History of Mysticism

The history of mysticism dates back to the 1700s, and records depicting mysticism are present in the Bible, as exemplified by the walk that Adam and Eve took with God in the Garden of Eden. Mysticism in early Christianity denoted hidden allegorical connotations of the Scripture and hidden presence, as evidenced by the presence of Christ at the Eucharist.

The term ‘mysticism’ was coined by a Christian writer named Dionysius during in the 6th century. However, although it was Dionysius who first used this term, it was Jesus Christ Himself who founded mysticism as it is known by Christians today when He referred to Himself as one with God the Father. Other references to being one with God is found in the letters of St. Paul. In one letter, he expressed the divinized state of losing himself when he said “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me! "(Gal. 2.20). Mystics in the Christian world are thought to have existed since the time of the New Testament.

Mysticism in the West experienced a surge in popularity in the 19th century. This was partly due to the renewed interest in the occult and Eastern mysticism. Theosophy became a popular movement during this time and was supported by such personalities as Madame Blavatsky. It was later absorbed in the emergence of the New Age movement which was characterized by the rise of self-help philosophies and teachings. Books which focused on communicating with God or Jesus Christ became immensely popular at the end of the twentieth century.

More on Mysticism: