‘The devout Christian of the future will either be a “mystic”, one who has “experienced” something, or he will cease to be anything at all’ (Karl Rahner) Implications for future theology(ies)

Abstract

What lies at the core of theology? Karl Rahner and Dorothee Sölle offer answers: the experience of G*d. Both theologians take interest in mystical theology for its emphasis on experience but also (re)define the scope and use of the term ‘mysticism’ beyond its traditional interpretation in historical texts. Sölle talks about a ‘democratisation of mysticism’ to further expand its possible interpretations. What does this interpretation of mysticism mean for (systematic) theology? What are its implications for the present and the future? What shape or form can this fundamental element of experience take in theology? This article presents seven hypotheses in an attempt to answer these questions and offers suggestions for further discussion.