Mystical Approach to Bible Interpretation

 



Introduction

This approach sees something hidden in the words of the Bible. While many students approach the Bible from a literal or historical perspective, there exists a tradition known as mystical interpretation. Within this tradition (mystical approach to the Bible), some believers seek not just to understand the words on the page but to explore what they claim to be inner mysteries concealed beneath the surface of the Bible words. For example, Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.  Those with mystical approach would usually see something in the words: apostles, prophets and foundation. This article in considering the mystical interpretation of the Bible, will focus on the origins of mystical interpretation, key principles of mystical interpretation, exploration of inner mysteries, and spiritual quest.

Origins of Mystical Interpretation

The mystical interpretation of the Bible has deep historical roots, tracing back to the early centuries of the Christian era. It emerged alongside and was influenced by various mystical and philosophical traditions, including Neoplatonism and Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah).

The two origins of mystical interpretation of the Bible worth mentioning are Early Christian and Jewish Kabbalah

1.    Early Christian

 Some believers in the early church began to look at the Bible as a mystical book. Their mystical outlook led to the development of mystical interpretation of the Bible.  They claimed that the Bible contained multiple layers of meaning, including a literal, moral, and spiritual sense. They argued that the spiritual sense revealed hidden truths about the soul's journey towards God. Mystical interpretation, which claims that the Bible contains multiple layers of meaning, including literal, moral, and spiritual sense, was one of the major challenges to early church and the apostles. The strange approach to the interpretation of the teachings of the Bible are some of the reasons for some warnings found in the Bible as in Colossians 2:18-19   Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going in details about visions, puff up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God

    Jewish Kabbalah

 The Jewish kabbalah is described as an esoteric method of mysticism. While Jewish kabbalah primarily focused on the mystical interpretation of the Torah (the Hebrew Bible), Kabbalistic thought has influenced many in Christendom by interpreting the Bible with mystical methods as well. Kabbalists explored the hidden, esoteric aspects of scripture, believing that the Torah contained deeper mystical truths: the method which majority in Christendom have copied in interpreting the entire Bible.

Key Principles of Mystical Interpretation

1.    Allegory and Symbolism

 Mystical interpretation often employs allegory and symbolism to uncover hidden meanings. Ordinary narratives and characters are seen as symbolic representations of profound spiritual truths. For instance, the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt may be interpreted as an allegory for the soul's liberation from the bondage of worldly attachments.

This has been discussed in the article, Allegorical approach.

2.    Spiritual Experience

Mystical interpreters emphasize the importance of personal spiritual experience. They view the Bible as a guidebook for inner transformation, and the stories within it as mirrors reflecting the inner workings of the human soul.

This leads to subjective interpretation, instead of objectively looking into the text of the Bible. Details of this are explicated in the article, Inner Spiritual Experience.

3.    Union with the Divine  

At its core, mystical interpretation seeks to facilitate a union with the Divine. It is believed that by delving into the inner mysteries of scripture, individuals can draw closer to God and experience a profound connection with the Divine. The danger of this is that the unwary are lured into strange practices to the extent of trafficking with demons. A detailed instruction is given in article titled Union with the Divine.

Exploration of Inner Mysteries

The mystical interpretation of the Bible is synonymous with the exploration of inner mysteries. This process involves several key aspects:

1.    Spiritual Contemplation

 Mystics engage in deep contemplation and meditation on the biblical text. They seek to go beyond the literal words and allow the Spirit to guide them into the depths of the scripture.

2.    Intuitive Insight

The exploration of inner mysteries often yields intuitive insights. Mystics trust their inner wisdom and intuition to reveal hidden truths that transcend intellectual comprehension.

3.    Personal Transformation

The ultimate aim of exploring inner mysteries is personal transformation. Mystics believe that by delving into the depths of scripture, they can undergo profound spiritual change, aligning themselves more closely with divine qualities.

 The Spiritual Quest

This is another concept of mystical interpretation of the Bible which is use advocates that believers can have certain profound experiences in the spiritual quest to learn the full meaning of the Bible for their spiritual life.

 The following are some of the several reasons advocated:

1.    Inner Awakening

It offers a path to inner awakening, allowing individuals to explore the depths of their own consciousness and spirituality.

2.    Deeper Understanding

 It provides a deeper understanding of the timeless wisdom contained within the Bible, transcending the limitations of literal interpretation.

3.    Universal Spirituality

Mystical interpretation often emphasizes universal spiritual principles, fostering a more inclusive and ecumenical approach to faith and spirituality.

4.    Interfaith Dialogue

 It encourages interfaith dialogue and cooperation by recognizing that the quest for inner truths is a shared endeavour among diverse spiritual traditions. This is one of the reasons for so much syncretism that is witnessed in Christendom today.

Considering the points that have been highlighted, the advocates of mystical interpretation of the Bible, with emphasis on the exploration of inner mysteries, have the following as their claims:

1.    They claimed that it helps believers to embark on a profound spiritual journey.

2.    They also claimed that it encourages a deep and contemplative engagement with scripture, transcending the boundaries of literalism and opening the door to inner transformation and union with the Divine.

3.    They argued that mystical interpretation has ancient roots, and that its enduring significance lies in its ability to inspire seekers in their quest for inner wisdom and spiritual growth.

4.    They claimed that mystical interpretation is a channel reminding believers that the true essence of scripture often lies beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to explore its inner mysteries.

 

Conclusion

As have been pointed out in some scriptures, mystical interpretation of the Bible is an aberration to Bible interpretation.

It is an aberration because so many passages in the Bible show that mystical interpretation is a wrong approach of Bible interpretation. Read for example, Deuteronomy 30:11-14.

    For the commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

God in Deuteronomy shows us that He ensured that the Bible is plainly revealed and written in simple human language and conventional human styles of writing. God added that He did this so that no one should claim that the Bible is hard to understand due to some hidden meanings.

Therefore, all the claims of the mystical interpretation are nothing but misleading and causing confusion as shall be seen in other articles.