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 QUESTION: Hi Doctor, I am wondering what you consider some of the similarities and some of the differences between the Catholic and Protestant Mystics?
Thanks for your input.
Ron
ANSWER: Hi Ron,
They are both similar in focusing on union and communion with God in an experiential way. They both believe that redemption comes through Christ. The real division is whether or not this experience gives a revelation knowledge. Protestants hold to the Bible a lone being a revelation from God. Roman Catholics, on the other hand, still believe that revelation can come through an experience with God. Though such revelation is subject to the Church's approval.
Charles Hodge is a Protestant against all mysticism, while A. W. Tozer is for it. Some Protestants object to "an unmediated experience with God" on the grounds that all knowledge of God most be mediated through the Bible and through Christ. Others would disagree with such limitations, siting dreams and visions as outside Scripture. If God still speaks directly to the soul, then the soul can experience the presence of God directly. Most Charismatics would agree, since they believe in the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12).
I hope that helps,
Jay Forrest
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QUESTION: What are the differences you find in the writings of the medival mystics as compared to the reformational/ post reformation mystics if any? Was there a different tenor or focus in their works?
I appreciate your taking the time to walk me through some of this!
Ron
Answer Hi Ron,
The main difference is one of focus. The Reformation brought the Bible into the central position of authority. Authority transferred from personal experience to the rational conceptions within Scripture. The result was a shift from mysticism to rationalism. The reformation, while emphasizing one truth ended up neglecting another. The main exception was the Quakers and the Puritans. It took the Pentecostal/Charismatic revival to return the experience of God to the modern Church. Unfortunately our danger now is to forget the mind in the pursuit of personal experience. We always tend toward extremes.
