Revelation beyond Conversion: St. Paul Apostle’s Mystical Experiencein Light of Maurice Blondel’s Philosophy of the Mysticism

Abstract

This article describes St. Paul’s powerful experience on the road to Damascus using thephilosophy of mysticism by Maurice Blondel. While the experience is often simplifiedas a conversion, the study posits that it is more accurately described as a revelation anda prophetic calling. Using Blondel’s non-reductionist approach, which focuses on livedexperience as well as action, this article demonstrates that St. Paul’s Damascus experience was a truly mystical experience that was rational and transformative. The firstpart analyzes St. Paul’s Christophany as an apostolic mission, and not simply a changeof religion. The second part explains Blondel’s criteria for authentic mysticism and whyhe insists on the mystic experience being more than a psychological phenomenon. Thethird part uses St. Paul’s transformation as an example of authentic mystical experienceas a result of applying Blondel’s philosophy. The conclusion emphasizes the enduringtheological significance of the event on the road to Damascus.