What Is Christian Mysticism? | Discover Christian Mysticism with Jon Adams
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- Опубликовано: 27 апр 2021
- (No, you're not crazy. If this sounds familiar, that's because this video is a remake of the first video I made for this channel. Our community is growing, and it has been bothering me that our most-watched video, and what could be a viewer's first impression of mystical Christianity, has such poor sound quality. Here's what 2+ years of video-making progress looks like. Many thanks to all of you "day ones" who have come along for the ride.)
What is mysticism? What is Christian mysticism? If you're curious or skeptical about either of those questions, welcome to my channel!
My name is Jon, and I've been studying ancient Christian mysticism academically for several years and applying its principles to my own faith. I think it has great potential to return Christianity to a better practice of Jesus' vision, and to help individual Christians have deeper experiences of the Spirit of our faith. That being said, there's a lot of work to be done to make our mystical traditions more accessible and easier to practice - hence this channel.
I invite you to explore Christian mysticism with me, until Christ is formed in us!
Questions and comments are more than welcome.
If you want to start with more mystical prayer practices right now, instead of waiting for me to get around to them in a video, check out my book, Present to the Presence of God, available from Amazon: amzn.to/32ywxD1
You're also invited to join us every Monday for spiritual readings from the Gospel of Matthew, right here on this channel. Welcome friend, and thanks for watching.
BIG NEWS: My new book Jesus: A Field Manual is out October 3, 2023! You can pre-order the ebook in the Kindle store right now, and the paperback is out on Oct. 3.
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For updates on the book and all my other work, contact me through withjonadams.com to sign up for my new email newsletter.
My mysticism lead me here, and I’m so happy it did. Praise God!
Ditto❤
Thank you for articulating how I feel and what I believe. Christian Mysticism is what Jesus was trying to teach. Being a Christian Mystic is the only way to be a real Christian. And that implies not hating or looking down on anyone whose not a Christian in this way.
Exactly brother
Amen
This is why Orthodox Catholicism, which maintains mysticism like hesychasm and tools for divination - still present in the Middle East and India - is considered more pure. Even Russian and European Orthodoxy is tainted according to the original and True teachings of Jesus the Christ.
I believe this is the true heart of the faith, and if only christian mysticism were more popular than the traditional protestant fundamentalist approach, the faith would grow again.
Amen
One question do you believe that Jesus pbuh was the son of god (human/created being) or god
@@theguyver4934 God and His name is Jesus.
@@bcalvert321 - God is the father and his name is Yahweh and Jesus is only a human/prophet/created being
Yes.
Thank you so much for this video! I have long been on a spiritual search. I moved away from the bible and Jesus just to be brought back in a new way. I am happy to find other people that resonate so deeply with Christian Mysticism. I want magic and Jesus- I shouldn't have to choose. It is a difficult road until more eyes open-to the truth-the way it was and should be. I feel shunned by my spiritual friends and at time , by my Christian friends also. There is many roads that lead home but I feel I am a Christian Mystic!
Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad this was helpful!
I’m just now getting more into Christian mysticism 💜
Awesome!
❤🙏🏼🪞
Confidence in being able to experience God. As a life professed Franciscan brother, our charism leads us to celebration of God's beautiful creation. Our free will enables us to do this with the help of the Spirit...
I like this definition :)
This resonates so deeply with me thank you!
Thank you very much for this instructional video. It has helped me a lot.
Thank you Brother Jon!
Thank you for this video. I’m still learning.
I’ve been on the mystical path for a while, and on the Christian mystic path for the past few years, and I think you explained the subject very clearly. I found this video while looking for resources to help a friend understand Christian mysticism, and I think I’ll share this with him.
The one part I am confused by is the comment about Jesus’ mother having a bit of a reputation. I’m confused about what you meant by that.
Great video! Thank you. I look forward to watching more.
New to your channel, and already love it! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am new to Christian Mysticism, but I have been spiritually searching for something like it for many years. Happy to be on this journey and looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you!
Welcome! :)
Very awesome , this has helped me not only become a better man, but a better human being!
Beautiful.
Thanx Jon. God bless.
Love this.
One question do you believe that Jesus is the son of god (human/created being) or god
That was beautifully said
This is so fascinating, I’m even thinking about the monk career now papi, endless communion with God 🔥
Thankyou
Great video. It is wise to learn the tactics of the external gods aka demons, or jinn, before embarking on the mystical path. My book Deceptive Gods shares my experiences of learning the hard way the difference between the God within, and the gods that want in.
