I was raised a Christian, but no longer consider myself one, in part because non-mystic Christians seem so narrow minded.

I consider one of the fruits of mysticism to be an extraordinary degree of compassion, commitment, and open-mindedness. The person who has truly found his path realizes both that it is the right path for her or him, and that it is not necessarily the right path for anyone else.

I expect any book on mysticism that I will read in the future to be free of dogma, almost devoid of theology, and willing to explore the treasures of the other mystical traditions.

Mystics are part of what Rumi called the “cult of lovers.” Those whose only purpose in life is to be reunited with the beloved. They have no other religion than the religion of love.

However there is another place in the Masnavi where Rumi says that every human being is born with the potential to be a Muslim, but they are made into Jews or Christians or Stargazers, by their parents. This shows the kind of ethnocentrism that I find offensive and tends to kill in me the desire to follow the path that person is following.

Mysticism is the conscious study of truth..achieved through absence of mind.. but with total presence of being. This type of consiousness is only possible when you cease to exist personally and begin to identify with the intangible, all-consuming, common cosmic consciousness.

The Word was with God and the Word was God..

3) How could a book on Christian mysticism be really, really, helpful to you (so helpful that you’d want to give copies to all your friends and relatives)?
The step-by-step guid that you already mentinoed would be great! While history and background are needed and useful, dive into the ways you can be a practicing mystic. Include the more important writers (Julien of Norwich is a personal favorite). Practial application would make it a super-useful and intruiging book.

4) Have you ever read a spiritual book that you believe totally changed your life (in a good way)? If so, what book (or books) was it, and can you speak briefly about why you think this book was so life-changing for you?
Yes – Shane Claiborne’s “The Irrisistble Revolution.” It woke me up to a movement within Christianity that I didn’t know existed. It let me know that there were people who believed like I do and that my faith was not something crazy! It also spoke to my very practical sensibilities.

Good luck with your book! I’m in the Atlanta area, and will watch for it when it come out.
Brekke

here is my responses to your questions.

* What do you think Christian mysticism is? Why do you care about Christian mysticism?

Christian Mysticism is about “union with God by Love” (we enter then the Trinity).

I had a spiritual experience where I was configured to Christ.

* What topics or issues would you like to see a book on Christian mysticism address?

A christian is an “another” Christ..
The eternal life has already begun.
We already have a taste of the trinitarian life.

* How could a book on Christian mysticism be really, really, helpful to you (so helpful that you’d want to give copies to all your friends and relatives)?

Speaking the language for today, be modern and the book is a work of faith.

* Have you ever read a spiritual book that you believe totally changed your life (in a good way)? If so, what book (or books) was it, and can you speak briefly about why you think this book was so life-changing for you?

“Pour que l’homme devienne Dieu” Père François Brune, Editions Dangles : God become Man so that Man become God (all is said)

Best regards.

Serge Lanoë

This is simple – mysticism is the search for and achievement of the direct experience of the divine. Why care? Perhaps because it is ultimately what gives our life meaning?

What topics or issues would you like to see a book on Christian mysticism address?
1) the universality of the human drive for the mystical experience
2) that it can be achieved by “simple folk like me”
3) that it is esoteric only in the sense that it is “understandable” only to those who wish to understand
4) that it is achievable both through a contemplative and an active life

How could a book on Christian mysticism be really, really, helpful to you (so helpful that you’d want to give copies to all your friends and relatives)?
Here, I’m unsure. Religious books I recall recommending include primarily books on prayer and the spiritual life – Richard Foster, Leech …

Have you ever read a spiritual book that you believe totally changed your life (in a good way)? If so, what book (or books) was it, and can you speak briefly about why you think this book was so life-changing for you?
I would have to give first place to the pamphlet “Who Am I?” by Sri Ramana Maharishi because it caused me to consider seriously what makes me “me” – what is transcient and what is permanent, if any.
The Way of the Pilgrim certainly is high on the list, perhaps most for the sense of purpose/dedication.
Still above the traditional mystical writings I would place the Philokalia (yes, I still don’t have a complete translation) for its thought-provoking practical advice.
Much though I enjoy Meister Ekhart, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, Kabbala et. al. I find them more affirming than transforming. And I find them to often be why people believe mysticism to be beyond their grasp.

good luck, do with compassion