Christian Heresies: What is Heresy?
When we look back over the course of history, there are many groups that claim to have held the correct view of Christianity.
Sleep Paralysis: Demon Encounters and Terror in the Night
If you've ever woken up but felt paralyzed - or perhaps you've seen things, heard voices, or felt an evil presence. Relax - it's probably just sleep paralysis.
Kabbalistic Interpretations of God: Ein-Sof and the Sefirot
Kabbalists believed that there is a gap between how mankind can understand God and what God actually is. This unknowable aspect of God is called Ein-Sof.
Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah
Mysticism is not new to Judaism. It dates back at least to the 6th century BCE with Ezekiel’s visions of the divine chariot (called merkavah mysticism) in Isaiah. In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. …
Mystic Profile: Francis of Assisi
When a voice told Francis to go and "repair my house," he started a new Order devoted to a life of poverty.
Mystic Profile: Bernard of Clairvaux
Another popular mystic of the 12th century, Bernard was born in 1090 and entered the monastery of Citeaux to escape the corruption of the world.
Mystic Profile: Hildegard of Bingen
At a time when very few woman were literate and held status, Hildegard wrote over 300 letters and was widely respected for her mystical visions, medical knowledge, and musical compositions.
What is Mysticism?
Mysticism is difficult to define, largely because it encompasses so many different practices and beliefs - from Catholicism to Kabbalah.