@03:30 and onward today's American Churches would do well to practice helping the poor, hungry, sick of body and heart instead of despising them and blaming them for the troubles that have been unfairly cast on them due to no fault of their own.
I truly respect your work. Thank you for spreading the Kingdom.
Kingdom doesnt need to be spread. Everything you interact with is the kingdom, and the only thing we need to spread is the awareness of that (in my opinion, obviously)
So necessary
I would be interested in having an in-depth conversation about what is or isn’t Christian or biblical about this form of Christian belief and practice.
If you’re serious about it and it’s in good faith, send me an email.
thank you for this. clear. simple. and what i was feeling… bless you you brother ♥️🙏♥️🙏
Hey Jon, and thank you for the enlightening videos! I have a few questions related to views expressed in this video, regarding the Eden-myth:
Are you familiar of a christian current or thinker who thought of the myth especially in the way of: Man becoming ”dualistically” selfconscious as in developing an ego perhaps too large (or perhaps an ego in general), and if one is to return to Eden, to unity and harmony with the All as in God, one must (most likely) resist the ”worldly” life, as well as pass the final Seraphim-guardians at the gate (the final defense of the ego).
Does this sound to you like a familiar maybe ”neoplatonic” christian mystic view, perhaps of a certain thinker, and if so: What are the first known texts speaking in this way? Plus: Is the myth usually explained in such a way in for example medieval catholic mystic texts?
Also: Who would you consider to be the most influental christian mystic thinker in your life (besides Christ of course)?
Thank you for your time, and of course the great videos..! -Antti, Helsinki
Hi John , thanks a lot for your great video. I'd eagerly like to join to Christian Mysticism classes. I deeply believe it. I was healed by Jesus Christ. Could you please guide me. I appreciate your endless favors.
Hello Pravin, nice to meet you. Send me an email to jon@withjonadams.com
Good overview! Where are you located? I am teaching a new class on Christian mysticism in the religious studies department of my university in Miami this fall. I will use this video as an introduction.
It’s an honor :) I’d love to see your syllabus
I love this video so much!!
Thank you so much for sharing and all my love your way!
Thank you, insightful, well put and no BS
It is all bs.
🙏
It seems to me that one constant present in all forms of mysticism is the idea of the superiority of the spiritual and the inferiority of the physical, which manifests itself in a sort of self-hatred. I'm awful and sinful and corrupt, and so I need to distance myself from my physical body and carnal nature and draw closer to God, so He will have mercy on me, cleanse and forgive me, and hopefully ultimately unite me with Him in the spirit. Christianity seems to be a perfect fit for this mindset, so it's no surprise to me that there is a strong mystical branch in Catholicism, Orthodoxy and all forms of Protestantism. These gospels are suffused with defeat and self-hatred from the outset. It's fascinating to me, actually.....
I am neither a priest, monk, nun or theologian. Yet, I have longed for Christlikeness for the past 30 yrs. However, I'm still so far from my deepest desire. Have read Fenelon, Guyon, some of the writings of Eastern Orthodox monks, Jewish mystics, etc. The problem is not in the reading but in the becoming. Dying to self that Christ be seen seems still so far away.
I know it. Thanks for sharing :)
Hello there. I have no brilliant suggestions here but definitely hope! I'm autistic and have never fit into society very well. Boy have I tried too. Also was born into a family with generations of spiritual sin and darkness. I learned of Jesus at 3 and never let go, but its been a rough ride of spiritual attack and learning how to trust the Holy Spirit. My struggle was mostly self hatred and dread. What I've learned in my last 48 years of life is the more I can lose myself in the Truth Jesus has for us the more I become free of the lies and have more room to discuss with Him what the next part of me is that I can die to and what can be replaced. I actually ask Him what to repent of in my talks with Him now a days. I love it!! Sometimes its the icebreaker question, and wouldn't you know it.., immediately He has a great suggestion. Sometimes I have to laugh out loud because, as ya know, He knows me ever so much more than I will ever know myself, and He will come up with some real zingers that surprise. Of course at times they are obvious, but I usually don't need to ask then, it's already squishing my heart and I cant help but bring it up. But it's such a beautiful gift, repentance. So He will spot light the sin and thankfully give me the next steps in being proactive dealing with it. Which is always really insightful, uncomfortable, and super helpful. It's in these conversations that I'm amazed at how patient our God is, but that as a Loving Perfect Parent , He wants us to completely develop into our full being, thankfully He gave us Jesus to lead us back to Him as adopted sons and daughters. It's such an embarrassing slow process, which just shows us His overwhelming love and patience, and continual nurturing correction, walking us back into His Kingdom. We are invited to have relationship with the Creator of all things and He loves us more than we will ever know, until we see Him face to Face. I'm so glad that He is a Cleansing Fire that will not suffer anything that is not of Him. And He does all that the scriptures boast about to bring us humans all back to Him. I pray your journey with Him becomes full of His consuming fire and that you become as free as Christ speaks we can be as you continually draw closer to Him. I hope this makes sense. I'm not a smart person, which is probably beneficial sometimes in my relationship with our Creator. I have noticed that those that are gifted with intellectual strength have a harder time with the more "invisible" type realm and the ways of. Theres lack of logic, alot of the time, that's for sure. Anyway, I'll stop rambling, but I will hold you in prayer, because what you said is so important. And it's way more fun when there are alot of us that are becoming freed up from the bondage of flesh, ego etc. not that we will ever get completely clear of self down here on earth, but every battle won counts so much.
