Mysticism: a way of unknowing

The phenomenon of mysticism has been a cause of intense debate for philosophers, religionists, and theologians for centuries. Interest in mysticism is particularly vibrant in the 21st century, not only among the afore-mentioned, but also from other diverse sectors of society. This is evidenced in t...

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Main Author: C. E. T. Kourie
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of the Free State 2008-12-01
Series:Acta Theologica
Online Access:https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/at/article/view/2226
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author C. E. T. Kourie
author_facet C. E. T. Kourie
author_sort C. E. T. Kourie
collection DOAJ
description The phenomenon of mysticism has been a cause of intense debate for philosophers, religionists, and theologians for centuries. Interest in mysticism is particularly vibrant in the 21st century, not only among the afore-mentioned, but also from other diverse sectors of society. This is evidenced in the plethora of material dealing with various aspects of mysticism. Negative or apophatic mysticism is eliciting greater attention, both in the academy and in society in general and many of the misconceptions surrounding this concept are currently under scrutiny. It is clear that apophatic mysticism — the “way of unknowing” or “nothingness” — belongs to the essence of the spiritual path. A short survey of this concept in some of the major religious traditions, together with an analysis of the place of apophasis in Christianity, brings this pertinent area of study into greater focus.
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spelling doaj-art-995d899e31654ac0b82f6ee92045908d2025-02-11T10:06:57ZengUniversity of the Free StateActa Theologica1015-87582309-90892008-12-011110.38140/at.v0i11.2226Mysticism: a way of unknowingC. E. T. Kourie0University of South Africa The phenomenon of mysticism has been a cause of intense debate for philosophers, religionists, and theologians for centuries. Interest in mysticism is particularly vibrant in the 21st century, not only among the afore-mentioned, but also from other diverse sectors of society. This is evidenced in the plethora of material dealing with various aspects of mysticism. Negative or apophatic mysticism is eliciting greater attention, both in the academy and in society in general and many of the misconceptions surrounding this concept are currently under scrutiny. It is clear that apophatic mysticism — the “way of unknowing” or “nothingness” — belongs to the essence of the spiritual path. A short survey of this concept in some of the major religious traditions, together with an analysis of the place of apophasis in Christianity, brings this pertinent area of study into greater focus. https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/at/article/view/2226
spellingShingle C. E. T. Kourie
Mysticism: a way of unknowing
Acta Theologica
title Mysticism: a way of unknowing
title_full Mysticism: a way of unknowing
title_fullStr Mysticism: a way of unknowing
title_full_unstemmed Mysticism: a way of unknowing
title_short Mysticism: a way of unknowing
title_sort mysticism a way of unknowing
url https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/at/article/view/2226
work_keys_str_mv AT cetkourie mysticismawayofunknowing