Mysticism | Charles Hodge

Deep Dive into Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge - MysticismIn his Systematic Theology, Charles Hodge defines mysticism as the belief that divine knowledge and spiritual life are attained through immediate, supernatural inward revelation rather than through the Scriptures and ordinary means of grace. Hodge carefully distinguishes mysticism from the orthodox doctrine of spiritual illumination. While the Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of believers to understand truths already revealed in the Bible, mysticism claims to receive new, independent knowledge directly from God without external means.Hodge traces the history of mysticism from the early church, noting the pantheistic tendencies of Neoplatonism and the writings of the pseudo-Dionysius. During the Middle Ages, figures like Henry Eckart pushed mysticism toward pantheism, while evangelical mystics like Bernard of Clairvaux focused on spiritual devotion to counter church formalism. The Reformation era saw radical enthusiasts who rejected external authority in favor of subjective impulses. The seventeenth century birthed Quietism, a movement led by figures like Madame Guyon, which emphasized extreme passivity, disinterested love, and the loss of self in God. Finally, Hodge examines the Quakers as a permanently organized mystical body that emphasizes an inward light granted to all people, though he notes their orthodox branch attempts to keep this inward light subordinate to biblical authority.Ultimately, Hodge presents several theological objections to the mystical theory. He argues it lacks biblical support, as the Scriptures teach that God works through authenticated outward preaching and the written Word. Furthermore, mysticism contradicts human experience because saving knowledge is absent where the Bible is unknown. It also offers no objective criterion to distinguish divine truth from human or demonic delusion, and it historically causes believers to neglect the Bible, the church, and the sacraments.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerWorship Music: https://suno.com/playlist/3a498d0f-c90e-4981-8aa7-59834e7239f7https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730