Playlist: Mysticism (topic)
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Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe roots of mysticism, as seen in the historical context of religious blending, trace back to Babylonian influences where Gnosticism, a pagan occult religion, emerged. This belief system intermingled with Judaism during the captivity in Babylon, giving rise to the Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah, which incorporated certain …
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGnosticism, with its mystical and charismatic nature, stands in stark contrast to rational thought, embodying a spiritual reality that eludes the senses and obvious intelligence. It is marked by asceticism, exclusivism, and a heavy reliance on magic. When combined with the zeal of certain Jews who practiced Halakah, this …