[Dialogue] JWM as mystic

[Tim Wegner]

Jim wrote:

> Hmmm . . . I think there is a temptation to use a focus on spirit to 
> escape what is going on and responsibility for it. That is why we 
> called it "The Other World in the midst of This World", I believe.

Yes, but it's entirely unfair to paint all mystics with the escapist 
brush. We must realize that there are many definitions of mysticism. 

Dorothee Soelle, in "The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance", 
defines very loosely a mystic as anyone who draws upon in inner voice 
for guidance.  These folks are also often the ones who clash with the 
"powers that be" since they march to a different drum than that beat 
of the authorities. The book describes a number of mystics throughout 
history who were also ones who resisted.

Seems to me JWM qualifies as a mystic in Soelle's broad usage of the 
term.

I highly recommend Soelle's book. A 2001 Christian Century review of 
it by Dennis Tamburello can be found here (if you can ignore the 
obnoxious jiggling advertisement):

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_33_118/ai_80850442

Here's one quote: "Soelle claims that it is impossible to be truly in 
love with God without being moved to work for justice and peace. "

Doesn't sound like escapism to me ...

Tim Wegner