John the Theologian in Silence
The Mystic Theologian
John the Theologian in Silence: The Mystic Theologian
There is a lot I want to say in the future about this, but for now I believe some of the ways John the Apostle is viewed in history will help us in our modern-day battles between theology and spiritual matters. This is not to say this is exclusive to John only. Many of our church fathers were bishops and doctors of the Church that helped shaped and conform the Body of Christ into faithful witness of Jesus.
Father John Behr argues that because John’s gospel is the only account that does not have a Mount of Transfiguration story therefore, it is a transfigurational gospel. In other words, the spiritual meaning revealed throughout the way John tells the story of the gospel indicates his theology is not just talking about Christ but is revealing Him within the story. His theology invites a story to communion with the mystic Christ in contemplation.
A.W. Tozer refers to John as “The Mystic.” Church history also refers to John as The Theologian, and early mystics called him the “Theologian in Silence.”
St Evagrius contends, “If you are a theologian, you truly pray. If you truly pray, you are a theologian.”
John the Evangelist
John is also called the Evangelist because, like the other gospels, he is proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. Contemplation and theology are not meant to keep us from engaging the world with the gospel, but it is the latter we can ascend into mystical union to know Him and make Him known. It is the Scriptures that testify to the Word of God Himself the Lamb who rules from the Cross in the midst of the throne (Revelation 5:6).
I have always considered myself more of a growing mystic before I ever became a budding theologian. For me, and in much of church history, I don’t see the level of contention that we have today. From what I have studied the common factor came with how they viewed Jesus as the Crucified and Risen Lord. Just just some food for contemplative thought.
"The icon (picture above) shows the Apostle John in these latter years, as the elder “Theologian”. In his hands he holds the Gospel, with the words: “In the beginning…” (John 1:1). To his left, an angel is shown whispering the Gospel into John’s ear, yet the Apostle does not look to him, but casts his eyes down in contemplation. The Saint’s right hand is raised up, making the sign of the cross over his mouth, guarding it lest he were to say something from his own imagination: the great Evangelist is reduced to silence".
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