Readers will recognize the strong similarity between Mursell’s summary and
McGinn’s previous description of two forms of mysticism.^82 Further, Roman
Catholics did not welcome all types of mysticism indiscriminately acknowledging
that there could be unhealthy expressions of it and experienced similar fears regarding
it at various stages of their history.^83 Due to this ongoing lack of clarity regarding the
term, some scholars today are hesitant to use the word mysticism in connection with
Puritan piety. They are rightfully concerned since “mysticism” has had an uneven
history over the centuries and has both collected many excesses and pushed the
boundaries of theological orthodoxy beyond the acceptable limits for some in the
church.^84 Significantly, some authors who initially were reticent to speak of
mysticism within Puritanism are able to embrace this possibility when it is understood
in a biblical or historically balanced manner.^85 Wakefield concludes his later study of
Puritanism asserting, “we are not wrong to speak of Mysticism” in the Puritans and
further “that the Mysticism of the English Puritans is in need of extended research.”^86
Clearly McGinn’s revised framework of the mystical element rather than
mysticism helps to respond to these legitimate criticisms of Puritan scholars as well as
encouraging the greatly needed research in this largely unexamined reservoir of
Puritan literature. Many of those who initially resisted the label of mysticism when
(^82) See page 6 above.
(^83) See for example McGinn, “Mysticism” s.v., 3:120; Mursell, Story of Christian
Spirituality 84 , 212, 234-5; and von Balthasar, Prayer, 117-8, 121-2.
For example Pope John XXII pronounced Meister Eckhart’s teaching as heretical
due to his emphasis upon the union of absorption or indistinction. McGinn,
“Mysticism” s.v., 3:119. However, Tamburello reminds readers of Eckhart’s
contemporary rehabilitation. 85 Ordinary Mysticism, 115-118.
86 Coffey, Wakefield, “Mysticism and Its Puritan Types,” 44. cf. Theology and British Revolutions, 95.^ Puritan Devotion, 108.