Mysticism in the Twentieth Century
Medjugorje and the Supernatural April 19, 2018 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780190679200.003.0004
Summary
The chapter examines key definitions of mysticism and mystical experiences by prominent twentieth-century scholars William James and Evelyn Underhill. It highlights James's four marks of a mystical state and Underhill's characteristics of true mysticism, while exploring different forms of visionary experiences, including hearing voices. The text also critiques the works of both scholars and presents brief case studies of three modern mystics: Maria Valtorta, Therese Neumann, and Gemma Galgani.
Abstract
The chapter considers influential definitions of terms like “mysticism,” “mystical,” or “mystical experiences” as formulated by two of the most prominent scholars of mysticism of the twentieth century. The influence of William James to the study of mysticism and his famous four marks of a mystical state is observed. The influence of Evelyn Underhill to the study of mysticism and her defining characteristics of what is true mysticism is observed. The various forms of visionary experiences and locutionary experiences (mystically hearing voices) are studied and the nuances between mystical and visionary experiences are considered. Critiques of the work of James and Underhill are offered and brief case studies of three modern mystics—Maria Valtorta, Therese Neumann, and Gemma Galgani—are considered in support of the critiques.