Distinguish scholasticism from mysticism, and give an example of each.

• A. Scholasticism uses reason and dialectical argument to harmonize faith and reason (Aquinas); mysticism seeks direct, personal experience of the divine (Julian of Norwich or Hadewijch).
• B. Scholasticism emphasizes direct experience; mysticism relies on reason.
• C. Scholasticism is a monastic rule; mysticism is a guild craft.
• D. Scholasticism refers to medieval astronomy; mysticism to medieval law.

Answer: (B)

Scholasticism uses reason and dialectical argument to harmonize faith and reason. It treats theology as an intellectual project, testing ideas against authorities and using structured, argumentative methods to reach coherence between belief and philosophy. An iconic example is Thomas Aquinas, who develops a systematic account showing how rational investigation and revelation fit together, as in his use of Aristotelian philosophy to illuminate Christian doctrine.

Mysticism, on the other hand, centers on direct, personal experience of the divine. It emphasizes contemplation, inner vision, and the transformative encounter with God beyond formal argument or scholastic systems. Classic medieval mystics like Julian of Norwich and Hadewijch describe intimate experiences of God and the primacy of love, focusing on what is felt and directly known in the heart rather than proven by syllogisms.

So the distinction lies in method and aim: scholasticism is a rational, argumentative project that seeks intellectual harmony of faith and reason, while mysticism seeks an immediate, experiential union with the divine.