Mystical theology (Christianity)

The framework for the life of the spirit enunciated by Pseudo-Dionysius identifies a progression of three stages: purgation; illumination; mystical contemplation, or complete union with the divine. These three stages were later equated with the three stages of growth of supernatural charity in the soul: beginners; those making progress; perfection. Progress is not necessarily a move from one to another, the stages may be mutually present in one individual. The first stage is distancing one's self from sin and from inclination to do wrong; the second is to cultivate virtue; the third is loving union with God.

Although thus once referring to the whole of spiritual life, mysticism gradually came to refer only to the highest peaks of such life, [ascetical theology]

being the term equated with the preparatory stages. Currently ascetical theology and mystical theology are together component parts of [spiritual theology]

, the one referring to the practical side of Christian life and including asceticism, the other to mystical experience, including [infused contemplation]

.