Mystics of Early Christianity
Mystics and Early Christianity
Probably, when you were growing up and learning about Christianity, it seemed as if it was unified struggle against all odds, when, in reality, there were astonishing differences over Jesus of Nazareth, even by the end of the First Century.
Add to that the Reformation, and many people have completely disregarded -- rejected -- any interest in the earliest Christians. Looking into the lives and times of those in the first years of the movement, you can trace the history of Christian Mysticism. It is a road that leads in several directions -- that of what might be called "Inner" Christianity and that which we have come to know as a more literal fundamentalism.
Different Streams . Contemporary Christian Mystics have far more in common with some members of the first years of Christianity than you might believe. The first step is to rid yourself of the concept that all was smooth sailing in the first years of Christianity's formation, that everyone agreed. They didn't.
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Origen. Two hundred years after he died, Origen's teachings were condemned by the emerging political powers of the Church. But when he was alive? They were considered Orthodox and, today, are fascinating points for Christian Mystics to consider. more >>
A Short Moment of Gnostic Belief Just a few paragraphs to help with some points of the gnostic movement. more >>
The Secret Gospel of Mark Best read along with the article above, Distant Streams, here's a translation to ponder. It's a remarkable look into a different strata of Christianity.. more >>
The Gospel of Thomas Don't know it? No, it' s a long way from being some "New Age" book supposedly channeled directly from Jesus. It's a fascinating part of early Christianity. Take a moment to see one point of view on the Gospel of Thomas by Steven Davies and a translation for you to view. more >>