Bernard Was a Christian Mystic

From the twelfth century on, two streams of thought dominated medieval theology and church life, namely, scholasticism and mysticism. For scholastics such as Anselm and, later, Thomas Aquinas, Christianity was theology (i.e., science). In short, they wanted to understand God, Christ, angels, saints, etc.

For mystics, Christianity was a set of spiritual relationships with all of the above. Mysticism is best seen as a continuum: on one side are extreme examples, full of writings of fanciful and ethereal visions. On the other are feelings – without any visions or voices.

Bernard belongs to this milder camp; scholars tend to identify Bernard as a “monastic theologian,” implying that for him contemplation trumps intellectual dispute, and that experience (i.e., feeling) trumps understanding (i.e., logic).

However, he still had some mystical capabilities (one has to be born with these capabilities – you can grow and expand them but not acquire). Which means that he could have developed spiritual relationship (“communication channel”) with the Ark of the Covenant.

No surprise here – being created on direct orders from God and hosting the most important document in human history – the covenant between God and His Chosen People – Ark of the Covenant was a living being.

With its own mind, soul… and mystical capabilities. So, Bernard just knew that Ark of the Covenant was sitting in a cave on Temple Mount (the Ark told him that). And indeed, a few years later it was found there.

It is also possible that after it was found and moved to a secure underground location in Templar’s headquarters in Jerusalem, the Ark became a major source of inspiration (spiritual energy) and to a significant extent made Bernard one of the most accomplished and influential individuals in Christendom.

The existential decision to keep the discovery of Ark of the Covenant and to create the military-religious order of its keepers and protectors (Knights Templar) was logical and made complete sense; however, it is possible that the Ark told Bernard that it was exactly what he must do.