The Christian mystics were devotional writers of the Reformation and post-Reformation eras. They stressed union with God through inner purification and illumination. Many of them were Roman Catholic. Their influence was enormous among Catholics and Protestants alike. Therefore, it should not surprise us that Martin Luther and John Wesley read the mystic authors.
Theologia Germanica
In 1516 and 1518, the same period he had his breakthrough on justification by faith alone, Luther published the Theologia Germanica. a devotional work from the 14th century that Luther believed had been authored by the German Mystic John Tauler (1300-1361). Today, the author is considered unknown. Luther valued its teachings on living the Christian life in union with God. So popular was the work that 17 editions were produced during Luther’s lifetime.
The English translator of this work from Luther’s German edition was Susanna Winkworth in the 19th century. She explains the work was produced by the “Friends of God,” a circle of mystics that John Tauler was a part of. She goes into detail about the book’s development in the historical introduction.
Luther’s praise for the Theologia Germanica played a major role in its popularity. He acknowledged in his preface that the quality of the German was not the best, but he considered this “noble book” to contain much “knowledge and divine wisdom.” In fact, Luther valued this little book next to the Bible and St. Augustine as the best source for learning about a deep walk with God.
The popular image of Luther is as a Reformer who re-discovered justification by faith alone, the central tenet of the Protestant faith. He is remembered for his emphasis on “alien righteousness” as the believer’s legal or positional standing before God. But Luther was also deeply interested in the interior life of the Christian. Like other believers, he desired a deep bond with God. This was what led him to publish the Theologia Germanica.
English Edition: Theologia Germanica 1874
John Wesley
John Wesley was introduced to the Theologia Germanica by William Law, when the two met for the first time in the summer of 1732. Like Luther, Wesley read the authors of the mystic tradition and read this work over the next several years. What drew Wesley to the mystics was their emphasis on holiness as union with God. Their teachings on inner purgation and spiritual illumination resonated with him. The mystic approach of inner change fit quite well with his pursuit to attain heart holiness.
By 1736 the Theologia Germanica and other mystical works began to fall out of favor with Wesley. He wrote to his older brother Samuel in November of that year, “I think the rock on which I had the nearest made shipwreck of the faith was in the writings of the mystics, under which term I comprehend all, and only those, who slight any of the means of grace.”
In Wesley’s perspective, the mystics devalued the devotional practices which the Anglican Church placed a lot of emphasis on for living the Christian faith. The mystics basically felt whatever means produced union with God should be treasured and the rest could be discarded. As a devout Anglican this was too much for Wesley, who practiced a methodical approach to living the Christian life.
Wesley’s criticism may sound harsh, but he had a point. Mysticism was and is quite individualistic. He mentioned such means of grace as corporate prayer. Should we discard praying together just because someone doesn’t feel it unites them to God? Other examples could be given.
Link to Christian Mysticism Sources.
Conclusion
Luther and Wesley did not support the mystic path in regard to justification. Both firmly believed that in Christ we have a standing as righteousness before God. It is a gift of grace. But they did see value in the mystics when it came to drawing closer to God and experiencing union with God – a bond of love and unity of heart.
Secondary Resources:
Robert Tuttle, Mysticism in the Wesleyan Tradition (1989)
[This post was taken with permission from the Featured Monthly Resources Page on Mark K. Olson’s website.]
