The term mystic has been used in various ways throughout history, often obscuring more than it clarifies. In modern usage, it is frequently applied to anything that appears spiritually profound, emotionally intense, or symbolically rich. However, this broad definition dilutes its meaning and leads to confusion.
If being a mystic simply means experiencing the divine, then all prayer is mystical, making the term redundant. If it refers to encountering hidden truths, then all theology is mystical, rendering the word meaningless. A clearer understanding of the term requires a more careful examination of its historical and theological significance.
The Roots of the Term
The word mystic is derived from the Greek mystērion (μυστήριον), which Paul frequently uses in the New Testament. Mystērion does not mean something unknowable but rather a revealed truth—something once hidden that has now been made known in the gospel. Over time, the Latin translation rendered mystērion as sacramentum, a term that shaped the Western theological tradition’s understanding of divine realities as sacramental rather than revelatory. This linguistic shift altered the framework of Christian thought, leading to a distinction between the ordinary believer and the so-called mystic, who was seen as engaging in a deeper, often esoteric, experience of God.
Historically, mysticism has been associated with unmediated encounters with the divine—visions, ecstatic experiences, and altered states of consciousness. Figures such as Meister Eckhart, St. Teresa of Ávila, and Sufi poets like Rumi were later classified as mystics because they described direct experiences of God. However, many of these figures were not mystics in the sense of rejecting structured theology. They were theologians who used symbolic language to discuss their understanding of divine truths, often engaging with established traditions rather than bypassing them.
Mysticism and the Need for Maturity
One of the fundamental problems with the term mystic is that it often implies a shortcut to divine knowledge—an experience that bypasses the discipline of study, theological training, and the wisdom of tradition. However, Scripture itself suggests a different path. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, states:
“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” (1 Corinthians 3:2)
Peter echoes this sentiment, encouraging believers to mature in their understanding of the Word. This distinction between milk and meat reflects the reality that deeper theological truths require preparation and careful handling. Not everyone is immediately ready to grasp the full depth of divine revelation, and traditions throughout history have upheld the necessity of study and spiritual maturity before engaging with the more profound aspects of faith.
Jewish tradition similarly emphasizes this principle. The study of Torah is not open to just anyone in a careless manner; it requires discipline, training, and the guidance of faithful teachers. Paul instructs Timothy:
“And the things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
This process of passing on knowledge to those who have demonstrated faithfulness and maturity ensures that divine truth is preserved and properly understood. It was common in many traditions that deeper theological teachings were reserved for those who had reached a level of spiritual and intellectual maturity, often around the age of forty, when they had been tested by life and had gained wisdom.
The Problem with Popularized Mysticism
In the modern era, the concept of mysticism has been distorted by an emphasis on personal experience at the expense of disciplined study. Many seek mystical experiences as an end in themselves, bypassing the structure and training necessary to handle theological depth. The rise of social media and internet discourse has amplified this issue, with individuals engaging in complex theological debates without the necessary foundation. Without proper training, this can lead to misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and even spiritual harm.
A true pursuit of divine knowledge does not rely on vague mystical experiences but on faithfulness, study, and the guidance of those who have walked the path before. The early Church understood this, as did Jewish communities that required rigorous study before engaging with advanced theological discussions.
Conclusion: A Return to Reality
If mystic simply means someone who prays or someone who seeks to understand divine truths, then the term loses its significance. Instead of using mystic to describe something abstract or esoteric, we should return to a more grounded understanding—one that emphasizes faithfulness, study, and the disciplined pursuit of divine knowledge. The real meat of the Word demands handling, not instant access. Paul did not hand over deep revelation to just anyone; he passed it on to faithful men who had demonstrated the maturity to carry it forward.
Therefore, while the term mystic may be useful in some historical contexts, it should not be used in a way that obscures the true nature of divine revelation. The pursuit of God is not about seeking ecstatic experiences or bypassing tradition but about faithfully walking the path of wisdom, study, and spiritual maturity.