One thing I say alot that seems to irritate folks, but I keep finding myself saying it is that people don't need us, they need Jesus. So the more we can empty out and allow Him to love and serve others through us, the better for everyone.
blessings, joy and freedom in our Loving Creator.
Apologies if this all sounds silly. I usually type stuff up and then just don't send, but Imma gonna this time. And I don't mind challenge or correction. I just go back to Father and ask him about it. So its always beneficial. ♥️
He loves you so much and has such a wonderful plan and way to conform you into His Sons image. Keep falling in trust and love with Him and let it happen. He will guide you every step of the way. ❤
What does it really mean to be a Christian mystic?!?
Only oneself knows it if the person has mystical experience
What prerequisite is needed to be one?
What responsibilities would one have if one possessed or does one just go on as life goes on?
Knowing is powerful but our capacity to fully comprehend is limited
Treasuring such experience is blissful but day to day life is tough. Vigilance
This video is amazing thank so zo much
Thank you!
How do I stay loyal and obedient to god abba no matters what.How do I grow closer to god.How can I use meditation for intimacy with god.How can I make god yeh object of my love.Is Christian mysticism a sin or is is compatible with the bible.What the the beliefs of Christian mysticis and what are their practices.
Christianity mystics❤ Sufism mystics❤ Gnosticism mystics❤ god experience ❤
The only Christian mysticism that is truly Christian is living outside yourself for others...including the departed who need our prayers. The the world and Heaven become your brothers and sisters and you know you're in their company.
A lot of Christian mystics are not married. Can you be a Christian mystic at the same time married?
I believe so. Christian mystics throughout history have recognized the importance of “vocation” or calling. Some people are called to a single, celibate life. Others are called to family life. The goal is not to live a spiritual life according to a certain pattern, but to live the spiritual life that God has specifically called you to live. In my case that includes a wife and children, with all of the joys and struggles that go with family life, but God certainly speaks in and through my relationships with them and I know I took the right path for me. Great question :)
Basically there is esoteric christanity and exoteric christanity.
Wonderful and moving explanation!
I feel like God is all powerful and could just fix the whole world.....but instead, God wants to be expressed through us, because we are his creation. God wants to reconcile the world through us. Just a thought.
That's how they and the most high made me a PRIESTESS 🥰
I am scared to practice Christian mysticism,contemplative prayer,meditation and lecito divina.I love them but many are slamming those practices as ungodly,demonic,unbiblical and dangerous and etc…I want to overflows my love for god and bring my relationship with god into a next level.
Mysticism is actually seeing the mist of God's pnuema-the breath of God.Its a mix of demons animals and human.It is the true embodiment of the Holy Spirit.Its not something you can seek.It has to come to you through God's hands.
That is a lie. God hates mystics of all religions. Especially those that call themselves Christian. Why because He said mystics were evil, all of them. 1-God had clearly commanded His people never to consult witches or mediums (Leviticus 19:31 20:27).
2-When psychics claim to be contacting spirits of the dead, they are really in touch with Satan’s fallen angels (Isaiah 8:19, 20). 3-God commanded that witches, wizards and those with familiar spirits to be executed (Leviticus 20:27). 4-The Bible says, after death a person: returns to dust (Psalms 104:29), knows nothing (Ecclesiastes 9:5), possesses no mental powers (Psalms 146:4), has nothing to do with anything on earth (Ecclesiastes 9:6), does not live (2 Kings 20:1), waits in the grave (Job 17:13), and continues not (Job 14:1, 2) until the Resurrection Day.
Are you Catholic? Have you read Saint Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross?
Not Catholic but a big fan of both
My pastor fits the “indigo adult” profile and the church is amazingly authentic.
