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Christian Mysticism/ecstacy
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Question
Hi Jay,
Could you tell me about ecstacy? What is it, what is it like, is it a spontaneous thing that happens to people, is there a particular way or ways of bringing about the experience, etc.
HI Greg,
Ecstasy is any feeling of intense joy or delight. In Christianity it refers to rapture associated with mystic or prophetic exaltation. It is an overwhelming feeling associated with the experience of God's presence.
Evelyn Underhill, an expert on mysticism, has written extensively on the subject. Below is a link to the chapter on ectasy and rapture.
http://www.ccel.org/u/underhill/mysticism/mysticism1.0-ECSTASY.html
Thank you for your question.
Jay N. Forrest
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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.
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