Christianity as mysticism?

[mrparks]

I was reading something on wikipedia just now, which spiked my curiousity:

quote:Some have argued that Christianity itself was a mystical sect that arose out of Judaism

A few weeks ago I was arguing with a friend that what we follow today and call "Christianity" is so far gone from the path of Judaism that she could very well be following the wrong religion. Not that I believe that there is a right or wrong religion to follow.

It seem to me that somewhere between the gospels it stopped being about improving yourself moral wise and making people into followers of a church.

[This message has been edited by mrparks (edited 08-21-2006).]

[dagnabitt]

Gonna move this to My God.

quote:Originally posted by mrparks:

It seem to me that somewhere between the gospels it stopped being about improving yourself moral wise and making people into followers of a church.

You're confusing the book with actual practices, I think? Mysticism is scattered throughout the NT, just as is the organization of the church.

Do some research on Christian mystics.

I think that within every group you have those who follow a more mystical path than do others.

quote:It seem to me that somewhere between the gospels it stopped being about improving yourself moral wise and making people into followers of a church.

Paul. I read the sermons of Jesus and was actually quite impressed. I read the 10,000,000 books that Paul wrote and was actually quite disgusted. I read the Old Testament and... well, I just wish I had some of the drugs those guys must've been using.

Edit: The OT bit isn't really relevant, just wanted to throw that in there. What I meant was I think Paul and his books are responsible for a lot of that - they're where many of the more contested Christian doctrines stem from, and he even admits that his main objective was to convert people. The NT takes what I think is quite a sharp departure from its previous books when Paul's writings enter the scene.

[This message has been edited by Twisted_Ferret (edited 08-21-2006).]

[mrparks]

quote:Originally posted by Jackketchs Muse:

You're confusing the book with actual practices, I think? Mysticism is scattered throughout the NT, just as is the organization of the church.

Good point, and I may be.

quote:

Do some research on Christian mystics.

Hence the post.

quote:

I think that within every group you have those who follow a more mystical path than do others.

I agree. It does seem like that.



TF: Good post, I agree. Paul is usually viewed as the founder of the organized NT church. Paul also seems to be a bit of a rogue minister, as he reinterpetted the teachings of Christ to everyone else.

The Jewish Christians weren't too fond of him, and I don't think he really liked them a whole lot either. Which to me would explain why he went to the Gentiles with intent to convert, and giving us modern christianity.

I don't intend to debate any of these points.

Or to be e-burned as a herectic by any christians on this forum. (I'm kidding, really)