Can you answer YES to more than two of the following questions:

1) Does your library consist mostly of books old enough to be public domain…
2) …and have to be translated from the original language (even if it was technically English)?
3) Are your heroes and roles models all dead (but always with you in spirit)?
4) Can you say “have a blessed day” with a straight face?
5) Do you have have the tendency to fold your hands, close your eyes, and nod slowly when listening to others?
6) Do you use the word “Universe” in casual conversations unrelated to astronomy?

OK seriously, I have given a lot of though lately into what those who call themselves mystics, or consider themselves inclined to mystical pursuits, have in common.   What is it that allows us to recognize each other?  What makes us love ancient writings like the Tao Te Ching or Dark Night of the Soul, which seldom see the light of day otherwise.  What motivates us to live lives so out of sync with the world around us?  And with a full understanding of the risk of oversimplifying, I believe it comes down to two things: A desire to be connected with God, and the conviction that connection is achieved through the continual refinement, renewal, and reformation of our own innermost selves.

It is dangerous to try to define a group of people, especially a diverse one,  so I immediately apologize to all who would feel my description is insufficient or incorrect.  I simply wish to defines terms for those who have little previous contact with mysticism, or are wondering if they should consider themselves mystics.  I feel the terms fit because an athlete is one who perfects his body and physical self, his goal is to compete.  A theologian perfects his knowledge, his goal is to educate and preserve truth.  An apologist perfects his understanding, his goal is to defend truth.  A businessman perfects his method, his goal is to succeed.  A mystic perfects his heart, his goal is to break down the barriers between himself and God.

None of these roles are mutually exclusive.  One may even find he is all those things at one point in his life.  Therein lies my point, a mystic is not a mystic in spite of other roles, but a role anyone can take.  I call myself a “mystic” because, like a CEO or professional athlete, I choose to focus on it as a role very important to me.  It is also a role I feel many people need in their lives.  Not everyone is a professional athlete, but being physically fit is good for everyone.  I believe likewise with mystical pursuits.

Here is where I am asked, “Isn’t all religion a desire to be connected with God?  What is the difference between mysticism and religion?”

Well, there probably should not be such a difference, or at least no more difference than there is from a car and an engine.  Somehow, people have gotten the misunderstanding religion is simply a set of beliefs and (optional) rituals.  (How this happened is a topic for another time)  In truth, no great religious leader, of any religion, teaches this.  All religious leaders are trying to help their congregations explore the mystical, and connect with God.  (Bob Jones excluded)  Christianity is no exception.  I know so many pastors and priests to are desperately trying to inspire their congregations, and open their minds to the true depths and wonders of faith. (Ever try to pep-talk a boulder?)

It should be noted true religion does exceeds mysticism.  Mysticism is intimate, and all discourse on mysticism is hardly doctrinal.  True spirituality is both between man and God, as well as man and man.  Christianity especially is a faith of fellowship.  Anytime you have a congregation of people, there are external rules, rituals, and organization.  These things are not holy or unholy of themselves, but simply are.  As Christian mystics we live of the paradox of seeking intimacy with God by lifting up and edifying one another.  It is probably the greatest difference between other mystic pursuits and Christian mysticism, that ours is a mysticism of outward fellowship as well as inward.

Christian mysticism is about the passionate pursuit of the Father through the Son.  We journey along the narrow path forged by Jesus Christ, ever seeking the Face of God.  We encourage and edify our brothers and sisters, yet in the end, are left with the responsibility of our own internal state.  As opposed to the secular perception of religion, each man is responsible for his own soul, and still has the power to help the souls of others.

So are you a mystic?  Well, I guess you and God are the only ones who can answer that.

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