Mysticism beyond time
May 24, 2023 Zsuzsanna Szugyiczki
Contemporary research often characterizes modern mysticism as "confused" and "superficial," especially when compared to "classical" or "traditional" mysticism. This comparison suggests modern phenomena do not meet the high standards attributed to traditional forms, on which most definitions of mysticism are based. This dissertation argues for a more nuanced analysis, proposing that (1) mysticism can be characterized and compared as traditional and modern based on contemporary theoretical works, (2) the differences underlying these categories apply only to contextual elements, not to mystical experiences themselves, (3) because this distinction does not apply to mystical experiences, modern mysticism is essentially identical to traditional mysticism, (4) there is insufficient and inadequate theoretical research on interpreting modern mysticism, and (5) contextual changes related to modern mysticism necessitate updating definitions and categories of mysticism.