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Mystery religions: Difference between revisions
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The word ''mysticism'' is thought to be derived from the Greek word meaning to close the eyes or lips. It was first used in connection with the Greek mystery religions. The “mystics” were those who promised to keep secret the rituals of their religion. | The word ''mysticism'' is thought to be derived from the Greek word meaning to close the eyes or lips. It was first used in connection with the Greek mystery religions. The “mystics” were those who promised to keep secret the rituals of their religion. | ||
The world in which Christianity was born nurtured a variety of ideas about divine union. In Jewish mysticism, as well as in Greek, Roman and Egyptian mystery religions, people sought personal identification with God. They tried to accomplish this in several ways, one of which was the practice of a spiritual journey known as an ascent. | The world in which Christianity was born nurtured a variety of ideas about divine union. In Jewish mysticism, as well as in Greek, Roman and Egyptian mystery religions, people sought personal identification with God. They tried to accomplish this in several ways, one of which was the practice of a spiritual journey known as an ascent. | ||
== The ascent to God == | |||
The mystics sometimes described the ascent not as a journey upward into heaven but rather inward, into the sacred spaces of the heart. Usually the ascent culminated in either a vision of a divine being or in the experience of being transformed into a divine being. Being seated on a throne or being clothed in new garments often symbolized the transformation. | The mystics sometimes described the ascent not as a journey upward into heaven but rather inward, into the sacred spaces of the heart. Usually the ascent culminated in either a vision of a divine being or in the experience of being transformed into a divine being. Being seated on a throne or being clothed in new garments often symbolized the transformation. | ||
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In the mystery religions, external wealth or power were not criteria for spiritual progress. What was important was pursuit of a course of study that included systematic teachings, rituals and initiations designed to lead to soul growth and a mystical experience of rebirth or union with God. The concept of reincarnation went hand-in-hand with the view that man can become one with God. | In the mystery religions, external wealth or power were not criteria for spiritual progress. What was important was pursuit of a course of study that included systematic teachings, rituals and initiations designed to lead to soul growth and a mystical experience of rebirth or union with God. The concept of reincarnation went hand-in-hand with the view that man can become one with God. | ||
== Mystery religions in the ancient world == | |||
The goal of the mystery initiates—the perfecting of the soul through union with God—was the essence of spirituality for millions of people in the Greco-Roman world. Augustus, the first Roman Emperor (63 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>.–<small>A</small>.<small>D</small>. 14) was an initiate, as was the statesman, orator, and philosopher Cicero (106–43 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>.). | The goal of the mystery initiates—the perfecting of the soul through union with God—was the essence of spirituality for millions of people in the Greco-Roman world. Augustus, the first Roman Emperor (63 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>.–<small>A</small>.<small>D</small>. 14) was an initiate, as was the statesman, orator, and philosopher Cicero (106–43 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>.). | ||
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[[Mystery school]] | [[Mystery school]] | ||
[[Mysticism]] | |||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||