I’m so excited to be returning to the Wild Goose Festival in Union Grove, NC (north of Charlotte) for a day-long event called “Wisdom Camp: Radical Mysticism.” I’m co-facilitating this…
Now Available! Order “Read the Bible Like a Mystic” Today
Hello friends, just a friendly reminder to order your copy of Read the Bible Like a Mystic today. Where to buy Read the Bible Like a Mystic: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Broadleaf Books…
Sign Up Now for the Wisdom of the English Mystics Retreat in the Spring of 2026!
Friends, join me and the Rev. Seifu Anil Singh-Morales for an extraordinary pilgrimage in search of the English mystics! Our week in England will include time spent in London, Oxford,…
Words of Encouragement for New Spiritual Directors
Recently I was honored to serve as a keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony for a new cohort of spiritual directors, who have completed the Spiritual Direction formation program sponsored…
Principles for Contemplative Dialogue
For a number of years I participated in a Centering Prayer group here in Georgia. While I am no longer actively part of that group, I received many blessings from…
Faith, Fundamentalism, and Conscience: or Why We Need to Think Critically About Our Religious Institutions
This morning on Public Radio I heard someone quote a line that Mark Twain spoke when speaking to a group of teachers in New York City, way back in March…
Live in Atlanta (or feel like making a road trip)? Celebrate with Me on June 4!
This is a “Save the Date” post — I’ve confirmed with Ignatius House that on June 4, we will host an evening event to celebrate the publication of Read the Bible…
What is this blog about? Ask AI…
One of the most difficult aspects of being a solo/self-employed writer is coming up with marketing materials to introduce people to me and my work. Publishers, retreat planners, and others…
Who are the Essential Mystics?
A reader of this blog wrote the following message to me… Hi Carl. Thank you for all of the incredible information about mysticism on your website. It’s been a tremendous…
Mark Your Calendars — Upcoming Events in Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland…
Hi friends, just want to make sure you’re aware of some upcoming events I have scheduled. Especially if you can join me in person in Georgia, South Carolina, or Maryland…
Can Love Be Saved?
Can Love Be Saved? Recently I was speaking with a friend of mine who is a hospital chaplain. She was lamenting how challenging it is sometimes to bring a prayerful…
The Theology of the Hail Mary: Contemplative Wisdom or Dualistic Fear?
A long-term reader of this blog recently wrote to me and posed this question: Carl, what do you think the last line of the Hail Mary means? “Holy Mary, Mother…