Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 4 (Mysticism).
My summary
Firstly this week Hodge concludes his historical review of the mystics by discussing the Quakers (or Friends). We learn about:
(i) their origin and early history;
(ii) their three doctrinal classes (particularly concerning the 'inner light').
Then Hodge gives objections to the mystical theory as a whole. Mysticism:
(i) has no foundation in the Scriptures;
(ii) contradicts the Scriptures;
(iii) is contrary to the facts of experience;
(iv) has no criterion by which a man can test these inward impulses or revelation, and determine which are from the Spirit of God, and which are from his own heart or from Satan, who often appears and acts as an angel of light;
(v) has always been productive of evil.
What grabbed me
I liked how Hodge clarified precisely where Mysticism takes a wrong turn: 'The idea on which Mysticism is founded is Scriptural and true. It is true that God has access to the human soul. It is true that He can, consistently with his own nature and with the laws of our being, supernaturally and immediately reveal truth objectively to the mind, and attend that revelation with evidence which produces an infallible assurance of its truth and of its divine origin. It is also true that such revelations have often been made to the children of men. But these cases of immediate supernatural revelation belong to the category of miracles. They are rare and are to be duly authenticated. '
Just because God does something once, doesn't mean he does it all the time.
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 5 (Roman Catholic doctrine concerning the rule of faith) by reading up to the heading '5. Examination of the Romish Doctrine'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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