The Big Book of Christian Mysticism The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality (Audible Audio Edition) Carl McColman Brian Smith Audible Studios Books
Download As PDF : The Big Book of Christian Mysticism The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality (Audible Audio Edition) Carl McColman Brian Smith Audible Studios Books
In popular usage, mysticism typically refers to New Age or Eastern forms of spirituality. However, the mystical tradition is also an important component of the Christian tradition. At its heart--and much like its expression in other faith traditions--Christian mysticism is an ancient practice that incorporates meditation, contemplation, worship, philosophy, the quest for personal enlightenment, and the experience of Divine presence.
This volume is a comprehensive introduction and guide to Christian mysticism. It is a big book about a big possibility the hope of achieving real, blissful, experiential unison with God. Among the topics covered here are a general introduction to mysticism, the Bible and mysticism, the history and types of Christian mysticism, biographical sketches of leading Christian mystics, and practical instructions about practicing mysticism today. This is a breathtaking work that explores a form of spirituality that has changed lives over the course of 2,000 years. Learning about Christian mysticism and how it has been articulated through the centuries will prove inspirational for today's seekers, regardless of the faith tradition.
The mystic is not a special kind of person; every person is a special kind of mystic. (William McNamara)
The Big Book of Christian Mysticism The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality (Audible Audio Edition) Carl McColman Brian Smith Audible Studios Books
The only thing I can find to say against this book is that it is slightly too inclusive. However, the nature of the topic does, almost necessarily, lend itself to inclusiveness. It is impossible to delineate such an amorphous subject without including or leaving out more than one should. Perhaps it is better to err on the side of inclusiveness and allow the reader to make up their own minds. I do, however, find it unfortunately necessary to defend the work against certain unfair criticisms attached to it by a small minority of reviewers. This book is about mysticism in the Christian sense. Period. Though the author does color his explanations with an occasionally too liberal dose of eastern analogy for the sake of explanation, he is simply using eastern colors to paint a thoroughly western subject. Mysticism, CORRECTLY DEFINED, is as old as Christianity itself. Very few believers would argue against some type of contemplative Christianity, where deep prayer, and an attempt to draw near to God are practiced. That is what is being discussed here. It is unfortunate that, in the public imagination, the word mysticism has gained the meaning of magical, superstitious, and pagan practices. The author even points out, quite directly, what the differences are between Eastern and Christian mysticism. The Christian way is NOT about emptying the mind, but on utilizing and renewing the mind that God gave us for the very purpose of getting to know Him better. It is NOT about useless external rituals, ceremonies, or tricks to try and get God's attention. It is simply about the thing that every Christian is supposed to be about: Drawing closer to God through Jesus Christ and with the help of the Holy Spirit. The only real confusion comes from the newer, incorrect connotation of the word mysticism, and the unfortunate habit of the author to occasionally use familiar Zen ideas to get across purely Christian concepts. I personally wish the author had specifically avoided comparing the paradoxical aspects of mysticism to Zen koans, as the comparison can only lead to stumbling on the part of some who are weaker in understanding. Also, some of the more unnecessary comparisons don't actually work all that well. On the whole, however, this is a very rich and meaningful survey of a very complex subject. It is written with conspicuous grace and insight, yet in an incredibly approachable way. I also found the inclusion of a quite thorough bibliography a very useful touch. The author is unmistakably intent on whetting the appetite of those interested in the subject, guiding them through the basics, and providing them with copious pointers for the road ahead. There is little more that can be done on this particular subject and the author pulls it off admirably.Product details
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The Big Book of Christian Mysticism The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality (Audible Audio Edition) Carl McColman Brian Smith Audible Studios Books Reviews
this has to be ONE of the BEST books I have read in eons...would love to be able to buy one for all my fiends..so cool!
The way of the Christian mystic is often misunderstood or viewed with suspicion. I see a tension today between traditional Christians, very concerned with staying on the right path, and more open-minded seekers, who sometimes blur the lines to the point of syncretism. I am especially pleased and impressed with the author's sensitivity toward both camps. Here is a balanced, well-researched guide to that which can not be fully explained. It must be experienced, and I sense that this a work based on genuine experience. The author has seamlessly weaved history, theology, and thought-provoking insights in an often conversational and always encouraging style which kept me engaged and wanting more. I highly recommend this book.
