Tag Archives: Mysticism

Ayahuasca and the D’Ohs of Perception

Cross-posted on the Corner: Madness, too much time in the desert or just the right hallucinogenic concoction all seem to be reasonably reliable routes to mysticism. Ayahuasca is (the New Yorker reports) “an intensely hallucinogenic potion made from boiling woody … Continue reading

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Mystic and Mad

In the Spectator a review by Sean McGlynn of a new book intended to show that there was more to the Middle Ages than mud and blood: For those who imagine the medieval period along the lines of Monty Python … Continue reading

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Mysticism and Mush – Grains of Sand, Glasses of Wine (or Something)

More on what sort of god is God: Aiden Kimel: I concluded my previous post with the question, How do we stop thinking of God as god? The contemporary theologian I have found most helpful on this question is Herbert … Continue reading

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“The Sheer Ocean of Being”

I’ve never really thought that the God of Jews and Christians (despite His rather mixed origins—check out the works of James Kugel on this topic) was a god to be compared with a Zeus or an Odin and I doubt … Continue reading

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Delirium

As much as I may grumble about the Economist’s snooty and irritating Davos/Brussels liberalism, it still remains an invaluable resource, not least its Christmas issue. This year’s included a haunting, terrifically written piece on the 19th Century war that nearly … Continue reading

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Rapture

There’s a piece by Mark Oppenheimer in today’s New York Times about the transformation of Blondie’s (ah, those were the days) bassist into a popular writer about religion. Harmless enough stuff, but this passage caught my eye: Mr. Lachman moved … Continue reading

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Mystic Pieces

Today’s New York Times op-ed by Ross Douthat begins on a note (sort of) of hope: “Mysticism is dying…Monasteries have dwindled. Contemplative orders have declined. Our religious leaders no longer preach the renunciation of the world; our culture scoffs at the … Continue reading

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