Why Some Christians Choose New Age-Mysticism

Why Some Christians Choose New Age-Mysticism

My mother presented me to the Charismatic Renewal. This involved what the Holy Spirit calls the Baptism and was within the Catholic Church. Those who participated in the Charismatic Renewal generally displayed what is called the Gifts of the Spirit: praying in tongues, the interpretation of tongues, prophecy, releasing of spirits along with the healing of the sick. The greatest of these gifts is love. (You are able to read relating to this in 1 Corinthians 12-14.) Writing

I was actively involved in the Charismatic Renewal for about 6 years. It had been my introduction.

I explored mysticism more intensely through what is known as Centering Prayer. In this type of prayer you use a mantra to aid in emptying the head of all but God. Linking to God in this way was powerful. It really is what some call "a personal relationship" with God.

Before I entered the convent I'd the mistaken belief that everyone knew about and there had a personal relationship together with the divine and practiced mysticism for some reason. That was not correct. Yes, there were some, but not many... which, by the way, does not blow off these girls's dedication to living their life in line with the teachings of Jesus.

The Catholic Church has a rich history. What I found, however, is mysticism was an unusual experience which most folks considered, shall we say, distinct and somehow around the fringes. I often say that the Roman Church accepts its mystics but prefers them to be deeply hidden in a monastery or saints that are deceased.

When I discovered what is known as the New Age movement, I found a group of people who were active mystics. Active mystics knew about, believed in and wanted to have spiritual experiences a lot of people consider eccentric, off-beat or down right crazy.

The urge for a personal relationship with Spirit was paramount. Everyone wants it. They want to know what's their path, what they are called to do in this life. In Christianity "path" could be the same as vocation, mission or ministry.

Meditation, often using a mantra, is a given in the metaphysical community... not that everyone does it, but is held in high regard and greatly encouraged. Poetry

When a group of metaphysical people gather, they readily talk about their connection to Spirit, their battles to be true to their own path and their spiritual experiences. They... perhaps I should say "we"... love being with others who accept that mysticism is everywhere and that what others call unusual spiritual experiences are common place.

And, by the way, the Gifts of the Spirit mentioned above are commonly within the metaphysical community. Some may use different terminology, but they are there.