High Mysticism [Paperback]

Emma Curtis Hopkins (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0875161987 | ISBN-13: 978-0875161983 | Publication Date: September 1974

American writer, educator, theologian, and feminist pioneer EMMA CURTIS HOPKINS (1849-1925) may well be the most important woman in the history of religion in the United States. Influenced by Mary Baker Eddy and her "Christian Science," Hopkins developed the more metaphysical philosophy of New Thought, an early "New Age" outlook that encouraged its adherents to tap the latent powers of their potent minds. Known as "the teacher of teachers," Hopkins inspired her students, many of whom went on to become influential leaders of the New Thought movement, to give full expression to their creative genius. In this 1888 book, considered by many one of the greatest works of mysticism every written, Hopkins encourages us all to live life with a greater awareness of the mystery and power of the universe as it is seen through the wisdom of Jesus Christ. No bleak call to celebrate Jesus' suffering or pain, this is a glorious expression of the power within us to triumph over loss, sin, and death to find new avenues to joy. ALSO AVAILABLE FROM COSIMO: Hopkins' Scientific Christian Mental Practice

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: DeVorss & Company (September 1974)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875161987
• ISBN-13: 978-0875161983
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,420,269 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Enormously influential, a product of its time, December 16, 2000

By 

Robert H. Nunnally Jr. "gurdonark" (Allen, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: High Mysticism (Paperback)

Emma Curtis Hopkins was a pioneer in the 19th Century new thought movement. Her work influenced both the Unity School of Christianity and Religious Science movements. High Mysticism is arguably the "centerpiece" among her writings on religion.

Ms. Hopkins, like all the best of the New Thought writers, was a synthesist of orthodox and heterodox Christian ideas, ideas from the eastern religions, and a number of ideas seemingly spawned anew in the "can do" America of the late 19th and early 20th Century.

High Mysticism, as its title suggests, advocates a mystical and metaphysical approach to problems of faith. The language is almost self-consciously "religious", as Ms. Hopkins tries to clothe her ideas in a spiritual language appropriate to their serious purpose. Unfortunately, while the result is always readable, it sometimes seems a bit stilted and high flown, in the way that 19th Century novels of the fantastic could be. Ms. Hopkins differs from other advocates of new faiths in her era, though, in that Ms. Hopkins advocated an intersection between the metaphyscial ideas with which her work is preoccupied and the mundane everyday in which we all live. In some ways, her work, though it speaks of arcane mysteries, is trying to communicate an accessible spiritual practice. In this way, Ms. Hopkins arguably deviates from the "secret initiations" of theosophical and other similar movements.

Later writers, Ernest Holmes and the Fillmores in particular, would take Hopkins' ideas and express them in much more reader-friendly language. But High Mysticism is a must read for anyone who wants to see the "missing link" between Quimby on the one hand, and the modern "positive thinking" faiths on the other hand. I give this 3 stars because it is not for everyone,but it is consistently interesting, as Ms. Hopkins' ideas dance across the pages.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High Mysticism a Classic, December 9, 2003

By 

J Douglas Bottorff - See all my reviews

This review is from: High Mysticism (Paperback)

One of the most influential books of my writing and ministerial career. This book must be read, not with the mind, but with the soul, a feature that may prove difficult for some. Mrs. Hopkins fans the embers of the spiritually awakening consciousness in a way that is rare among writers. All her works should prove to be of great interest to the seeker of a deeper reality, but High Mysticism has the uncanny ability to impart a degree of that lofty realm Hopkins so eloquently elucidates.

J Douglas Bottorff, author of The Whisper of Pialigos.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the spiritually faint-hearted!, April 29, 2003

By 

Linda (Colorado Springs, Colombia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: High Mysticism (Paperback)

This book is spiritual dynamite. Do not read it unless you want to see an earthquake in your deepest self. Sure, it's written in archaic language--it's old! But the Truths it relates are as new as your next breath.
If you're bold, read it. It will change your life.