This-worldly mysticism: Inner peace and world transformation in the work and life of Charles "Skip" Alexander

This paper provides a new interpretation of the work and life of Charles "S kip" Alexander by placing it within the conceptual framework developed by M ax Weber, the classical sociologist who created the most far-reaching histo rical and comparative theory of religion. While Weber developed a famous fo ur-fold typology cross-cutting mysticism/asceticism and this-worldly/other- worldly, his belief that modern society implied ever increasing rationaliza tion made the implied category of 'this-worldly mysticism' an oxymoron. Tak ing Skip Alexander's developmental model of higher stages of development as formalizing the implications of post-sixties New Age ideas and action, thi s paper argues that this-worldly mysticism is indeed a highly relevant cont emporary category. This-worldly mysticism emphasizes direct experience of s acrality while trying to harness this experience to the service of practica l social reform. It is argued that this mode of pursuing salvation will bec ome increasingly important in the postmodern world.