CHRISTIAN ENCOUNTER WITH THE OCCULT PHENOMENON: A KABALLISTIC EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The idea of mysticism or occultism has always been shrouded in demonic and evil forces by most fanatical and overzealous Christians. The Kaballah is an ancient Jewish teaching that uses biblical stories as allegories for human experience, and its primary concern is the knowledge of God, the universe, and humanity. The Kaballistic Tree of Life is a complex diagram that serves as a device for understanding the universe and humanity, and its connection to mystical experiences. This article explores the concept of occult knowledge, particularly the Hebrew Qaballah, its relevance to Christian scholars. It examines the distinction between mystics and magicians, white and black witches and the concept of white and black magic. The Kaballa has contributed to the development of the magic faculty or mystic sense, and has influenced the Christian theology, particularly the works of Dion Fortune and Thomas Aquinas. Basically, the work demonstrates the value of occult knowledge and the Kaballah in deepening one's understanding of spiritual reality and the nature of God.