CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM

Christian mysticism emphasizes direct, experiential union with God through contemplation, prayer, and spiritual disciplines.

Early: Desert Fathers. Medieval: Bernard, Eckhart, Julian, Teresa, John of Cross. Influenced by Neoplatonism.

Pseudo-Dionysius, Bernard of Clairvaux, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross.

Direct experience of God. Contemplative prayer. Dark night of soul. Three ways: purgative, illuminative, unitive. Apophatic theology.

Shaped Christian spirituality and contemplative traditions. Contemporary interest in contemplative practice. Merton bridged East-West spirituality.