Category: Spirituality

Hekhalot and Merkavah are from an early form of Jewish mysticism. Hekhalot is the Hebrew word for Palaces and Merkavah Hebrew word for Chariot. Both refer to mystical experiences and visions of the Divine. This was the mystical tradition that the Apostle Paul would have known and followed. I believe it formed the background for…

Since I will be referring to Mysticism and quoting from Christian mystics, it might be best to define my terms. Definition of Mysticism I can think of no better authority on mysticism than the Anglican writer Evelyn Underhill. In one of her shorter books, she gives the following definitions: Mysticism is the art of union…

The one thing the genuine hermit abhors is attention. As an anonymous Camaldolese hermit put it, “Our solitary life is not only a renunciation of the artificiality of a mundane existence based on appearance and efficiency, but it hides us from the eyes and the acquaintance of others in such a way that we live…

The three evangelical counsels are the traditional vows which all monastics make. They are chastity, poverty, and obedience. Let’s look at each, but from a non-Catholic viewpoint. Chastity The Oxford English Dictionary defines chastity as “the state or practice of refraining from extramarital, or especially from all, sexual intercourse.” This would include refraining from masturbation….

I am an Episcopalian, but there is wisdom in what the Roman Catholic Church says about hermits in Canon 603. §1 Besides institutes of consecrated life the Church recognizes the eremitic or anchoritic life by which the Christian faithful devote their life to the praise of God and salvation of the world through a stricter…