form and asserts that this type of mysticism rarely existed in Christianity. The second
form of “mysticism is [the] broader and more flexible sense argued for in this
volume” that reflects “the existence of a mystical element.”^25 Therefore, rather than
attempting to delineate a concise definition McGinn prefers to speak in broader terms.
He draws upon Baron von Hügel’s research that recognized three dimensions to
religion, the institutional, intellectual, and mystical.^26 Significantly von Hügel
stressed the importance that these three elements must be kept in balance.^27 McGinn
maintains, “the mystical element in Christianity is that part of its belief and practices
that concerns the preparation for, the consciousness of, and the reaction to what can
be described as the immediate or direct presence of God.”^28 Michael Downey agrees,
“[t]he governing category for viewing the tradition of mysticism need not be solely
that of union with God as is often assumed... Indeed, there is much to suggest that
‘presence’ rather than ‘union’ is the more appropriate category in interpreting the
traditions of Christian spirituality.”^29 McGinn’s broad definition includes three main
areas of concern, the mystical element of Christianity, the mystical process or way of
life, and the mystical experience.^30 In his third volume he restates his understanding
of mysticism, “[t]he mystical element within Christianity, as I have argued throughout
this history, centers on a form of immediate encounter with God whose essential
purpose is to convey a loving knowledge (even a negative one) that transforms the
mystic’s mind and whole way of life.”^31 McGinn’s understanding of mysticism is
obviously more expansive than this and includes a nuanced perspective on the role of
(^25) McGinn, Foundations of Mysticism (^) , 65-6.
(^26) von Hügel, Mystical Element of Religion, 1:9, 60-1.
(^27) von Hügel, Mystical Element of Religion, 2:68-9, 387-92.
(^28) McGinn, Foundations of Mysticism, xvii.
(^29) Downey, Understanding Christian Spirituality, 67.
(^3031) McGinn, Foundations of Mysticism, xvi-xvii.
McGinn, Flowering of Mysticism, 26.