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 As A Christian Mystic, how does one view, read and interpret scriptures (The Bible)? What is the best version of the scriptures for a CM, as well as views on the deuterocanonical scriptures?
Answer Hi Chris,
There is what is called the devotional method of reading the Bible. This is when one reads the Bible as a personal letter to the person, turning each verse into a prayer.
The best version of the Bible is the one that speaks to you. I personally like the New Revised Standard Version, it is gender inclusive and is the most interdenominational. Since my minister is to Catholics and Protestants alike, I use a translation that they both use. However, use the one that best speaks to you. Personally I believe the New Living Translation is one of the most devotional translations. It would be one of my first recommendations for spiritual reading.
As far as the deuterocanonical books are concerned I think the Anglican's said it best, "the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine."
