Mysticism Also Has Some Truth to It (with Care)

I’ve noticed a tendency in people of faith to shift their focus away from mystical truths because of something about the notion of the esoteric being “evil.”

If that was the case, then why did the wise men follow an astrological sign to come give gifts to the King of Kings?

God would be the one who placed the sign in the stars, would He not?

I’m not saying practicing deistic Satanism would bring about great results, obviously, but God created many aspects of this universe Christians refuse to touch.

I had a discussion with a friend of mine around two weeks ago about how certain people have certain temperaments based on when they were born. We’re both practicing believers, and we don’t ascribe Satan any glory when we discuss these subjects.

God created the universe we inhabit, and it is a massive clockwork circuit with us small beings being a part of the grand design of all things.

There are forces beyond our understanding at work in this massive cosmic web of interconnected things.

We barely understand the physical laws that run the universe, so how much more are we ignorant of the spiritual truths found within our existence?

I study esoteric truths to increase my understanding of God’s creation. I’ve studied Kabbalah and the mysteries (the mystery school train of thought of the ancient world). I read widely to further my spiritual journey. This does not mean I agree with each school of thought (pun intended).

This does not and will never replace my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

It does, however, build spiritual muscle so I can reach new heights of spiritual understanding.

There is an element of truth to mystical traditions, such as those of the Native American spiritists, who see the grand design of the Great Creator in all things and even have shamans who are spiritually in tune with the surrounding universe. They see people who might be called “woo-woo” or “looney” as something special and perfect for becoming spiritual leaders.

Christianity might look at this and see a religious deception and belief in spiritism.

Yet, there is evidence of Hebraic teaching found among the Native American population, with roots for Yahweh and some even mention Jesus (or someone strikingly like Him) visiting them in the distant past.

There are even many parallels with their folklore and His teachings (1).

Christians will dismiss this as fanciful accounts that can’t be trusted, yet the natives say Jesus Christ visited them in much of their folklore. That He promised to return one day, that He was divine. The East Star is one name for Him in their culture. The Cherokee name for God even sounds like Yahweh or Yehovah (Ye Ho Waah).

But my point is these native peoples believe in a single, powerful God, the Great Spirit.

Are they wrong? Is God not one, as the Shema (2) says?

I read much spiritualism and folklore to enrich my understanding of humanity and to increase my ability as an author. My next novel coming out in a around two weeks deals with Polish folklore, for example.

I am familiar with Kabbalah, elemental spirits, island folklore, and all manner of other spiritual traditions.

I do not follow said traditions (most times, though I find much wisdom in Kabbalistic expression) since most of them contradict my faith in some form or another.

The point of our journey is to fear God and keep His commandments, loving each other as Christ loved us. To find our inner light and let that inner light permeate the world.

We all need a guiding light to reach the goal of learning to overcome the mortal coil and broken world around us. But just as some of the world is broken, there is much beauty and magic in this world if we know where to look for it.

In Hebraic culture, we look forward to the world to come, the reign of the Messiah on Earth, where war will be no more and righteousness will fill the Earth.

But there is nothing in the Scriptures against making the world a better place using the light we have.

Jesus said the kingdom of God would be found within ourselves first, before the physical manifestation of the literal kingdom in the distant future.

In other words, the world needs our light.

Sometimes, as I’ve learned, that light is found within areas most Christians don’t want to touch, thinking everything is sinful.

Yet, Paul, who was righteous and philosophical in the faith, often quoted Greek poets and used the unknown God of the pagans to the gospel’s advantage in Acts 17:23.

How dare he? Didn’t he know it was a pagan god?

My point is, sometimes there is a kernel of truth to other traditions. We’re not worshiping their gods or anything if we realize God created our bodies with the ability to channel certain frequencies and energies. It is His creation, which Satan might twist in some manner, sure, but the truth remains.

It leads to silly thoughts, like using a neti pot will have you possessed by demons. I think demons care more about deception and leading the flock astray than clearing our sinuses.

Believers must be careful not to fall into enemy traps and of falling into non-biblical practices, but understanding the spiritual world is complex is not a sin.

Even the Proverbs say the lot is cast, but every decision is from the LORD.

In modern terms, that tarot card is there because every decision is from God Himself. I use this concept in my debut novel, where the final battle involved a gambling tarot wielder against my protagonist in a duel. Spoiling nothing, ultimately the story shows God is sovereign over all things.

But the point I’m making is to be in tune with what the LORD is saying to you.

Look out for those signs you’re on the right path, and it might come from some rather unexpected places.

It might be subtle, or it might be: “Pay attention! Are you blind?”

If you’re not seeing signs or hearing from Him, quiet yourself and study the Scriptures, and that still small voice of the Holy Spirit will be there to lead the way.

Nothing will replace Scripture study and understanding the Word of God.

The LORD has many ways to speak and is sovereign over all things.

Don’t be afraid to explore subjects you previously thought were too “out there” or “New Age” if they truly don’t contradict the Scriptures.

May you have a blessed night.

I’ll be spending the rest of my night with gratitude and thanks for seeing things the right way.

It might take a little patience on our part, but seeing things the right way is ultimately up to us.

There’s no need to fear things because they’re different from what we’re accustomed to in our faith walks.