Religious Ecstasy and Self-Acceptance: Jelaluddin Rumi versus Saint Augustine

... Religious Ecstasy and Self-Acceptance: Jelaluddin Rumi versus Saint Augustine Saint Augustine, a 4th century Christian philosopher and writer, and Jelaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Persian mystic and poet, both spent the majority of their lives in contemplation of the mysteries of God, and both men addressed similar issues and concerns. The lifestyles and conclusions they described, however, were vastly different. Both Rumi and Augustine praise God extensively. In praising God, Augustine seems to use his belief in the indescribable glory of the Lord as an excuse to emotionally flog himself. Rumi, though, is filled with a sort of religious joy, which make his poems hopeful, wise, and calm. He does not hate himself for finding joy in moments, or for appreciating worldly senses. Both men, though, agree that human desires must be kept under control. Augustine spends most of Book X going through the senses, and confessing his temptations. When speaking of

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