About Dr. Jay Forrest Expertise I can answer any question dealing with mysticism, such as questions concerning the awakening call, the purgative way, the illuminative way, the unitive way, spiritual experiences, spiritual direction, spiritual disciplines, prayer, ecstasy, the rule of life, internal monasticism, asceticism, mystical theology, devotional helps, chanting, meditation, contemplation, hesychasm, kabbalah, sufi, tao, zen, theosophy, and more.
Experience
Dr. Jay Forrest is an ardent student of mysticism in all the major religions of the world (Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam). Jay was a Pentecostal/Charismatic minister for over 20 years, pastoring churches in Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, Arizona, and New Mexico. He is the author over over 150 articles and poems and several books. He holds a doctorate in ministry from Trinity Institute.
Question Hi Pastor Jay,
How Christian mysticism relates to Charismatic and Pentecostal experiences? Do you consider Charismatics and Pentecostals mystics? They are also passionately seeking to experience the presence of God. My understanding is that they are mystics. But not all mystics are Charismatics and Pentecostals because not all mystics speak in tongues, for instance. Is my understanding correct? Please let me know. Thanks.
Answer Hi Tak,
Christian mysticism deals with the experience of God. The Pentecostal/Charismatic movement has an great emphasis on experiencing God. But we must also make a distinction between emotionalism and mysticism; between having an emotion and actually experiencing the presence of God. This is why I would say that some Charismatics and Pentecostals are mystics; but not all.
And you are right about the speaking in tongues. It is a valid gift of the Spirit. But not all speak in tongues ((1 Cor. 12:28f).
I would go even further and say that the Charismatic and Pentecostal movement has taken the church closer to the mystic path. But, as Donald Gee has said, there seems to be a lot of disappointing baptisms in the Spirit. He feels that a real encounter with the Holy Spirit will leave you changed forever - and I agree.