Great book for those who didn't think that there was mysticism in Christianity. Christian mysticism invites us to look at Christ, our souls, at God, , sin, holiness, and the church. Christian mysticism then is our personal experience as we come into union with God and His presence in our life both externally and internally as we explore prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
Slow reading, as I expected, as this topic is not meant to be hurried through but mulled over and contemplated.
This book is a good choice for the person who needs to be encouraged to try the classical Christian approach to contemplative prayer and mysticism. If you have an interest, but have no idea where to start, this book may get you over the hump. If, however, you have already done some exploration of the works of Underhill, Pennington, Merton, St. John of the Cross,Teresa of Avila, and the like, this book will likely disappoint you. It would also be ideal as a small group or Sunday School discussion-starter. The author is a committed Roman Catholic, and his approach is clearly colored by his background. That does not offend anyone, like me, who is from the Western Christian tradition, but I wonder how well received it would be by an Orthodox Christian, not to mention someone from the Eastern traditions like Buddhism or Hinduism. We all are shaped by our own culture and our own experience, but it helps when we are well versed in other religions and their perspective if we attempt to describe them or comment upon them. McColman is unconvincing in his treatment of those other mystics.
The book does have a useful bibliography and reading list in the appendix, which is strongest in its treatment of Roman Christian authors and mystics. My own perspective is that this is not a book which you will keep on your shelf very long, no matter how useful it becomes to you. If it succeeds for you, you will quickly move on to others which you will want to keep around; if it disappoints you, you will want to give it away. For that reason, I suggest that you purchase the edition, as I did. The reading list will always be there in the Cloud for reference, and my shelf space can be saved for books I need to pick up and show to other folks.
Excellent book on not just mysticism but Christianity as well. Author is very clear and a joy to read on a topic that is not easy to grasp. I particularly enjoyed his chapter on paradox, which one must come to terms with in any religion. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and I will definitely be reading his other works.
Also, if you're a Catholic or other Christian attracted to mystical things (like me) but you're hesitant to proceed because our religion discourages things such as the occult, reincarnation, New Age, etc, or you did proceed, and then realized you shouldn't have (like me), because you had insufficient grounding in your own religion, then Christian Mysticism may be just the thing for you. Christian mysticism certainly doesn't encourage the occult and reincarnation, but it's goal is the same divine union, but with Jesus at the center. Carl does not criticize any religion. His perspective is respectful, honest, and quite insightful.
The only thing I can find to say against this book is that it is slightly too inclusive. However, the nature of the topic does, almost necessarily, lend itself to inclusiveness. It is impossible to delineate such an amorphous subject without including or leaving out more than one should. Perhaps it is better to err on the side of inclusiveness and allow the reader to make up their own minds. I do, however, find it unfortunately necessary to defend the work against certain unfair criticisms attached to it by a small minority of reviewers. This book is about mysticism in the Christian sense. Period. Though the author does color his explanations with an occasionally too liberal dose of eastern analogy for the sake of explanation, he is simply using eastern colors to paint a thoroughly western subject. Mysticism, CORRECTLY DEFINED, is as old as Christianity itself. Very few believers would argue against some type of contemplative Christianity, where deep prayer, and an attempt to draw near to God are practiced. That is what is being discussed here. It is unfortunate that, in the public imagination, the word mysticism has gained the meaning of magical, superstitious, and pagan practices. The author even points out, quite directly, what the differences are between Eastern and Christian mysticism. The Christian way is NOT about emptying the mind, but on utilizing and renewing the mind that God gave us for the very purpose of getting to know Him better. It is NOT about useless external rituals, ceremonies, or tricks to try and get God's attention. It is simply about the thing that every Christian is supposed to be about Drawing closer to God through Jesus Christ and with the help of the Holy Spirit. The only real confusion comes from the newer, incorrect connotation of the word mysticism, and the unfortunate habit of the author to occasionally use familiar Zen ideas to get across purely Christian concepts. I personally wish the author had specifically avoided comparing the paradoxical aspects of mysticism to Zen koans, as the comparison can only lead to stumbling on the part of some who are weaker in understanding. Also, some of the more unnecessary comparisons don't actually work all that well. On the whole, however, this is a very rich and meaningful survey of a very complex subject. It is written with conspicuous grace and insight, yet in an incredibly approachable way. I also found the inclusion of a quite thorough bibliography a very useful touch. The author is unmistakably intent on whetting the appetite of those interested in the subject, guiding them through the basics, and providing them with copious pointers for the road ahead. There is little more that can be done on this particular subject and the author pulls it off admirably.
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