A Christianity which is not basically mystical must become either a political ideology or a mindless fundamentalism. Alan Watts, Behold the Spirit There was one well-known mystic who wished to help others achieve the union with God that he had reached; and he went from town to town trying to explain those things which had been revealed to him, saying such outrageous things as: “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” and “The kingdom of God is within you” and “I and my Father (God) are one.” As you are no doubt aware, he was executed for saying these things.
Broadly, yes. However, I might like to sit down over a cup (or a dram) and discuss whether Christianity has ever reached 'maturity'. I'm thinking of a little book by Harry Emerson Fosdick called, "Shall the Fundamentalists Win? published in the early 1920's. What I gather is that the mystique (?) of the kerygma cannot be tapped by a two dimensional interpretation; neither can the reign of God be wholly translated into politics. Dr. Martin told us, "history bends toward justice. " Still got a lot of bending to do... but maybe, just maybe, social life develops with Christian maturity, which certainly may be expressed without the "Christian" package. Maybe Zechariah's phrase "prisoners of hope" characterizes (somewhat) those of us who, still, "believe the music, if not the words."
Broadly, yes. However, I might like to sit down over a cup (or a dram) and discuss whether Christianity has ever reached 'maturity'. I'm thinking of a little book by Harry Emerson Fosdick called, "Shall the Fundamentalists Win? published in the early 1920's. What I gather is that the mystique (?) of the kerygma cannot be tapped by a two dimensional interpretation; neither can the reign of God be wholly translated into politics. Dr. Martin told us, "history bends toward justice. " Still got a lot of bending to do... but maybe, just maybe, social life develops with Christian maturity, which certainly may be expressed without the "Christian" package. Maybe Zechariah's phrase "prisoners of hope" characterizes (somewhat) those of us who, still, "believe the music, if not the words."