A christian mystic is someone who experiences the divine in a unique way. Mystics come from a wide variety of Christian backgrounds, including Catholic Christians, mainline Protestants, and Evangelicals. Some have a more mystical interpretation of the Bible, while others have more traditional orthodox views. Christian mystics are also known as mystical theologians, but their ideas aren't always embraced by other Christians.

While there is some Christian mysticism variation among mystics, many of them believe that God is the one ultimate reality and source of everything that exists. They typically view this divinity as loving and all-powerful, with a desire to be in union with it. This is the central theme of mysticism. Some Christian mystics use different names for the Divine, but they all have a common core of beliefs.

A key belief of most Christian mystics is that the human soul can be united with the divine. This is known as union with God, or sanctification. The mystic is able to experience this through meditation, asceticism, and other practices. This can be a gradual process or a sudden revelation. Some Christian mystics have described this as an ecstatic experience.

Many mystics believe that the first step on the path to sanctification is awakening or an increase in spiritual awareness. This is often accompanied by a feeling of joy and love. Christian mystics have described this as a "divine illumination." Evelyn Underhill wrote that mystics receive truths that are not found in scripture or anywhere else in the Christian tradition. These truths are about transcendent order and a vision of a new heaven and earth.

This awakening or heightened spiritual awareness is followed by purification. This involves a conscious effort to remove all things that interfere with the mystic's relationship with Divine Reality. Christian mystics frequently quote Romans 12:2b, which says that we should "put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; and whatever is contrary to goodness, and hold fast to what is good."

After purification, the mystic can experience the "unceasing prayer of the heart," or union with God. This is sometimes referred to as "the dark night of the soul." It can occur at any time, but it is most often experienced during periods of intense suffering or persecution. The mystic is able to remain peaceful during these times because the love of God for him or her transcends pain.

The mystic must continue the journey of union with the Divine after the darkness ends. According to mystic Meister Eckhart, this means renouncing self and becoming the divine nature. Eckhart also emphasized that mystics should be a model for the rest of Christianity to follow. Other mystics have suggested that this process takes years or even decades to complete. They must persevere and be willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of God. The christian mystic understands that the most important thing is to love.