The concept of Ecstasy in Christianity
Ecstasy, according to Gnosticism, represents a transcendent joy or spiritual enlightenment sought through philosophical pursuits. In Catholic teachings, it portrays a deep communion with God experienced by figures like Friar James and Friar John during prayer and divine encounters. Early Christianity describes Ecstasy as a profound spiritual absorption, exemplified by Perpetua's trials, where the individual feels a sense of otherness while remaining aware. Overall, Ecstasy signifies a transformative spiritual experience across these traditions.
Synonyms: Euphoria, Rapture, Joy, Elation, Happiness, Delight, Exhilaration
In Dutch: Extase; In French: Extase; In Finnish: Ekstaasi; In Spanish: ɳæ³Ù²¹²õ¾±²õ; In German: Ekstase; In Swedish: Extas; In Malay: Ekstasi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Ecstasy'
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) The state of intense joy and communion with God that the friar entered after touching the Stigmata, reflecting divine intervention.[1] (2) A state of being rapt in contemplation and communion with God, experienced by Friar James during his prayer.[2] (3) A state of intense joy or spiritual overpowering, in which Friar John was rapt in contemplation of God.[3]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) One of the seven kinds of prophecy according to Isidore, which involves the mind being transported to a different state, like Peter's vision.[4] (2) This is an effect of love and means to be placed outside oneself, which can happen to the apprehensive power and to the appetitive power.[5] (3) A profound state of internal focus and connection with divine matters, described in the context of prophetic experiences.[6]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Ecstasy is a state of being that is mentioned in the text. The text says that Theodotus fell into spurious ecstasies, and gave himself wholly over to the spirit of delusion. The false prophet falls into a spurious ecstasy, which is accompanied by a want of all shame and fear.[7] (2) A state of being deeply absorbed or overwhelmed by spiritual experiences, as exhibited by Perpetua during her trials.[8] (3) Ecstasy is a state in which the soul stands out of itself, resembling madness, and is characterized by a profound sense of otherness while still being aware.[9]
Gnostic concept of 'Ecstasy'
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) A state of transcendent joy or spiritual enlightenment that Gnostics aspired to achieve through their philosophical pursuits.[10]