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Line 23: − − ==Protestantism as a form of Gnostic Christianity== − − [[Relativism|Relativist]] interpreters emphasize that "the true value of the Gospel" lies primarily in its profound psychological and emotional impact, in '''''the telling of the story''''', without the necessity of it being factually and historically true, as a powerful means of causing spiritual transformation through personal identification with "the struggle and triumph of the mythical Jesus invented by Paul and the Gospel writers and the developed tradition of Christianity". The [[Historical-grammatical method (Literal hermeneutic)]] of [[orthodox]] [[catholic]] biblical [[hermeneutics]] directly contradicts this approach. − − The "myth" assertion that the story of Jesus is an [[Archetype|archetypical]] [[icon]]ic pattern for personal insight and development—''being profoundly "awakened" and transformed by being dynamically engaged and absorbed in the telling of the story''—is a prime element of [[Gnosticism|gnostic initiation]] and [[Cosmic Humanism]], which is in direct opposition to the grounded reality of the [[Christian mysteries]].<ref>Compare [[Subjectivism]], [[Mysticism]], [[Gnosticism]], [[Humanism]], [[Christian socialism]].</ref> See − *[https://odyssey.antiochsb.edu/literary/joseph-campbell-the-heros-journey/ '''Joseph Campbell & The Hero's Journey''' - Odyssey Online. Antioch University, Santa Barbara (odyssey.antiochsb.edu)] − *[http://www.tlu.ee/~rajaleid/montaazh/Hero's%20Journey%20Arch.pdf '''Excerpts from ''Myth and the Movies'', Stuart Voytilla''', by Christopher Vogler (tlu.ee)] pdf (9 pages) − *[https://asyourpoetshavesaid.com/does-jesus-follow-joseph-campbell-heros-journey/ '''Does Jesus follow Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey?''' (asyourpoetshavesaid.com)] − *[https://strangenotions.com/gospels-myth/ '''Are the Gospels a Myth?''', by Fr. Dwight Longenecker - Strange Notions: The Digital Areopagus—Reason. Faith. Dialogue (strangenotions.com)] ''They only seem to be, but they are not a myth.''—see '''[[Fallacy of analogy]]'''. − *[https://www.firstthings.com/article/1996/04/are-the-gospels-mythical '''Are The Gospels Mythical?''' by Rene Girard (firstthings.com)] ''Some people insist that they are, in spite of evidence to the contrary.'' − − Author Philip J. Lee, '''''Against the Protestant Gnostics''''' <ref>[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/845498.Against_the_Protestant_Gnostics Against the Protestant Gnostics, Philip J. Lee, Oxford University Press, 1993 (goodreads.com)] <br> See [https://preachingpeace.org/against-the-protestant-gnostics/ ''Against the Protestant Gnostics'': Book Review, by Caleb Miller - Preaching Peace (preachingpeace.org)]</ref> shows that Gnostic tendencies are being taught alongside Christian orthodoxy, and that the Reformation at its heart fostered the inherent Gnostic tendencies toward a disdain for authority and the physical nature of things, and the Gnostic disdain of the [[sacrament]]s and disdain of the doctrine of the [[Last Judgment|physical resurrection of the body]], and a ''[[sola scriptura]]'' reading of scripture ''[[sola spiritu]]'' with the hope of a bodiless spiritual-only salvation forever in heaven after death, through a direct "personal relation with Christ" (as a cosmic spiritual entity) and "knowing Jesus" by the "chosen elect".<ref>The same elements are found in the earlier [[Bogomil: Bogomilism|Bogomils]] and the [[Cathar]]s or [[Albigenses]].</ref> He demonstrates how these teachings of Gnosticism have wormed their way into Christian teachings, particularly in North American Protestantism. Pastor and author Peter Dietsch, in summarizing Lee's book, says, "''In both the Old and New Testaments, the knowledge of God is not self-discoverable. God has revealed Himself in and through a community (His people, the Church), therefore He may be known only through that community.''" <ref>[https://www.theaquilareport.com/gnosticism-vs-christianity/ '''Gnosticism vs. Christianity:''' Six contrasts between the teachings of Gnosticism and the Christian faith, Written by Peter M. Dietsch - The Aquila Report (theaquilareport.com)] − :—Peter M. Dietsch is pastor of Providence PCA (''[[Presbyterian Church in America]]'') in Midland, Texas. He summarizes '''''Against the Protestant Gnostics''''', by Philip J. Lee.</ref> − {{reflist}} − − == External links ==
Reverted edits by Dataclarifier (talk) to last revision by DavidB4-bot
'''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.
'''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 in [[Christianity]] is 2000 years old. Important texts are:
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 2:20
People claimed as mystics include [[John the Baptist]], Saint [[Peter]], [[St. Francis of Assisi]], [[Meister Eckhart]] (Eckhart von Hochheim), [[T. S. Eliot]], and [[Vernon Howard]].
People claimed as mystics include [[John the Baptist]], Saint [[Peter]], [[St. Francis of Assisi]], [[Meister Eckhart]] (Eckhart von Hochheim), [[T. S. Eliot]], and [[Vernon Howard]].
== Varieties of mysticism ==
== Varieties of mysticism ==
Mystic traditions are influential in most religions. 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. See [[Christian mysteries]].
Mystic traditions are influential in most religions. 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.
The mystic tradition in [[Islam]] is known as [[Sufism]]. Muslim Sufis have enjoyed a longstanding influence on mainstream Islam, although that influence has been in decline for a few centuries. There have been many varieties of Sufism (from those who have strictly adhered to Islamic law to those who have reveled in drunkenness and pleasure) all across the Muslim world, but [[India]] has been the most common home to Sufis.
The mystic tradition in [[Islam]] is known as [[Sufism]]. Muslim Sufis have enjoyed a longstanding influence on mainstream Islam, although that influence has been in decline for a few centuries. There have been many varieties of Sufism (from those who have strictly adhered to Islamic law to those who have reveled in drunkenness and pleasure) all across the Muslim world, but [[India]] has been the most common home to Sufis.
Mysticism tends to have a focus on the broad human identity and the nature of God. Mystics tend to emphasize the personal religious experience rather than doctrine, which has caused distrust between orthodox and mystic traditions in almost every religion.
Mysticism tends to have a focus on the broad human identity and the nature of God. Mystics tend to emphasize the personal religious experience rather than doctrine, which has caused distrust between orthodox and mystic traditions in almost every religion.
== 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 ]