Explain Mysticism and how it relates to Christiany Research Paper

Explain Mysticism and how it relates to Christiany - Research Paper Example ............................................. 6. Conclusion............................................................................................................... Thesis Statement: Religion and Mysticism are complimentary in nature, and Christianity has very closer association with Mysticism that stresses the need for prayer and meditation in one’s life. Introduction Mysticism has often been regarded as concept with a deeper level meaning in almost all religions of the world. It is the close association mysticism with religion that very often leads many to consider it as quite equal to some of the religions. But a closer analysis will certainly unveil mysticism as a different perspective from religious teachings. Even a mere observation will be sufficient enough for unearthing this close association and it is identifiable that some of the religions are proclaiming some of the aspects of mysticism. Among the religions that are very much associated with mysticism Christi anity stands to be a supreme one. Many researchers have clearly recognised this close association and have affirmed the closer relationship of Christianity with mysticism. The proximity between Christianity to mysticism had led many to think to supplement one with another. In a closer look one can find out that these two are different even though some apparent similarities are there. The closeness of mysticism and Christianity paves for the analytical study between these two. The proposed study is aimed to explore the close association between Christianity and Mysticism. Various factors concerning both Christianity and Mysticism will be analysed in the paper and specifically, the researcher will endeavour to establish the fact that religion and Mysticism are complimentary. The essay takes note on the relationship of Christian teachings to mysticism and will analyse the major components of mysticism and Christianity through comparative studies intended to expose their relation. There fore, the study proposes the thesis that, religion and Mysticism are complimentary in nature, and Christianity has very closer association with Mysticism that stresses the need for prayer and meditation in one’s life. What is mysticism? Researchers have often been expressed their difficulty in properly defining mysticism. Of course, the word mysticism is originated from Greek culture. Some regard it as quite similar to asking a foolish question like what beauty is. However, different religions attribute different aspects to mysticism. Many have observed it as more difficult to define than socialism and the words of William Ralph Inge makes it crystal clear when he reveals the various attributes of Mysticism. He says, â€Å"Sometimes it [mysticism] is used as an equivalent for symbolism or allegorism, sometimes for theosophy or occult science; and sometimes it merely suggests the mental state of a dreamer, or vague and fantastic opinions about God and the world† (Inge, 16). It clearly indicates the fact that defining mysticism is not easier as one thinks. The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines mysticism as, ‘the belief that knowledge of God and the real truth can be found through prayer and meditation rather than through reason and the senses.’ A more acceptable fact regarding mysticism can be identified with Margaret Smith when she rightly commented thus, â€Å"Mysticism itself represents something much wider than its derivation: it represents a spiritual tendency which is universal, for we find it in