Good Essay About Theology

The development and existence mystical practices and theory in Christianity is called as Christian mysticism. It can be described as that part of Christian belief that concerns itself with the preparation for the presence of God, the consciousness of the existence of God and the transformative effect of God. There are different ways in which Christian mysticism is studies and practices. It can range from a prayer filled contemplation of the scripture to the belief in visions and the soul’s mystical union with the Holy Spirit.
A special kind of discourse used by the mystics is called the mystical discourse and it has some specific characteristics of its own. The language used in a mystical discourse is different in that that the semantics used is not the same as the normal usage in languages, a mystical discourse also has its own peculiar paradoxes and logic. Another characteristic of a mystical discourse is that it often begins with an aporia; an unfathomable and unsolvable dilemma. A mystical discourse also states that the transcendence is beyond concepts, yet mysticism tries to explain transcendence using concepts and this is the paradox in the discourse. Mystical discourse is also called the negative theology because of the characteristics of ‘unsaying’ to ‘say’. This saying and then unsaying and the implication that the absolute does not have any attributes creates a state of suspension of meaning that helps to understand the whole experience or an understanding of an inclusive meaning. Mystic discourses also change according to the religion; A Christian mystical discourse is different from a Jewish mystical discourse. Mystic discourses also emphasize the belief in unity and brooks no opposition to this belief. There is also the denial of the reality of time in the mystical discourse that is common to all religions and is an outcome of the abjuration of division. Finally a mystical discourse is based on the existence of the possibility of knowledge from revelations and intuitions as against reason and analysis.
Some of the mystical elements found in Judaism, the New Testament, the early church and the Syriac church of the east share some common elements and some elements that are unique. In early Judaism, the key themes of mysticism included Da’at (knowledge) and Chokhmah (wisdom) that came as a result of years of reading and meditating on the scriptures, Shekhinah, the presence and superiority of God in contrast to material things and the pain felt at the absence of God, God’s hiddenness. Viewing of God’s law as central to God’s will and poverty as an aesthetic value to prepare oneself for God’s arrival. Shekinah which became mystery in Christianity is a key mystical theme in both early Christianity and Judaism.
The Eucharist, Baptism and Lord’s Prayer are some key mystical elements found in the New Testament and are considered important for their ritualistic and symbolic values to Christians. Belief in the resurrection of Christ, the Transfiguration and repentance are also some of the key mystical elements found in the New Testament. The call or unity and the notion of two ways-purity of the heart and martyrdom for the faith are two key mystical aspects of the early church. This was also found in early Judaism. The Syriac church of the east also shares some of the mystical elements of early Judaism and Christianity such as the reading and meditation of the scriptures or the union with the Holy Spirit, the following o the aesthetic life and living with God through the cross. The Eastern Church saw the development of monasticism which was not much about martyrdom but more about giving up the worldly passions to be one with God.