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Mysticism is the idea that special mental states allow the communion with, or direct experience of,  God. Mystics can use texts which are, or are not, canonical, like the [[Book_of_Revelation|Book of Revelation]]. Practices leading to this state are prayer, fasting and self-denial.  

'''Mysticism''' is the idea that special mental states allow the communion with, or direct experience of,  God. Mystics can use texts which are, or are not, canonical, like the [[Book of Revelation]]. Practices said to lead to this state are prayer, fasting and self-denial.  

The mystical tradition is 2000 years old. Important texts are:

The mystical tradition is 2000 years old. Important texts are:

Galatians 2:20

Galatians 2:20

: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) how that he was caught up into [[paradise]], and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) how that he was caught up into [[paradise]], and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Some mystics are [[John the Baptist]], Saint [[Peter]], [[Francis of Assisi]], [[T. S. Eliot]], and [[Vernon Howard]].

People claimed as mystics include [[John the Baptist]], Saint [[Peter]], [[Francis of Assisi]], [[T. S. Eliot]], and [[Vernon Howard]].

== References ==

== References ==

 

* [http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/Mysticism.htm Mysticism in the Encyclopedia of Religion and Society]

[http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/Mysticism.htm Mysticism in the Encyclopedia of Religion and Society]

* [http://www.ccg.org/english/s/b7_4.html Mysticism, Christian Churches of God ]

 

[http://www.ccg.org/english/s/b7_4.html Mysticism, Christian Churches of God ]