Editorial: Mysticism Reloaded
Religions October 15, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/rel16101311 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe study of mysticism is in a state of turmoil, with ongoing debates about its definition, methods, and boundaries. The authors argue that this crisis stems from conflicting approaches across disciplines such as philosophy, theology, and religious studies, each imposing different criteria for what counts as mystical experience. They propose that a more integrated, interdisciplinary framework is needed to move beyond these disputes. The paper critiques existing models and contends that without a shared conceptual foundation, scholarship on mysticism will remain fragmented and unable to produce coherent knowledge.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | State computer science Jewish mysticism Criticism Philosophy Theology |
| Key finding | Argues that the field of mysticism studies is in turmoil due to disciplinary fragmentation and proposes an interdisciplinary framework to resolve conceptual disputes. |
Abstract
Studies of mysticism have been in a state of turmoil for years [...]