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Contemplative reason, or mind, is not logical or rational; rather, it is trans-logical (not illogical) and trans-rational (not irrational). ... trans-logical, for it does not negate logic. ... trans-rational, for it does not negate reason. Transcendence is not negation, or denial. Contemplative mind is not mindless, for it is mindful in mind transcending mind by mind, and this transcendence is into living interpenetration, or intimacy, with Absolute Intelligence.
It follows that human beings appear to have some affinity with God.... And although God knows everything and nothing related to intelligible things escapes His notice ..., nevertheless, even the rational mind can by progressing from small things to greater and from visible to invisible (cf. Col. 1:16) arrive at a more perfect understanding. For it is placed in a body and necessarily progresses from perceptible things, which are corporeal, to imperceptible, which are incorporeal and intelligible. ... things that are intelligible must be sought not by corporeal perception but by some other one which [is] "divine."
*Origen [On First Principles], Trans. and Ed. Rowan A. Greer, in "The Classics of Western Spirituality."
*OneLife writings are offered by Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist pastor serving in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He writes in the spirit of John Wesley's focus on the priority of inner experience of the Triune God; scriptural holiness; ongoing sanctification; the goal of Christian perfection (or, wholeness). Brian seeks to integrate the best of the contemplative teachings of Christianity East and West, from the patristic Church to the present. Brian lives a vowed contemplative life with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, in North Florida. OneLife writings are for anyone seeking to live and share love, joy, and peace in the world and in devotion to God as she or he best understands God.
*For the three capacities, I am indebted to the writings of Ken Wilber--for example, The Eye of Spirit--, and I am indebted much on comments to numerous of the great mystical theologians of the Church, as well as mystics in Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and mystical Judaism.
*Brian's book An Ache for Union: Poems on Oneness with God through Love, a book of poems on mystical union with God, can be ordered through major on-line booksellers or your local bookstore.
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