Terminology Tuesday: Mysticism

Mysticism: The view that it is possible to gain experiential knowledge of that which transcends the limits of human reason and sensory perception. When associated with a religious tradition (as is usually the case), the mystic holds that it is possible to gain an awareness of God or ultimate reality through certain kinds of experiences, which are often claimed to be ineffable. Theists interpret such experiences as making possible a special intimacy or oneness with God but deny the monistic claim that in such experiences the mystic becomes aware of an identity with God.1

1. C.Stephen Evans, Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), p. 78.

Assessing Mysticism by Doug Groothuis MP3 Audio

In this lecture, philosopher Doug Groothuis explores the area of mystical experiences and critiques non-dualism, Buddhism, and other non-Christian mysticism. He also examines the biblical view of religious experience in general, making the case that biblical mysticism is rooted in history, is personal, rational, moral, transcendent, transformative, and redemptive. He also includes a few helpful insights on the practice of yoga. This lecture is part of this series of talks.

Full MP3 Audio here.

Enjoy.

See also Unmasking the New Age by Douglas Groothuis.

7 Lectures from Isms Interactive

Cherry Hills Community Church recently did a lecture series on a number of different topics or "isms" - atheism, scientism, pluralism, relativism, secularism, skepticism, and mysticism. The series features some popular apologetics speakers on each topic. See below for details and to download the MP3 for each topic. You may also subscribe to the Isms Interactive series as a podcast in iTunes here.

• Atheism with Randall Niles - MP3
• Scientism with Lee Strobel - MP3
• Pluralism with Ryan Dobson - MP3
• Relativism with Blake LaMunyon - MP3
• Secularism with Mark Mittelberg - MP3
• Skepticism with Blake LaMunyon - MP3
• Mysticism with Dr Doug Groothuis - MP3

Enjoy.