Mysticism is not mystifying at all, but simple, always available, and utterly clarifying. Carl McColman's Big Book of Christian Mysticism will allow you to experience this for yourself! Christians and all Seekers will find both meat and dessert in such a full meal.
Richard Rohr, OFM
The Naked Now
Charmingly and conversationally written, but also rich in nuance and thorough in its coverage and its attention to detail, The Big Book is, as its name suggests, a big … even an enormous … contribution to our current literature on the subject. Highly recommended.
Phyllis Tickle
The Great Emergence
Before I heard about The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, I had been thinking about how such a book has been needed for a long time. Now, having read it, I'm glad we waited for Carl McColman to come along to write it. It's accessible, human, well-informed, balanced, broad ... just what we needed.
Brian D. McLaren
A Generous Orthodoxy
Carl McColman has both studied and practised the Christian mystical tradition, stressing its earthiness and 'ordinariness'. Like Thomas Merton, Michael Ramsey and others, he holds that mysticism is not an esoteric realm, reserved for the very holy, but is what all Christian life is about. I strongly commend his book, The Big Book of Christian Mysticism.
Kenneth Leech
Soul Friend
The Big Book of Christian Mysticism is a masterpiece of scholarship and wisdom. Carl McColman obviously earned his understanding of mysticism through years of research as well as his own personal spiritual journey and there is no more powerful combination for inspired writing.
Carolyn Myss
Entering the Castle
These days, my favorite Christian blogger is probably Carl McColman. I suggest checking him out. Very, very interesting guy...
James Ishmael Ford
Zen Master Who?
A wise and supportive guidebook for those going deeper on the Christian mystical path, The Big Book of Christian Mysticism is grounded in sound scholarship and thoughtful reflection (often surprisingly fresh and insightful!), but what makes it sing is the authenticity of the author’s own contemplative journey.
Cynthia Bourgeault
The Wisdom Jesus
With his Big Book of Christian Mysticism Carl McColman has pulled off a tour de force: a work on Christian mysticism that is broadly accessible, but deep; scholarly but not pedantic; reverent, but judicious; thorough, but a good read; an excellent introduction to the subject for the general reader, but with plenty of meat for the specialist. Highly recommended for the neophyte, the informed, and the expert alike.
Robert Davis Hughes, III
Beloved Dust
A brilliant contribution from a clear, concise and articulate author! Carl McColman’s The Big Book of Christian Mysticism deepens the conversation as he explores the paradoxes of the mystical/traditional approaches, outlines the bias against cultivating an interior life and illuminates the reader on practices to embrace in order to relate to a dynamic Living God.
Lauren Artress
Walking a Sacred Path
The Big Book of Christian Mysticism is truly a work of art as well as a spiritual guide for those who want to know more about Christian mysticism. Writing for a broad audience of readers, Carl wants everyone to become aware of that rich history and its potential meaning for today. He writes in a lively, engaging style, but his work comes out of deep wells of spiritual wisdom. Appealing to both head and heart, his book not only makes the history of Christian mysticism accessible, but also provides for readers guidance in prayer, contemplation, and transformation itself. For Carl, the great mystics are not just people specially gifted, but soul friends and spiritual mentors for anyone who seeks to live today with some degree of interiority, integrity, and joy. I highly recommend this book not only for general readers interested in mysticism and spirituality, but also for undergraduate or graduate students who need an introduction to what Carl himself calls "this ancient wisdom tradition."
Edward C. Sellner, PhD
Wisdom of the Celtic Saints
Anyone who is an aspiring mystic should read The Aspiring Mystic! It is a wise yet practical guide for the sacred journey into the mysteries of the soul.
Denise Linn
Soul Coaching
In The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Carl McColman offers us a thorough and engaging exploration of Christian mysticism which he defines as a form of alchemy – that is, transformation through the Source of all Love. His wise and clear writing takes us on a wide journey through both classical and contemporary mystic guides. Ultimately he invites us to catch a glimpse of the heart of Mystery through concrete suggestions for mystical practice and be transformed ourselves.
Christine Valters Paintner
The Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom
www.anamchara.com is a beautiful site that lists books and web sites introducing all aspects of Christian mysticism.
Abbot Christopher Jamison
Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life
The Big Book of Christian Mysticism provides a remarkable overview of the riches, wisdom, paradoxes, practices, and major figures in Christian mysticism.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spiritual Literacy
Carl McColman's The Big Book of Christian Mysticism is an excellent introduction to the topic for beginners and is informative to those who have read widely on the topic. Its prose is inviting, its subject matter accessible, and its wisdom is that of the Christian tradition. It informs and inspires.
Dana Greene
Evelyn Underhill: Artist of the Infinite Life
Mysticism is at the heart of faith, whatever religious or denominational flag we raise. Thoughtful, well-written doorways into these mysteries, such as The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, matter a great deal to all of us who seek communion with the Mystery Itself.
Robert Benson
In Constant Prayer
In this delightfully accessible book, Carl McColman dispels the notion that Christian mysticism exists somewhere in the ether, and reveals its solid, earthy roots. If you want a rich, nourishing life of faith, and virtues that flourish like wildflowers, read The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, and let the good news in it transform you.
Claudia Mair Burney
God Alone is Enough
If you are looking for both a primer on Christian mysticism as well as an in-depth treatment of this oft-misunderstood aspect of the spiritual life, here is your book. Readable, useful, well-researched, Carl McColman’s The Big Book of Christian Mysticism helps both the novice and those already well along on the journey toward a deeper relationship with God to see that mysticism is ultimately not at all a mysterious quest, but a human — and possible — one.
Paul Wilkes
Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life
Written for Christian seekers, The Aspiring Mystic is accessible and full of gentle common sense.
Judy Harrow
Spiritual Mentoring
Carl McColman is part Ken Wilber, part Richard Rohr, and part Indiana Jones’ dad.
Brittian Bullock
Blogger
Spirituality provides multiple doorways of comfort and insight through wonder, prayer, and the true meaning of humility, worship, and sacrifice — a practical book for personal, professional, and deep interior exploration.
Angeles Arrien
Living in Gratitude
Drawing from various religious traditions, particularly Christianity, Carl McColman shows us that Spirituality is a way of life in which we encounter and respond to the Sacred through all aspects of our lives. As he dialogues with many resources — books, song, films, life stories — McColman illustrates the daily and varied dynamics of spirituality.
Mary Reuter, O.S.B.
Running with Expanding Heart: Meeting God in Everyday Life
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