I stumbled on this channel. I wish you well as you search for Truth- of which there is only one actual Truth otherwise, whats the point? I would agree with some of your reasonings, but honestly, what I think does not matter if its not anchored in the Truth of the Bible. Who is Jesus Christ? And what was his purpose? Who is man & what is his purpose- foundational questions. Acts 17:30-31 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead. Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”
So...am I understanding you correctly ...when a Christian communes with God ...the creature becomes the same substance and has the same nature as the Creator? Is that correct?
Really good question! The mystical tradition as I understand it teaches that we become one nature with God through conscious participation (see 2 Peter 1:3) but we do not become the "substance" of God - only God is God. But the good news is that the reverse is true - in Christ, God became one substance with human beings to fully share his nature with us and make us truly God-like, as we were intended to be. I hope that helps, I'll have to do a whole video on the exchange formula. Again, really good question :)
@@withjonadams Lies and more lies. 2nd Peter does not say anything like that. 2 Peter 1:3 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. It says we can have a Godly life if we try to be like Him, but we can never be like Him because we sin. We will always fall short. You are teaching NEW AGE mysticism which is evil.
@@bcalvert321 Hello brother. Certainly not trying to argue. I appreciate your understanding but 2 Peter 1:4 does say that we are to be partakers of the divine nature according to His promises.
@@corbinwantland7669 We can never be like Him. He can show us His ways when He reveals them to us. But we can never take in His nature. We are not God. He is above us. We can heal, do miracles, speak in angelic languages, and Prophesize what the Holy Spirit gives us but we are not God. 2nd Peter 1:4 id taking on things He gives us. For each person that will be different. Again, we can do the works of God but we can not be Him or be like Him. We are not gods.
@@corbinwantland7669 I know you are not.
This is really interesting. I just recently learned about non-duality and I think it makes a ton of sense that God would put itself into a human to them teach others to become more like him. I believe we're all God experiencing a human experience and we're all connected directly through that.
*Himself*
God is not an "it", friend.
Humans will same the world? Do you believe Christ is coming back?
Yes I do, and I can’t wait for the Son of Man to return and save us all
lower middle class? Jesus was born a peasant. There was no middle class. As a laborer, Jesus' family would have been one step above a beggar in the social class hierarchy.
I'd encourage you to read The Social Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels. By our standards everyone, including the Roman Emperor, was poor. But for the time Jesus' family had a couple things going for them, at least while Joseph was alive - they owned a home, and they could afford to travel to Jerusalem for the high feasts. At the very least they had some gold from the Magi, which would have been unusual among their neighbors. Not rich, but not beggar or shepherd class
Hhhmmm... Pretty good introductory talk on Christian mysticism, but in my opinion, it was a bit too conventional and heavily laden with theology and doctrine. Mysticism, even Christian mysticism, as I understand it, is when you go beyond the outer theology and concepts and dive right into the direct experience of God, Christ and Spirit. You focused mainly on what is known as Christo-centric mysticism, but there can also be Christian mystics who are more theocentric, or God-centered, and not Christo-centric, in their approach - and one isn't necessarily better than the other - they're just different, for those of different spiriitual natures and temperaments. Frankly, I don't think that everyone can be a Christian mystic; first and foremost, it requires an ability to experience God, Christ and Spirit directly, and experience that can be subtle as well as stark and vivid, and not all people are spiritually evolved to the point where they have this aptitude. As Jesus Christ said to Nicodemus, one must be born again to enter into the Kingdom of God.
Is theosis mysticism?
Theosis is the idea that people progressively become participants of the divine nature through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Theosis dominated Christian concepts of salvation for the first 7+ centuries of Christianity, but lost out to a more transactional justification theory in the West after the Great Schism. It's still the main idea in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and yes, it's a foundational idea in all Christian mysticism.
One question tho,
Is Christian mysticism tolerant towards other religions?
Do Christian mystics believe that other religions can guide you to God?
Good question Rishi… there’s no “Christian Mystical Council” that decides things or makes policy for everyone. I certainly don’t speak for all Christians with an interest in mysticism. We all see value in other religions to varying degrees - some see no value, others see equal value. For me, every time I study another religion I learn something great that helps with my spirituality, but I always come back to Jesus. My “mysticism” is really just a personal encounter with him.
@@withjonadams Ah I see
Thanks for your comment and your video.❤️❤️
No, a true follower of Christ will not tolerate false religions. If self professed Christians say they tolerate other religions as a way to God they would not be Followers of Christ. Christ said, I Am The way The Truth, The Life and NO ONE gets to the Father but by ME.
@@Person-dq3dk but what if Jesus meant those words to be taken in a symbolic sense rather than in a literal sense.
