Showing results for "Mysticism" in Christianity

When God is hardened into a visible image, and worship reduced to a program, we remain exiled from what is truly sacred—the world around us and the “divine imagination” that created it. In this third volume of his Celtic wisdom trilogy, John O’Donohue immerses us in what has been called...

The success of books such as Elaine Pagels’s Gnostic Gospels and Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code proves beyond a doubt that there is a tremendous thirst today for finding the hidden truths of Christianity--truths that may have been lost, buried, or even forbidden by institutional religion over...

This classic memoir by the remarkable French explorer and Buddhist Alexandra David-Néel is the one of the greatest Buddhist travelogues of the 20th century. She was the first European woman to meet the Dalai Lama (in the 1920s) and in 1924 became the first to enter the forbidden Tibetan capital...

Catherine of Siena (March 25, 1347-April 29, 1380) was a mystic, activist, and author who had a great influence on Italian literature and the Catholic Church. Catherine's mystical theology was employed towards practical ends for her own spiritual life and those of others. She used the language of medieval scholastic philosophy in the Dialogue, a poetic and prophetic work. Advocating for continuous, humble prayer, she hears God the Father answering her requests in order to receive help to be saved. Catherine gives special importance to mental prayer, but also recommends vocal prayer.

This classic gives a basic outline of Christian mysticism. (Summary by Joy)

Bloomsbury presents The Way of St Benedict by Rowan Williams, read by Peter Noble. With typical eloquence and wisdom, in The Way of St Benedict Rowan Williams explores the appeal of St Benedict’s sixth-century Rule, showing it to be a document of great relevance to present day Christians and...

As Fr. Ciorra demonstrates, we are called not to be extraordinary mystics but extraordinary human beings who experience God in ordinary ways. We often think of mystics as superhuman persons who have paranormal experiences such as visions, ecstasy, and stigmata. When you look closely at such saints as Thérèse of Lisieux, however, you will see that to be a mystic is to occupy the core of human experience. As you explore the mystical writings of such inspiring figures, you will discover that there are both common threads and clear differences.

The mystic's journey is one taken on behalf of all humanity, whether based on the Buddhist vision of the Bodhisattva or the Christian concept of service. In this fascinating and inspiring introduction to the essential texts and themes of the great mystics, Andrew Harvey offers extracts from Buddhist, Taoist, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and Greek traditions—as well as aboriginal sources. Drawing upon the sacred feminine in particular, these poignant selections provide a fascinating introduction to the essential text and themes of the world's great mystic visionaries.

As Matthew Fox notes, when an aging Albert Einstein was asked if he had any regrets, he replied, “I wish I had read more of the mystics earlier in my life.” The 365 writings in Christian Mystics represent a wide-ranging sampling of these readings for modern-day seekers of all faiths—or no faith. Fox is uniquely qualified to comment on these profound, sometimes startling, often denounced insights.

Bloomsbury presents Aquinas at Prayer: The Bible, Mysticism and Poetry by Paul Murray OP, read by Chris Courtenay Aquinas at Prayer draws attention to important aspects of Aquinas's life and work which have been all too often overlooked or forgotten. Today Aquinas is almost exclusively regarded...

The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism serves as both introduction and practical instruction for a living contemplative practice today. In addition to the overview of mysticism, spiritual and prayer practices in mysticism, the various types of mysticism in Christian tradition, and influential mystics through the millennia, this second edition offers an embodied understanding of the mystic life with a more diverse range of voices and perspectives, from Howard Thurman to Pauli Murray.

Through this spiritually edifying 12-lecture audio course with renowned Ignatian spirituality expert Professor Paul Coutinho, you will savor the universal mysticism of Saint Ignatius. A simple regimen designed to fit into your daily routine, this approach to mysticism shows you how to live moment to moment. As you embrace the fullness of your life, you will grow in your relationships and discover new depths of meaning and spiritual significance to practicing mysticism.

Taught by one of the world’s leading experts on Christian mystics, this stunning course reveals the powerful mysticism that inspired St. Ignatius and the charism he introduced. Your award-winning professor, Boston College’s Fr. Harvey D. Egan, is a Jesuit priest and professor who earned his theology doctorate under Karl Rahner. St. Ignatius the Mystic is the apex of his 50-year scholarly and devotional exploration of Christian mysticism. His 12-lecture audio course will both broaden your mind and elevate your spirit.

This brief, accessibly written volume introduces key figures, texts, and themes of the mystical tradition and shows how and why the mystics can speak to the church today. Jason Baxter, an expert educator and storyteller, explains that the mystical tradition offers a more robust understanding of God than our current shallow conceptions.

The mystics show us the deepest recesses of the human spirit. Now, this remarkable series gives you the rare opportunity to take one of the world's leading experts on mysticism as your personal guide. Boston College's Fr. Harvey Egan draws on 50 years of teaching the Christian mystics. Brilliantly taught, his lectures are filled with faithful insights. Under his guidance, you will explore the mystical life by focusing upon 11 significant figures. You will begin with Ignatius of Loyola and his finding of God in all things.

Dive into this enlightening classic that offers a comprehensive overview of Christian mysticism, exploring the evolution of spiritual consciousness. (Summary by Joy)

In Practical Mysticism, Evelyn Underhill distills the essential (and comprehensible) steps that comprise the process of achieving mystical understanding. Though she uses the pantheon of Christian mystics as her guide, her methodology transcends any particular faith and offers a common sense approach to self-improvement and enhanced awareness.

Post-Christian life and society do not eliminate a desire for the transcendent; rather, they create an environment for new and divergent spiritual communities and practices to flourish. We are flooded with spiritualities that appeal to human desires for nonreligious personal transformation. But many fail to deliver because they fall into the trap of the self. In the last book of the Ministry in a Secular Age series, leading practical theologian Andrew Root shows the differences between these spiritualities and authentic Christian transformation.

How do you find God? When your soul longs for the spiritual, how do you find the time to turn within? Now, this profound series invites you to look to the contemplative tradition for inspiration and answers. Prayer is one of the most essential acts of the Christian life. In this spiritually edifying 24-lecture series, you will join celebrated author and Pauline sister Kathryn James Hermes, F.S.P., in exploring the tradition of contemplative prayer.

The Cloud of Unknowing, a 14th-century mystical text on contemplation amid a pandemic, is experiencing a renaissance in our current moment. Join award-winning Christian spirituality expert Fr. Anthony Ciorra to discover why this “journey from head to heart” is so relevant to today’s spiritual seekers. Through 12 transformative audio lectures with Fr. Ciorra, a Learn25 favorite, you can experience the power of The Cloud of Unknowing to open your mind and heart. You will discover a precious treasure that will open your eyes to God in the ordinary.