Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion
September 3, 2015
Michael Stoeber
6 citations
The comparative study of mysticism began in the mid-19th century as the word 'mysticism' took on a modern substantive meaning, shifting from the traditional Greek Christian adjective 'mystikos'—which qualified rituals, scriptures, and theology as contexts for encountering the Divine—to an emphasis on personal experience of ultimate Reality. Early 20th-century scholarship focused on psychology and phenomenology, describing mystical experience as an altered state of consciousness with common features, influencing perennialist and essentialist views. These views argued that a pure consciousness-experience of undifferentiated unity is core to all mysticism, but faced reaction from contextualist or constructivist perspectives stressing sociocultural determination. Later scholarship qualified contextualism, broadened the field beyond epistemology and neuroscience to include feminist concerns, erotic elements, transpersonal psychology, and new comparative theology.
Journal of Hindu-Christian studies
November 19, 2013
Michael Stoeber
3 citations
Evelyn Underhill argues that mysticism is the core of religion, with personal religious experience inspiring and shaping other dimensions such as scripture, doctrine, ethics, ritual, and social institutions. She describes mystics as pioneers of the spiritual world and defines mysticism as the art of union with Reality.
Toronto Journal of Theology
September 1, 2001
Michael Stoeber
3 citations
Mystical experience differs from ordinary religious experience, which is mediated through cultural and historical categories. This distinction raises questions about the role and status of mystical experience in spiritual life, what it teaches about spiritual reality and ideals, and the terms of a theology of mystical experience. The author compares Rahner's view of mystical experiences with his concept of 'everyday mysticism,' then outlines Michael Washburn's transpersonal theory to explore the relevance of psychology for a Christian theology. The article concludes with reflections for developing a contemporary theology of mystical experience.
Journal of Hindu-Christian studies
January 1, 2017
Michael Stoeber
Critics of Hindu postural yoga in Western Christian contexts raise issues of cultural misappropriation, commodification, lack of moral prerequisites, narcissistic attachment to bodily effects, occult influences, and doctrinal differences. The paper examines 3HO/Kundalini Yoga, showing that its grounding in Sikhism allows it to sidestep most of these criticisms. However, substantial concerns remain about doctrinal compatibility and religious syncretism, criticisms also leveled by some Sikhs against 3HO/Kundalini Yoga itself.
European Journal for Philosophy of Religion
January 1, 2015
Michael Stoeber
Christian contemplative meditation, particularly the prayer of Recollection as described by Evelyn Underhill and St. Teresa of Avila, involves turning attention inward toward God. The paper outlines this practice and examines its theoretical and therapeutic dynamics, comparing it with Buddhist Samatha Vipassanā meditation and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Drawing on Michael Washburn's transpersonal theory, it explores resistances, obstacles, and goals of such mystical practices, suggesting parallels and distinctions across traditions.
Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks
January 1, 1992
Michael Stoeber
Mystical experiences can provide a powerful consolatory force that reduces or eliminates the negative force of evil, often portraying evil as non-reality or nothingness. However, as R. C. Zaehner points out, this perspective can have horrible consequences, illustrated by Charles Manson, who passed beyond good and evil in realizing a harmonious unity of cosmic consciousness. Zaehner likens Manson's experience to non-theistic mysticisms of ancient Greeks and Zen Buddhism, where the discursive mind disintegrates and right is wrong, good is evil. The paper argues that such amoral perspectives challenge theistic teleology and personal love.