Mystical experience differs from ordinary religious experience, which is mediated through cultural and historical categories. This distinction raises questions about the role and status of mystical experience in spiritual life, what it teaches about spiritual reality and ideals, and the terms of a theology of mystical experience. The author compares Rahner's view of mystical experiences with his concept of 'everyday mysticism,' then outlines Michael Washburn's transpersonal theory to explore the relevance of psychology for a Christian theology. The article concludes with reflections for developing a contemporary theology of mystical experience.
Ordinary and mystical consciousness share similarities but also differ in important ways. Two current views of ordinary consciousness are explained and contrasted, followed by two views of mystical consciousness. Daniel Dennett's materialistic reduction of mental phenomena to a biological substratum is discussed; many critics consider his stance a mere postulate taken for granted, though his system is well argued. The article uses a clarificatory dialectic, illustrated by contrasts, and draws on constructive expositions from various authors, with Canadian philosopher-theologian Bernard Lonergan given prominence. It compares thinkers who are rarely analyzed together.