My Mystical Christian Experience + Recommended Reading
I’m very comfortable with my Mystical Christian Experience - that in itself is a miracle. I was terrified in the beginning.
I SPENT DAYS, WEEKS AND MONTHS READING ABOUT EASTERN CHRISTIANITY, ESOTERIC CHRISTIAN PRACTICES, MONASTIC CHRISTIANS, GNOSTIC CHRISTIANITY AND THE GNOSTIC GOSPELS- ALL TO FIND MYSELF IN THE NARRATIVE.
Which I did. Thank God.
I realized so much of my experience was akin to the Christian Mystics, the Early Church or Eastern Christian offshoots rooted in a dance with The Holy Spirit. Liturgical language is my mother tongue.
I’M A POUND PUPPY OF CHRISTIAN/ CATHOLIC PRACTICE. I'M ON THE FRINGE OF RELIGIOUS TRADITION. AND I LIKE THAT!
Its taught me to lean on discernment through The Spirit of Wisdom- which needs to be cultivated and strengthened. But my experience can’t always be explained through scripture or precise intellectual thought.
I remembered 1 Peter 3:15 this morning :
Be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have- with gentleness and respect.
WHEN PEOPLE ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT MY FAITH EXPRESSION, I WANT TO REMAIN OPEN TO INTIMACY.
This hasn’t been my past experience. Not every question is an accusation or a passive- aggressive fight for control. Inquisition is not the enemy; it’s a transformation agent!
I WANT NOT MY RESPONSES TO BE A SHIELD OR A DEFENCE AGAINST CONNECTION, BUT A TOOL TO COMMUNITY AND THE SHARING OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING FOR BOTH PARTIES.
Grace and peace to all of us, as we fumble our way through this.
—-//
These resources were incredible instrumental and sent me on countless research rabbit trails. Happy exploring!
Recommended Reading:
COMMON PRAYER: LITURGY FOR ORDINARY RADICALS- SHANE CLAIBORNE
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON - ILLUMINATA + EVERYDAY GRACE
SIMPLE ABUNDANCE - SARAH BAN BRETAHNACH
THE GNOSTIC BIBLE - WILLIS BARNSTONE
RICHARD ROHR - DAILY REFLECTIONS NEWSLETTER
DESPERATELY SEEKING SOPHIA ARTICLE
THE DANCE OF THE DISSIDENT DAUGHTER - SUE MONK KIDD
LEAVING CHURCH- BARBARA BROWN TAYLOR
THE ROAD BACK TO YOU- IAN CRON