Church Teaching On Christian Mysticism
In turn, the Church eventually reconciled the rather murky debate between authentic, Christian mysticism and pagan, heretical mysticism by succinctly proclaiming that humanity can only come to “reach God through analytical knowledge,” and yet “what man cannot know by natural reason, he can know through revelation and faith; that what he cannot attain to by his natural power he can reach by the grace of God. God has gratuitously elevated human nature to a supernatural state (CCC 66, 67).”
The Catechism further discusses why Mysticism is not necessary for one to faithfully practice Catholicism. The Church does recognize that there are a select few whom God has chosen to address in this rather unconventional and contemplative manner. The authenticity of these can only be validated by the Magisterium through a lengthy and involved investigative process . By and large, no one is required to accept any form of mystical revelation as tenets of the Faith. This is due to the fact that “the Church teaches as de fide (of the Faith) that all that the Father desired to reveal for our salvation has been revealed in His Word, Jesus Christ…The deposit of the Faith, therefore, is to be found in the twin fountains of Public Revelation, Sacred Scripture and Sacred (Apostolic) Tradition (CCC 66, 67).”
While no form of Mysticism is included in Public Revelation, the Church does validate that God reveals certain truths through Private Revelation for the purpose of guiding individuals toward a deeper love or call rather than as a supplement to already-revealed doctrines of Faith. Private Revelations are not essential for any individual’s salvation. There may be certain epochs that require a stirring of souls, in which the Lord may select a prophet or prophetess (think St. Joan of Arc) to deliver a specific and timely message in order to encourage massive conversions or to serve as a warning or a guide. In this case, the Church acknowledges that, so long as a person is united with the Magisterium, follows all of the doctrines and dogmas of the Faith, is in full communion with the Church and regularly receives Sacraments, s/he may, indeed, be called by God to deliver what our modern society may consider a mystical revelation christian mysticism.
It is important, however, to always distinguish between true, Christian mysticism and a more subtle form of New Age mysticism. The era in which we live is quite favorable towards the latter rather than the former, simply because many people consider themselves to be spiritual persons but not necessarily religious ones. A true, Christian mystic must be one who follows all of the teachings of the Church and is fully obedient to the Pope and Bishops.
