Source: Margaret Barker, Temple Mysticism: An Introduction (London: SPCK, 2011), 40–62.
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This podcast explores the concept of temple mysticism as a crucial, yet often obscured, element of ancient Israelite religion that profoundly influenced early Christianity. We argue that within the Jerusalem Temple's holy of holies, mystics sought a return to Day One, the pre-creation state of divine unity and light, aiming for personal transformation. One suggests that John's Gospel and other New Testament writings present Christianity as a continuation of this temple mysticism, where access to divine light and glory is now available without physically entering the Temple, as God's presence has entered the world through Jesus. Furthermore, Barker posits that certain key ideas and practices, even those found in Greek mystery religions and the teachings of Pythagoras and Plato, have their roots in this earlier temple tradition, which emphasized seeing the face of the Lord as a path to knowledge and unity with the divine. The Deuteronomic reforms, however, led to a suppression of these mystical aspects, resulting in altered interpretations of scripture and a shift in emphasis towards the Law.
1. Temple Mysticism: This refers to the practices and beliefs centered around the Jerusalem Temple, particularly the Holy of Holies. It involved entering the Holy of Holies, not always literally after the Temple's destruction, but also conceptually through a specific way of thinking, to return to the source of life and experience a unity with the pre-created light. This experience aimed at transformation, where the mystic was changed by the light into that light. The mystics who engaged in these practices were often high priestly figures who saw the world from the perspective of the Holy of Holies, a "kingdom perspective," allowing them to perceive the world as whole and with "new eyes." This mystical approach involved learning the "mystery of life coming from the One" and recovering unity through both literal and intellectual entry into the Holy of Holies, resulting in a changed way of seeing and sometimes described as receiving wisdom or a new way of knowing.
2. The Holy of Holies and Day One: The Holy of Holies is presented as symbolically representing "Day One" from the creation account in Genesis. Unlike the other days of creation which are sequential and temporal, Day One is understood not as the first day chronologically but as a state beyond time, the "eternal present." Just as the Holy of Holies was located in the midst of the Temple, the eternal presence of the divine was considered to be in the midst of creation. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, were built according to a specific pattern so that the divine could dwell in their midst, with the Holy of Holies behind the veil symbolizing this presence. The Holy of Holies is also described as "the beginning" in a non-temporal sense, meaning "the origin." Entering this space outside of time allowed mystics to see history as a whole, past and future. The unity associated with Day One was a divine unity underlying all creation, a state where the divine was One in the universe, existing without time or matter.
3. Light and Glory: The concept of light is central to temple mysticism, representing the divine presence and a source of transformation. Entering the Holy of Holies meant approaching the "unity of the pre-created light" and being transformed by it. The high priestly blessing, "May the LORD make his face to shine upon you," highlights the significance of the shining face or presence of the divine in temple worship. Seeing this light had various interpretations, from literal appearances in early texts to visionary experiences of prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel. The "form" of the LORD was often equated with "glory," and the desire to behold this glory was a key aspect of seeking the divine. The concept of light was also linked to knowledge and understanding, with the illumination of the mind being associated with encountering the divine light. The "glory of the LORD" was understood to fill the Temple, sometimes connected to music and the presence of the Ark of the Covenant.
4. Connections to Other Ancient Traditions: Temple mysticism is shown to have similarities with the mystery religions of the ancient world. While it is emphasized that second temple Judaism did not adopt Hellenistic mystery cults, the first temple is placed within its broader historical and cultural context, noting elements of "mystery" cults in ancient Anatolia and Egypt. Parallels are drawn between temple practices and the characteristics of Greek mysteries, such as sacred words, objects, and acts. Specifically, the teachings of Pythagoras are explored, with several ancient writers suggesting that he adopted ideas from Hebrew sources and the Jerusalem Temple. Similarities in their cosmological views, such as the concept of a central fire or fiery cube, and the understanding of unity, point to potential connections. Elements of temple teaching and mysticism are also suggested to have influenced Plato through his association with Pythagorean followers.
5. The Influence of the Deuteronomists: The podcast discusses how the Deuteronomic school significantly impacted the transmission and interpretation of Hebrew scriptures and temple traditions. They are portrayed as being wary of esoteric teachings and emphasizing the revealed Law as sufficient. This influence is seen in instances where the concept of "seeing" the LORD was downplayed or reinterpreted, with the Deuteronomists asserting that no "form" of the LORD was seen when the commandments were given. They also emphasized the dwelling of the LORD's "Name" in the Temple rather than his direct presence. Furthermore, the Deuteronomists' calendar omitted the Day of Atonement, and their revisions to narratives in Exodus reflect a shift in understanding atonement. These changes suggest a tension between older temple traditions that involved mystical experiences and a Deuteronomic emphasis on adherence to the Law and a more abstract understanding of the divine presence.
1. What is temple mysticism as described in the sources?
Temple mysticism, based on pre-Christian Jewish traditions associated with the Jerusalem Temple, involves entering the "holy of holies" both literally (for priests) and figuratively through a specific way of thinking. This entry signifies a return to "Day One," the source of life and pre-created light, leading to a transformative experience of unity and a new perspective on the world. Temple mystics aimed to see the world from the "kingdom perspective" of the holy of holies, resulting in a changed way of knowing and perceiving reality, sometimes described as receiving wisdom or a new understanding.
2. How is the concept of "Day One" significant in temple mysticism?