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.
What are the attributes one should have to call him a mystic? Is it just enough to pray quite often to be called a mystic? Are all priests, monks, and nuns mystics?
Is the word "mystic" used only in reference to Christianity, i mean, can i call someone who practices, for example, Shinto religion a mystic, or not? How to recognize a mystic?
thank you
Answer Hi Luke,
You ask a very good question. In a general sense, anyone who experiences union with Ultimate Reality could be considered a mystic. In this sense almost all religions have those who would be considered mystics. In a sense you could say that mystics are advanced spiritual peoplw within their religious world view.
This is why I qualify the word "mystic" with the word "Christian." Although I know several religions fairly well, I cannot be considered an expert - for I am a Christian and can only look at other world views from the outside. Therefore I limit myself to "Christian mysticism."
Within a Christian context I would limit the word mystic to those who have an ongoing experience of God's presence. Because God is holy, those who claim union and communion with God must also be holy. I think a true mystic will have a level of sanctity and gentleness.
So how do you recognize a Christian mystic? A true Christian mystic with be like Christ. His actions and words will glorify God and he will be humble.
There are also different levels of mystics. There are those who have experienced God's presence, but still are immature in a number of ways. These beginning mystics are still mystics, but they need to be careful of being proud of their experiences with God.
But not all Christians are mystics. One can truly love God and yet never experience the Presence of God. So not all priests, monks, and nuns are mystics. I would guess, though, that they are more likely to become mystics then the average person. They are, after all, pursuing God full time. But there are no gurantees. God alone decides who shall experience union and communion with Him. All we can do is prepare ourselves, being open to His sanctifying work.
A mystic prays, but prayer does not make one a mystic. There are different levels of prayer. Their is verbal prayer, mental prayer, spirit prayer, and contemplative prayer. It is in contempltion that we move into the realm of the mystics. It is when we move past words and are present with God. It is this deep worship where you feel the manifest presence of God, that you enter into contemplation.
I hope that this helps answer your questions. I have written an article on the subject that can be found on my web site (www.JayForrest.net).
