Inter-Religious Contexts and Comparative Theology in the Thought of Evelyn Underhill: Symbolic Narratives of Mysticism and the Songs of Kabīr
Journal of Hindu-Christian studies November 19, 2013 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.7825/2164-6279.1550 via OpenAlex
Summary
Evelyn Underhill considers mysticism to be the central element of all religions, asserting that personal religious experiences shape other dimensions such as scripture, doctrine, ethics, and rituals. She argues that mystics serve as pioneers in the spiritual realm, emphasizing that mysticism is fundamentally about achieving union with Reality.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Underhill posits that mysticism is the heart of religion and that personal religious experiences drive the development of various religious dimensions. |
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Abstract
Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941) regards mysticism as the core of religion. All religions include various dimensions: scripture/ mythology, doctrine/ philosophy, ethics/ law, social/institutional features, ritual, material aspects, and personal and communal experience. For Underhill, personal religious experience inspires and influences the development of these other aspects of religion—the heart of which is mysticism. Underhill asserts: “The mystics are the pioneers of the spiritual world” (4); “Mysticism is the art of union with Reality”.