Tag: mysticism

“The mystic differs from the merely pious by his refusal to extract the absolute from the relative. He does not break through the veil; he penetrates it.”

— Evelyn Underhill, “Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Man’s Spiritual Consciousness”

What lies ahead in my spiritual journey? I have been told by individuals of a certain faction of the Church to simply embrace Orthodoxy or Anglicanism. Those who challenge the Church are often urged to depart by these self-proclaimed pious individuals. Others contemplate abandonment, asserting that the church caters solely to mindless adherents or those ensconced within a cultural bubble, resistant to inquiry.

Moreover, the disconcerting faction perceives mere questions as sins, deeming them more egregious than the institutional corruption afflicting the church. In the labyrinth of theological exploration, I navigate not only the divergent paths of tradition but also the turbulent currents of dissent, seeking a nuanced understanding that transcends facile dichotomies.

Yet, what’s the next step? Orthodoxy, a captivating faith, adorned with rich traditions and diverse cultures. Its churches echo with ancient beauty. However, beneath the surface, dogmatic rigidity persists, sometimes more subtly than in the Church of Rome. While encountering admirable individuals within Orthodoxy, I’ve also encountered fundamentalism, clinging to an unchanging tradition, resisting intellectual exploration. Embracing the Orthodoxy that I been exposed to and which surrounds me, entails relinquishing the intellectual gifts bestowed upon humanity by God – a renunciation of logic and an abandonment of truth revealed through archaeology, history, and linguistics.

It is not to amaze us to hear the name of Fr Seraphim Rose among many Fundamentalist Orthodox Christians, believers who often assert that the earth is merely 6000 years old. In this juxtaposition of rich tradition and entrenched fundamentalism, the allure of Orthodoxy is tempered by the challenges posed to intellectual inquiry, urging a careful contemplation of the path forward in the pursuit of a profound and holistic faith.

So, what’s the alternative? Perhaps the Anglican communion? Despite my deep appreciation for English tradition, I, being non-English, feel no resonance with this foreign tradition. While empathetic towards my Anglican friends, I find myself at odds with certain reformation and progressive views, particularly in the Episcopalian church. Their open communion, welcoming non-Christians, contradicts the mystical principles rooted in early Christian historical records.

What then? I cannot ignore the wisdom of thinkers like Fr. Robert B. Eno, Fr. Francis Dvornik, and Fr. August Bernhard Hasler, whose intellect surpasses mine. The notions of Papal Supremacy and infallibility, not inherent in ancient traditions, resist confirmation through historical and linguistic scrutiny. Choosing truth over dogmatic romanticization, I find myself dwelling in the shadows, navigating a paradoxical reality tied to God and yearning for paradise.

In the recesses of the Church’s life, I tether myself to the umbilical cord of mysticism—a safeguard against the starvation of dogma and a conduit to the profound beauty encapsulated in sacramental rituals. As a humble fool in the eyes of the Divine, my journey persists, not solely as a quest for a final destination but as an ongoing dialogue with the ineffable—a perpetual pursuit of the divine in the ever-unfolding chapters of my spiritual odyssey.

How the Paradoxes of Faith and the Beauty of the World Led Me to a Deeper Encounter with God

These reflections may stir dissent and perhaps even provoke hostility, as I venture into critiques that some may openly or silently repudiate. Yet, even knowing all of this, I desire to move forward and write this. For we are called towards the truth and to pursue God. We must, in such, be honest to our conscience and the love which moves our heart closer to all that there is.

In the realm of Scripture and Tradition, many lay claim, yet their commitment often dwindles to personal interpretations. Words undergo subtle distortions, manipulated to align with individual narratives, selectively embracing and rejecting fragments. The rich complexity and diversity of history fall by the wayside, overshadowed by a hostile response to challenges and dialogue that could deepen our collective understanding. Rather than being seekers, they adopt the stance of settlers; instead of embracing the role of learners, they assume the mantle of lecturers. These factions, despite declaring “I am the church,” readily cast accusations of heresy or schism, often against others, conveniently ignoring inconvenient aspects of history.

Throughout the annals of time, systems of authority, whether through political power or manipulative tactics, have been wielded. Gaslighting perpetuates beliefs that dissenters face eternal damnation. Dogma and doctrine, even when evidence challenges their validity, remain immune to questioning. Attempts to question them result in personal attacks, resembling a horde of unthinking zombies blindly defending doctrines while dismissing dissenters. This environment stifles critical examination, fostering a closed-minded allegiance that disregards the nuanced truths inherent in our faith and history.

In the midst of these reflections, I’ve stumbled upon profound beauty in Christian mysticism. As Julian of Norwich eloquently expressed, “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” This mystical journey unravels the profound love of Christ, transcending the complexities and conflicts within the Church.

Despite grappling with a sense of spiritual homelessness, I’ve discovered a divine connection in the inner hearts of mankind, notably through the intricate tapestry of high liturgical rituals across various churches. Embracing challenges has catalyzed personal growth, and befriending those labeled as “schismatics and heretics” has unexpectedly illuminated God.

Acknowledging the intricate interplay of church history, sacred tradition, and human pride, I’ve found beauty not only in Christian teachings but also in the musings of pagan philosophers, the verses of heathen poets, and the art once condemned as pagan and evil. This synthesis coalesces within me, motivating a continuous quest for God, embracing the diverse and often paradoxical facets of spirituality converging into a harmonious journey.

In a few words, let me state some wisdom that evokes mysticism, “The soul, by reason of its purity, sees God, as far as it is possible for the creature to see its Creator.”