Customer Reviews

High Mysticism

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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.

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.

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.

By all means buy this book even if it sits on the shelf until it is time to read it. I thank this publisher for making High Mysticism available again as it has been out of print.

This book is the culmination of Emma Curtis Hopkins long career as a teacher, healer and founder of New Thought. It was not written in 1888 as stated in another review. Looking at her other writings show there was a growth in her consciousness that places this book as being completed after the turn of the 20th century. Most of her writing includes quotes relating to the science of the day which was mostly chemistry. This book mentions radio, atomic theory automobiles and other scientific advances after the turn of the last century. Emma was always at the forefront of what was going on in the world. She had trained over 50,000 people by the end of her career, including the founders of all the current New Thought organizations around today.

This book requires a dedication to your spiritual life, and patience to follow "her special line of reasoning." It would be good to read some of her earlier works such as "Scientific Christian Mental Practice" (Mental Science) or "The Gospel Series" (Spiritual Science) which to me, after studying her teachings for 15 years, is the book that goes right to the heart of Truth. For an easier way into her teachings look at "Unveiling Your Hidden Power: Emma Curtis Hopkins Metaphysics for the 21st Century."

All of her earlier works state, "deny the unreality of what is not Good or not God, and to affirm the Truth that is the Good or God." In High Mysticism she goes beyond this to say "just know the Truth and it will set you free."

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High Mysticism


This book is transformative. I love it.