Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 4 (Mysticism) by reading up to (but not including) Point 4. 'Mysticism at, and after the Reformation'.
My summary
Today Hodge starts to teach us about mysticism.
Firstly he defines mysticism by concluding that 'Mystics are those who claim to be under the immediate guidance of God or of his Spirit.'
Then Hodge shows that some label evangelical Christians as Mystics: 'As all Evangelical Christians admit a supernatural influence of the Spirit of God upon the soul, and recognize a higher form of knowledge, holiness, and fellowship with God, as the effects of that influence, they are stigmatized as Mystics, by those who discard everything supernatural from Christianity.'
Yet Hodge teaches that, unlike evangelical Christians, 'The fundamental process, therefore, of all Mysticism, is to reverse the true order of nature, and give the precedence to the emotional instead of the intellectual element of the human mind.'
Therefore Hodge explains that mysticism differs from:
(i) the doctrine of spiritual illumination;
(ii) the doctrine of the leading of the Spirit;
(iii) the doctrine of common grace.
Then Hodge reviews mysticism in:
(i) early church;
(ii) middle ages.
What grabbed me
Hodge was most helpful in distinguishing mystics from evangelical Christians in relation to the Spirit's illumination: 'The two things, namely, spiritual illumination and Mysticism, differ, firstly, as to their object. The object of the inward teaching of the Spirit is to enable us to discern the truth and excellence of what is already objectively revealed in the Bible. The illumination claimed by the Mystic communicates truth independently of its objective revelation. It is not intended to enable us to appreciate what we already know, but to communicate new knowledge. It would be one thing to enable a man to discern and appreciate the beauty of a work of art placed before his eyes, and quite another thing to give him the intuition of all possible forms of truth and beauty, independent of everything external. So there is a great difference between that influence which enables the soul to discern the things " freely given to us of God " (1 Cor. ii. 12) in his Word, and the immediate revelation to the mind of all the con- tents of that word, or of their equivalents. '
Reformed Christians do look to the Spirit for help in understanding God, but the Spirit helps us understand the Scriptures. Not give us fresh revelation.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 4 (Mysticism) by reading up to (but not including) Point 6. 'The Quakers or Friends'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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