive a tiny bit of light, and then capitalize on it for egoic purposes, and WITHOUT a strong ethos framework, and then go, well, a bit bananas
I agree with you. I still read my bible, and try to memorize the bible. We are not Gods though sir. That said i love meditation.
Sounds beautiful.
For a contemporary, seminal, mind-blowing text on Christian mysticism, check out the book "Electrical Christianity: A Revolutionary Guide to Jesus' Teachings and Spiritual Enlightenment."
thank you, needed this
Thank you so much brother!
Thanks for this very clear account of the gospel. Everything you said rings true with my understanding of the bible story. I’m just confused about one thing. You seem to be describing exactly what it means to be a Christian. But I don’t really see the need to add the word mysticism. How is being a Christian mystic different to be a Christian?
This is an excellent question! I'll talk about this tomorrow in a livestream with my friend Zach at 5:30 PM CDT; and if you can't watch then I'll make sure to come back with a link to the video. Thanks!
Is there an audiobook version of this?
Up your ally, on the path. Besides the obvious, what particular precept for daily
I drive trucks for a living 8:22
❤You said in the video something like "christian mysticism disciplines help you become more united with ." Hhowever it is my belief that all men and women, even atheists, are already perfectly united with God. Not because of our own works but because of Jesus perfect work that has been imparted to us along with his righteousness. So it's not that belief in Jesus and repentance of sins helps you unite with God more. But instead, it helps you become more aware of your perfect union with God, and just helps you know God more and know yourself more. What are your thoughts on this? ❤
Congratulations. You have completely turned me off to this concept.
So, I have been reading Richard Rohr lately and slowly finnding a new understanding of my religious roots (raised Catholic but walked away long ago). He talks about contemplation a lot (like, a lot). Is contemplation like meditation (meditation in the Eastern sense of the word)?
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different meditation practices and perspectives in the East. Christian contemplation certainly has its own flavor distinct from them, but there are also tons of different ideas on contemplation. I think I need to make a video about this, thanks for the question :)
Where does one start?
Episode 142 - James Tunney: The Dangers of Scientocracy Today sent me
Just sounds like regular old christianity to me.
God sent Jesus, His Son, to earth to atone for the sin of mankind. I'm sorry, but it was not to "see Himself", as you say. if this is what you were saying using different terminology, great, but I found this really confusing. I watched your vid so I could try to understand what Christian mysticism is all about as the term is thrown around so casually these days, but it sounds like new age stuff to me. Thanks anyway for your insight. I'm just glad that Jesus will return to earth to defeat evil once and for all.
It IS new age stuff. Don't be deceived.
Didn’t Jesus work with the Eseen’s?? We’re they not Mystics??
Reading the books of the New Testament, we probably asked ourselves more than once: *"Why 2000 years we do not see those miracles that accompanied the Сhurch of Christ in the I century, as described in the New Testament?"* Why do the so-called preachers of Christ have to prove that Jesus really existed and atheists boldly deny the historicity or divine origin of Christ? Maybe because the Сhurch of Christ has not existed for 2000 years?
The Сhurch does not exist in the form in which it is presented in the books of the New Testament, but there are Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and other christian sects claiming to be the place of the Church, but they not have the only thing that distinguishes the divine from the human and is characteristic of just the Сhurch of Christ -the reinforcement of the word with signs, that is, miracles (Mark 16:15-20). Therefore, some researchers doubt the historicity of Christ, and some of them are not opposed to declaring him a an ordinary philosopher, teacher. But even if Jesus were an ordinary philosopher, his disciples would be ordinary followers of Jesus. And they would not dare to write about the miracles that not only Jesus, but also his disciples, could perform. In this world, the great fertility of atheism can be explained by the fact that there is no main opponent of critics of the Bible - the Church. If there were the Church in our time as described by the authors of the New Testament books, where miracles are performed, the sick are healed, where prophesied, and the dead are raised, no one would doubt the historicity of Christ. Then there would be the same controversy throughout the world as in the first century - Jesus the Son of God or the false prophet who seduces the world by miracles. As a result, we can say that the emergence and development of christian sects and atheism was the result of the fact that over the 2000 years the Сhurch of Christ did not exist.
Find *"The Mystery about the Church of Christ"* video on TH-cam. The video reveals the prophecy of the disappearance and reappearance of the Church of Christ before the End of the World. Watching this video will give hope to all who sincerely seek God and will interest those who are not too lazy to think freely. Click on my name to watch the video (The video is in Russian, but English subtitles are included).
Hi Jon thanks for your video. I have a doubt here, when I look at Christian mystics, Hindu mystics, Muslim mystics they all look the same. Their approach could be different, how ever when you say the Union With God as the Meeting Point. I suppose they all meet at the same point. Is there anything specially different about Christian Mysticism at the depth level compared with mystics from other religions? Some please explain to me. Million THANKS.
@Anti Jesuit - Why not you can pray everyday and probably have to. Yes repentance and having the right attitude is what matters.
Wow cool! Why are mystics always referred to as “her”? Brother Lawrence and Francis of Assisi I believe were mystical people too 😅
Some may wonder about my recent consideration of the term "consciousness". Think of three guys who enter a car expo. The attention of one is drawn to blonde wearing the blue evening gown. The attention of another is drawn to a red Ferrari. The attention of the pickpocket is drawn to all whose attention is on the spectacle.
I think of attention as consciousness.
The attention of the sensual man is on things he can taste, see, smell, hear, and feel. The attention of the spiritual man is drawn to the Jerusalem that is above.
22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.
[Hebrews 12]
There is a potential for those who have been born of the Spirit to become aware of...
1. The heavenly Jerusalem,
2. Myriads of angels,
3. The general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven,
4. God, the Judge of all,
5. The spirits of righteous men made perfect,
6. Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and
7. The sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.
How many of us have spent time regretting that we have given our attention- our consciousness- to things that are passing away rather than keeping our minds on the marvelous things above?
1If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
[Colossians 3]
I've been in a Russian Orthodox Church wherein, near the ceiling, was a shelf that ran around the sanctuary. On that shelf were figures that represented characters from the Bible- as if to help worshipers remember that there is a great cloud of witnesses.
The question the worshiper must ask himself is "Do those witnesses concern themselves with my unfaithfulness, or God's faithfulness".
Spirits of righteous men made perfect will, forever, praise the One who is faithful and true.
Let's encourage each other to shift our awareness.
I, for one, would like to be like those guys represented by figures on the shelf at the Russian church: reminding men to clear their minds of earthly things in order to see the eternal.
sweet
Oh yeah... the intro helps a lot....genius. (sarcasm! )....
Reeventing the wheel is not necessary, explore eastern orthodox,