what is it about mystics?

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by InLove

So, if I hide God's Word within my heart, as revealed to me through His Spirit, then I am relying on something much bigger than myself, but which still comes from inside because He gives me this understanding.

InPeace,
InLove

{{InLove}}

This is the most genuine post I have read by anyone in a long time. And I think it is in the finest mystical tradition. Thank you for your gift!

Peace,

Mark

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by InLove

So, if I hide God's Word within my heart, as revealed to me through His Spirit, then I am relying on something much bigger than myself, but which still comes from inside because He gives me this understanding.

InPeace,
InLove

And if so, by your actions, that which is hidden will be observed by others. Mother Theresa was this way. She expressed her inner strength and the strength of God by her quiet, resolute deeds. She knew. But she knew not to speak, but to act (in her case). She was a woman of few words, but when she did speak...people (the Vatican) listened. So did India...

A picture (an act or deed, or consistent actions) is worth more than a book of words. That is the lamp on the hill.

As I see things, as i'm not too good at hearing.

v/r

Q

[InLove]

Hi--Peace to All Here--

Thanks for your comment, Paladin. I enjoy reading your posts as well. I have even borrowed an idea from you recently on another thread because the idea was so clear (it had to do with acknowledging the spiritual through things like music.) Hope you don't mind.

BB--I took no offense at what you said--I hope I didn't offend you! Actually, I think your question was interesting, one of those kinds I could really chime in on, so I did.

Q--Yes, Mother Theresa definitely found the way to put her faith to work in deeds, and she certainly did manage to quietly accomplish things "much bigger than herself". While I don't know what she would say, I am wondering, in your opinion, would you describe her as a Christian mystic? Hope that question doesn't offend...

InPeace
InLove,

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by InLove

...Q--Yes, Mother Theresa definitely found the way to put her faith to work in deeds, and she certainly did manage to quietly accomplish things "much bigger than herself". While I don't know what she would say, I am wondering, in your opinion, would you describe her as a Christian mystic? Hope that question doesn't offend...InLove,

LOL Robert Bacon, the Knights Templar, Saint Francis of Assisi; Saint Teresa of Avila; Saint John of the Cross; Jacob Bohme; George Fox, founder of the Quakers; and Emanuel Swedenborg, and yes I think Mother Theresa would fit well with this "group" of known Christian Mystics.

No offense taken.

v/r

Q

[InLove]

Well, to tell you the truth, I never really knew what the term "mystic" meant. I have always known some things--I am not one who has a story about how I was "turned around" at the last minute--although I believe with all my heart that people are, all the time. I admit, I have been spiritually sheltered, and I praise God for it. I can only relate what I know. I will have to check up on and read about the folks you have listed here.

If I ever get done with the editing I have been hired to do (huge sigh), then I will hopefully have some time to read about at least some of the people and books I have come across on this website.

When I first came here, I tried to keep my beliefs a secret, just so I could communicate with anyone and everyone. But there is no way I could possibly continue to do that. I am so glad to have a place where I can just talk and talk, and listen and listen, and study and study--LOL--and when things get out-of-hand, I do not have to fix them.

I come from a long line of strange and wonderful people. I am so glad that the witch trials are over--at least I hope they are. But even in my lifetime, I have seen my sweet Christian mother shunned just because she knew all about herbs. She knew all about Jesus, too. No wonder people are confused.

Well, this is turning into essay and testimony. Oh well, I will leave it at that. Anyway, thanks, Q, and all.

InPeace,
InLove

[I, Brian]

Originally Posted by bananabrain

in short, why is it that people who are "into mysticism" spout such utter BILGE? such utter CODSWALLOP? why is so much of it indistinguishable from the platitudinous ullage and hogwash that emanates from the uncritical and uneducated peanut gallery of the so-called "new age"?

I guess a big problem with a lot of modern mysticism is that it is essentially self-referential, and lacks any kind of overall tradition to ensure a holistic approach.

[Ciel]

In general it is the path of a mystics journey to have an awareness of all traditions and an understanding of their original source. While the path of tradition most often seeks none other than its own. Holistic is to encompass all.

[ISFP]

it's funny, but i see many books in the "spirituality" section of bookstores that try to explain or break down broad mystical ideas such as "living in the moment" or "getting rid of distinctions".

one can't just buy mystical insight for $24.99 in softcover format. these books may point the way, but it's up to the individual to do their own soul-searching, struggle through doubt, and touch something of that truth for themselves. besides, the books are always way over priced.