Jesus and Mysticism

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If, by "Christism," you mean the honest attempt to follow Jesus Christ as model, or to follow his guiding teachings, then,there is no difference between "Christism" and mysticism. The mystic regards all valid spiritual teachers, sages, and masters as her model. This includes Jesus Christ.

What about mystics from a non-Christian tradition, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, or Taoism? The mystic from any of these traditions would still regard Jesus as a role-model, for he was a mastersage of great wisdom. A mystic from even the Jewish tradition would so regard and so admire Jesus, although mystics of that tradition (kabbalism) do not buy into the superstition of an "earthly messiah."

If one is going to take Jesus seriously, it is absolutely necessary that one make Love her faith. In other words, no matter what "religion" she is-- she could be a Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, or other -- she must first be a mystic. For Jesus was a mystic.

Very few who are familiar with either history or the Christian Scriptures would doubt that Jesus was a mystic. His words, such as John 10:30, "I and the Father are one," are pure mysticism. Only a very biased person would reject this idea.

So, again, if we are to regard Jesus as a serious role-model, we must "go all the Way," and attempt to transform our lives, our very selves, by working with the traditions of Love. Love plus interior transformation-- there is only one word for this combination-- mysticism.

Mysticism, we must remember, is not a religion. So, it is not "in competition" or in conflict with religions. A mystic may join any religion that permits her mysticism to blossom and flourish. Or she might choose no religion at all. For religion can be a map to enlightenment, and once you have arrived at your destination, the map is no longer necessary. The enlightened person has grown beyond the quibbles and squabbles of religion, and embraces all good people.
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