Conscious of Christ: Toward a Doctrinal Mysticism in Dialogue With Bernard McGinn, John Calvin, and Meister Eckhart.

The article examines the concept of Christian mysticism through the lens of Bernard McGinn’s heuristic definition, which describes mysticism as a consciousness of God’s immediate presence that transforms the believer. It contrasts the mystical theologies of Meister Eckhart, whose Neoplatonic views led to modalistic and pantheistic tendencies, with John Calvin’s christocentric doctrine of “mystical union with Christ,” grounded firmly in Scripture and orthodox Christian doctrine. The study argues for a “doctrinal mysticism” that upholds biblical teachings on the Trinity, salvation, and the Creator-creature distinction while fostering spiritual growth and vitality through a conscious awareness of God’s presence. This form of mysticism integrates spiritual disciplines aimed at deepening union with Christ, serving as a balanced and scripturally sound aid to Christian sanctification and piety.