The Top 20 Christian Mystics of All Time

Christian mysticism is a profound and often enigmatic aspect of Christian spirituality. Throughout history, there have been individuals who have delved deep into the mysteries of faith, seeking direct communion with the divine and experiencing profound mystical encounters. In this article, we will explore the lives and teachings of the top 20 Christian mystics who have left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape.

1. Meister Eckhart (1260-1327): A German Dominican friar, Meister Eckhart was known for his profound philosophical and mystical teachings. He emphasized the importance of detachment from worldly attachments and the union of the soul with God through contemplation and surrender.
2. Julian of Norwich (1342-1416): Julian of Norwich, an English anchoress, received mystical visions during a severe illness. Her most famous work, “Revelations of Divine Love,” explores themes of God’s unconditional love, divine mercy, and the inherent goodness of creation.
3. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582): Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic, was a reformer of the Carmelite order and a prolific writer. Her spiritual masterpiece, “The Interior Castle,” describes the journey of the soul through seven stages of spiritual development, culminating in a profound union with God.
4. John of the Cross (1542-1591): A Spanish Carmelite friar and poet, John of the Cross is renowned for his contributions to Christian mysticism. His writings, including “The Dark Night of the Soul” and “The Ascent of Mount Carmel,” explore the purification of the soul and the journey toward union with the divine.
5. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179): Hildegard of Bingen, a German Benedictine abbess, was a visionary, theologian, composer, and writer. Her mystical experiences, recorded in her works such as “Scivias” and “Symphonia,” revealed deep insights into theology, medicine, and the interconnectedness of all creation.
6. Thomas Merton (1915-1968): Thomas Merton, an American Trappist monk, was a prolific writer and spiritual thinker. His works, such as “The Seven Storey Mountain” and “New Seeds of Contemplation,” blend Eastern spirituality with Christian mysticism, emphasizing the importance of silence, solitude, and contemplative prayer.
7. John Ruusbroec (1293-1381): A Flemish mystic, John Ruusbroec advocated a spirituality of the inner union with God. His works, including “The Spiritual Espousals” and “The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage,” explore the stages of spiritual growth and the transformation of the soul in divine love.
8. Angela of Foligno (1248-1309): Angela of Foligno, an Italian Franciscan mystic, is known for her mystical experiences and writings. Her autobiographical work, “The Book of Divine Consolation,” recounts her encounters with the divine and her deep spiritual transformation through suffering and self-surrender.
9. Brother Lawrence (1614-1691): Brother Lawrence, a humble Carmelite lay brother, is remembered for his profound teachings on practicing the presence of God in daily life. His seminal work, “The Practice of the Presence of God,” emphasizes the importance of cultivating a constant awareness of God’s presence and finding joy in simple, ordinary tasks.
10. Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941): Evelyn Underhill, a British author and theologian, played a significant role in reviving interest in Christian mysticism during the early 20th century. Her influential work, “Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness,” explores the nature of mysticism across various religious traditions, including Christianity.

11. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380): Catherine of Siena, an Italian mystic and Dominican tertiary, experienced profound mystical visions and ecstasies from a young age. Known for her letters and dialogues, she advocated for reform within the Church and emphasized the importance of love, humility, and surrender to God’s will.
12. Francis of Assisi (1181/1182-1226): Francis of Assisi, the beloved Italian friar and founder of the Franciscan Order, is revered for his deep spiritual connection with nature and all living beings. His profound encounters with God, exemplified by the famous “Canticle of the Sun,” emphasize simplicity, poverty, and compassion.
13. Mechthild of Magdeburg (1207-1282): Mechthild of Magdeburg, a German Beguine mystic, wrote extensively on her mystical experiences. Her work, “The Flowing Light of the Godhead,” describes her encounters with the divine and explores themes of divine love, surrender, and the transformation of the soul.
14. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153): Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot and Cistercian monk, was a prominent figure in the 12th-century mystical revival. Known for his contemplative prayer and writings, such as “On Loving God” and “Sermons on the Song of Songs,” he emphasized the pursuit of divine love and the union of the soul with God.
15. Gertrude the Great (1256-1302): Gertrude the Great, a German Benedictine nun, is celebrated for her mystical experiences and writings. Her work, “The Herald of Divine Love,” reveals her encounters with Christ and emphasizes the transformative power of divine love in the soul.
16. John Tauler (c. 1300-1361): John Tauler, a German Dominican mystic, preached and wrote extensively on the pursuit of the inner life and the union of the soul with God. His sermons, collected in “The Sermons,” offer practical guidance for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection.
17. Marguerite Porete (c. 1250-1310): Marguerite Porete, a French Beguine mystic, authored “The Mirror of Simple Souls,” a controversial work that emphasized the annihilation of self and the complete surrender of the soul to God’s love. Her teachings challenged the Church’s authority and ultimately led to her execution.
18. Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022): Symeon the New Theologian, a Byzantine Christian monk, is considered one of the greatest mystics of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. His writings, such as “Hymns of Divine Love” and “Ethical Discourses,” explore the intimate union with God and the transformative power of divine grace.
19. Jeanne Guyon (1648-1717): Jeanne Guyon, a French mystic and writer, emphasized the practice of “the prayer of the heart” and contemplative prayer. Her work, “Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ,” outlines her experiences of union with God and offers practical guidance for those seeking a deeper spiritual life.
20. Brother Giles (c. 1190-1262): Brother Giles, an Italian companion of St. Francis of Assisi, lived a life of simplicity and poverty. His profound spiritual experiences centered on the love of God and the transformative power of humility and self-emptying.

These awesome, and often psychedelic, 20 Christian mystics represent a diverse range of time periods, cultures, and spiritual traditions within Christianity. Their teachings and mystical experiences continue to inspire and guide seekers on their spiritual journeys, offering insights into the nature of divine love, union with God, and the transformative power of contemplation and surrender. Their wisdom and devotion serve as a reminder of the richness and depth of Christian mysticism throughout history.