Ecstasy in Classic Christian Mysticism
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) August 1, 2022 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6949440 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis |
|---|---|
| Population | Christian mystical texts from the biblical period to the end of the seventeenth century |
| Topics | MDMA Mysticism |
| Keywords | Religious studies Psychoanalysis Theology |
| Key points | Argues that while ecstasy is not the essence of Christian mysticism, it has been a major component of mysticism over many centuries. |
Abstract
Ecstasy (literally, ‘standing outside’), that is, the sense of being outside or beyond the ordinary modes of consciousness, seems to be a universal trait of human existence. Among the many forms of ecstasy is religious, or ‘supra-normal’, ecstasy, which is seen as coming from the action of a higher source, or divinity. This essay examines the forms of religious ecstasy and related terminology in classic Christian mysticism, beginning with the biblical witness and proceeding to the end of the seventeenth century. Three periods are investigated in some detail: (1) the Early Middle Ages (ca. 600-1200), especially the twelfth century; (2) the later Middle Ages (1200-1500); and (3) Early Modern Mysticism (1500-1700), with special attention to Teresa of Avila. While ecstasy is not the essence of Christian mysticism, it has been a major component of mysticism over many centuries.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens | 1986 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Background and Chemistry of MDMA | 1986 | Historical analysis | |
| The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents* Original documents in Merck's historical archive in Darmstadt, Germany, years 1900–1960 | 2006 | Historical analysis | |
| Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA | 2019 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale | 2009 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |