Inter-Religious Contexts and Comparative Theology in the Thought of Evelyn Underhill: Symbolic Narratives of Mysticism and the Songs of Kabīr
Journal of Hindu-Christian studies November 19, 2013 DOI: 10.7825/2164-6279.1550 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Narrative Mythology Spirituality Doctrine Religious experience Religious studies Theology Aesthetics Literature |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that mysticism is the core of religion, with personal religious experience inspiring the development of other religious dimensions. |
Abstract
Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941) regards mysticism as the core of religion. All religions include various dimensions: scripture/ mythology, doctrine/ philosophy, ethics/ law, social/institutional features, ritual, material aspects, and personal and communal experience. For Underhill, personal religious experience inspires and influences the development of these other aspects of religion—the heart of which is mysticism. Underhill asserts: “The mystics are the pioneers of the spiritual world” (4); “Mysticism is the art of union with Reality”.