Christian mysticism
Christianity.com defines Christian mysticism as: "Christian mysticism, rooted in the word mystery, is an expression of Christianity focused on being in and feeling the presence of God and forming an intimate relationship with Him - with the goal of spiritual transformation."[1]
In Christianity, the Greek Hesychasts are important as well as the writings of Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Bridget of Sweden and many others. The mystic tradition in Christianity began in the Eastern Church in Greece and has always pervaded Eastern Orthodoxy. The Middle Ages saw a rise in mystic thought throughout Western Europe. In broad terms, the Christians of Eastern Europe have been more comfortable with mystical thought than their Western European counterparts.
Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, Fray Francisco de Oscuna, St. Theresa, Father Nicolas, and other early Christian ascetics/mystics practiced “contemplation”/“recollection” (contemplation of the revelations of God through Scipture, etc.) in order to shut off the mind from external thoughts and to achieve a passive attitude and mental solitude.[2]
