Value of images and symbols in the theological and spirtual reflexion on christian spiritual experience

Abstract

The article explains the concept of a spiritual experience in the context of a broadly understood experience. The author highlights the anthropological aspect of symbols and links them with human spiritual consciousness. The article concentrates on symbols occurring in the Bible and their use in symbolic acts performed by the prophets and by Jesus Christ. It shows the spiritual role of symbols in the Gospel of John and defines the role of symbols in spiritual experience realized in the context of prayer, liturgy and mysticism.

Keywords

• spiritual experience
• symbol
• spiritual consciousness
• spiritual function