MINDFUL OF MYSTICISM

ROMANS 12:1–2

… be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God

(Rom. 12:2).

When we examine matters pertaining to epistemological inquiry (how we know what we know), we must avoid two errors. One of those errors is mysticism. It is important to be aware of this error because mysticism is gaining popularity in today’s culture. New Age religions deny reason and assert that the only way to God is through illumination on a transcendent level.

Mystic religions, like those of the eastern variety (Buddhism, etc.), reject the supposition that God can be known through the use of reason. Eastern mysticism (and all religions like it) believe that the way to the transcendent is through meditative techniques that by-pass the rational faculties and transfer the spirit into higher levels of existence. There is, in a sense, an absorption into the transcendent, and creature/Creator distinctions are lost. This is why you might often hear New Age people speak as if they are part of the divine. This, of course, follows from their mysticism because there is no way for the creature to know the Creator unless there be some kind of joining. We see this most clearly portrayed in the Star Wars trilogy and its message to, “Feel the Force.” Don’t think about it, don’t use your mind to apprehend God’s revelation, but feel your way into the presence and power of the divine.

Another aspect of eastern mysticism is that it embraces inherent contradictions. For instance, to them A can be non-A at the same time and in the same relationship. A world of chaos and contradiction is no problem for the mystic. He will believe anything because he does not think about anything. Christianity, however, does not embrace contradiction. While there are mysteries and paradoxes in the Christian religion, there are no contradictions. A contradiction would make God a liar, for He would affirm a thing one minute and deny it the next. God, however, is truth and there is no contradiction within Him.

As Christians, we are to worship God in spirit and in truth. We are to renew our minds and think God’s thoughts after Him. We are never to reject reason as a tool to know God and His Word. We are never to turn off our minds and just “feel” our way.

CORAM DEO

Isaiah 56–58

1 Thessalonians 3

Sometimes Christians are tempted to put reason in opposition to faith, but the two are not in opposition. Christians should never embrace contradictions in the name of faith. Ours is a reasonable faith. Why is it impossible to have true faith when there are contradictions? How would you present the Gospel to a mystic?

For further study: Job 38:34–38 • Eccl. 2:26 • Isa. 1:18

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