Monism in Mystical Theology?
Christian mystical theology, while rooted in the fundamentally Trinitarian and incarnational doctrines of Christianity, has elements that can be interpreted through the lens of monism, especially when considering the mystical experience and its implications. Monism, in philosophical terms, is the view that all that exists is one, either in its substance, essence, or ultimate reality. Within Christian mysticism, this can be seen in the notion of theosis or divinization, where the ultimate goal is union with God or becoming one with the divine. Mystics like Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite speak of the soul's journey toward God as a return to unity with the One, suggesting that the multiplicity of creation ultimately finds its source and end in the simplicity of the divine essence.
One way Christian mysticism intersects with monism is through the doctrine of divine simplicity, where God is considered without parts, composition, or division. This concept implies that in the mystical experience, the human soul does not merely approach God but becomes absorbed into or identified with God's essence in some mystical sense. This is particularly evident in the writings of mystics like Meister Eckhart, who sometimes used language that suggests an almost pantheistic or panentheistic view of God, where God is both transcendent and immanent, pervading all things. His sermons often explore the idea that God is the ground of all being, and in the deepest mystical experience, the soul recognizes its own essence as being one with this divine ground.
Further, the apophatic theology, or negative theology, found in Christian mysticism also lends itself to monistic interpretations. This form of theology posits that God is beyond all human comprehension and language, leading mystics to describe God in terms of what He is not rather than what He is. This tradition, seen in figures like Saint John of the Cross, implies a unity in God where all distinctions dissolve into the One, the absolute, where even the duality between creator and creation can be seen as ultimately transcended in the mystical union. This suggests a monistic perspective where the multiplicity of the created world is less real than the singular reality of God.
However, it's crucial to note that Christian mysticism does not universally embrace monism in a straightforward manner. The Christian tradition strictly maintains the distinction between the Creator and the creation, even in the context of mystical union. The language of oneness often used by mystics must be understood within the framework of personal communion with God, rather than an impersonal absorption into a singular substance. Thus, while Christian mystical theology can be interpreted with monistic overtones, especially in its more esoteric or contemplative expressions, it generally maintains a nuanced balance, preserving the personal nature of God and the integrity of creation, which differentiates it from classical monism. This balance reflects the complex interplay between the transcendence and immanence of the divine in Christian thought.