After all he did speak in parables to the majority of his followers.
Take for example the verse “Be still and know that I am God” can be interpreted as meditation as the way to be still and be aware of God’s presence. Meditation is also an important part of other eastern religions as well.
@@Concerned_one okay let me hear it, what other way can you interpret this verse?
John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
I believe that God doesnt read your thoughts, or spy on your actions. Its not like that.
God is the One who KNOWS your thoughts. The observer behind the ego, or thinker, who is there at all times with you, as well as that jesus was an awakened being, on a time and place where no one else was. similar to the budah.
Does this mean im not a christian?
If you believe Jesus and Buddha are no different then yes. Jesus alone saves our souls. His death bought our Salvation because His blood covered our sins. Only a sin-free man, Son of God could do this. He rose from His tomb. Buddha did none of those things because He was not God incarnate.
With all due respect to the creator of this video, for anyone interested in Christian mysticism, I would recommend the following series for a much more in depth look into this topic:
ruclips.net/video/zxabt0mU0jQ/видео.html
Mysticism has nothing to do with your view of it. Mysticism isn't about the apparent side of the text. It's rather a much more complex body of information and symbolism beyond the literal meanings.
I don't claim that I know any of that; however, what you said is only mainstream christianity itself as believed.
A mystic would rather say that Jesus was talking about other dimensions within the human being. And most if not all the biblical literal rubbish is just nonsense which most people believe and has no real effect in reality.
How do you know it does not have a real effect in reality ??
Heresy
The story of Osiris is the story Europeans stole from OUR ancestors, any bible scholar can tell u this, even the pope prays to the black Madonna in Poland an other locations as there is more than 1....The Sunbook or bible as its called today is rooted in African history, the virgin, being born on Dec 25th, the 3 wise men which is based in astrology, the virgin Mary which was based on the wife of Osiris I believe, correct me if im wrong, when she was enpregnated by the spirit of her dead husband, the resurrection is also based on this story.....The European stole all our history an hid the true source of its myths so they could convert not just their own people but even Africans as it was so closely tied to their history......WHICH is more than 6,000 years ago well before the bible, & African history is so ancient we keep finding older an older proof of this across the world as Africans have been found all over the world contrary to what the Europeans have u believe, Africans have long ago circulated the whole globe, where do u think American Indians came from, or the tribes in South America to Australia? Lol I love all of humanity as I am half white myself but in the age of information it is much easier to learn the histories of our ancestors that have been stolen an covered up.. .... The Greeks with their philosophies came from African teachings....everything I have said is well documented an even admitted by bible scholars an many popes.....their is no sense in still trying to hide true history. the church must redeem itself an bury their lies.......Love to all an please research for utself dont take my word for it.....
Absolutey not lol😂
Uhhh uk Osiris is just another name for lucifer/satan right? So if u wanna praise him go ahead and the black madonna is the devils wife her skin is black to represent destruction/darkness colors are symbolic , so again u wanna praise her too go ahead lol
See this is where the confusion comes in and I don't blame folks for falling for it since the creation of men, lucifer has been on earth deceiving humanity in to praising lucifer, astrology or astronomy comes from the teachings that humanity worshiped the stars this includes the sun of course but these weren't gods teachings because God say worship the lord not the sun because God created the sun , God created the heavens before he created humanity or anything that crawls the earth , therefore God had already casted out lucifer and his angels off heaven and they were casted down to earth , that's why he was already there when God made adam and eve , if we study carefully religion and its origins its clear to see that all religions trace back to astrology but again these where the teachings of lucifer and his angels
Search up the "Neolithic" people they are also called "the new stone age" or the "Paleolithic" people, astrology has been around since the beginning of time since humanity was made , and if we talking evolution there's so many bone fossils found of different skin color people that are just as old or older then homoerectus but then again if u believe in God then you know the whole theory of evolution is a lie
Fiction.
We're created in God's image because we're conscious creatures? That's a nonsensical statement. It doesn't follow that a creature must be created in God's image to attain consciousness. It would also preclude the possibility of there being life on other planets anywhere in the universe. Absolute rubbish.
Historically, human consciousness has been one of the attributes of humanity that Christians have said reflect the image of God. That doesn’t preclude other forms of consciousness, and it’s not the only human attribute that is God-like.
In Jeremiah 1:5, God tells Jeremiah that He knew him before he was formed in his mother's womb. Ever really think about how God knew you before you were formed? We had to be part of God or a spiritual/ Devine being such as angel near God! He(God) knew your spirit before you existed as a body.
The bible is based on African history specifically ancient Kmet'
Who all happen to be mystics.