Contemplation begins with Wonder.
What Are you Wondering About Today?
Latest Articles
Verbum / Logos
Most people think of contemplation and mysticism in terms of prayer and meditation — and rightly so. But there is still an impressive body of wisdom literature to explore — what Thomas Cranmer said about the Bible applies also to mystical literature: these are teachings to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.” You can take your study of the mystics so much further if you tap into a program as powerful as Verbum or Logos.
Spiritual Directors International (SDI)
SDI now is an educational nonprofit, serving over 6,000 members in 42 countries around the world. Although it began as a gathering of Christian spiritual companions, today the organization is interfaith in scope and supports spiritual guides of any faith tradition.
Do I Have to be a Member of a Church to be a Christian Mystic?
I think I understand how many people — including many people with a genuine interest in the mystics — find church to be the last place they want to be, on Sunday or any other time during the week.
There are many reasons for this. Many people have been hurt by churches.
Praying with Icons
Praying with icons is no longer just something eastern Christians do. Recognizing that the image can be a powerful window into heaven, Christians across the entire Body of Christ have found meaning and spiritual sustenance in the prayerful contemplation of icons.
Divinization
What Are You Wondering About Today? Filter by categories Clear Results Community Resources Glossary History of Mysticism Media Miscellaneous Topics Mystical Locations Mystical Theology Overview of Christian Mysticism Profiles of …
Deification
What Are You Wondering About Today? Filter by categories Clear Results Community Resources Glossary History of Mysticism Media Miscellaneous Topics Mystical Locations Mystical Theology Overview of Christian Mysticism Profiles of …
Theosis
Theosis comes from the Greek θέωσις and literally means “divine state” — Theo (God, divinity) + osis (state or condition). Think of words like theology (God-talk) and gnosis (a state of knowledge) to understand how the word is constructed.
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a contemporary method of Christian spiritual practice that is based on teachings from ancient Christian mystics. It recognizes silence and stillness as doorways into prayer and intimacy with God.
Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
I have a wonderful and affectionate regard for Washington, DC’s Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. It may not be as widely known as Contemplative Outreach International or the Center for Action and Contemplation, but Shalem still has a global reach, offers a distinctive and beautiful approach to contemplative spirituality, and — most significant for me — was the setting where I was introduced to contemplative practice and to the ministry of spiritual direction.
Latest Blog Posts
An Interview With the Georgia Writers’ Association
Earlier today I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Terri Dudenhoeffer of the Georgia Writers’ Association for their “Q&A Sessions with Georgia Authors.” I’ve had the good fortune to …
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Online Day of Reflection: Thomas Merton (April 24, 2021)
Thomas Merton is one of the towering figures of contemplative spirituality over the last century. This Trappist monk was a gifted writer and a brilliant interpreter of the Christian spiritual …
Online Day of Reflection: Thomas Merton (April 24, 2021) Read More »
Online Course: Christian Mysticism (April 19-May 10, 2021)
Karl Rahner said that Christians of the future will be mystics. But what is a mystic? What do mystics do, and how is their faith and spirituality unique? This course …
Online Course: Christian Mysticism (April 19-May 10, 2021) Read More »
Explore the Mystical Life — with a Christian Mysticism “Unknowledge Base”!
Friends, I’m excited to announce a major new initiative on this website. Coming on February 1, 2021, I’m launching a Christian Mysticism (Un)Knowledge Base. (Update: it’s been launched! Visit the …
Explore the Mystical Life — with a Christian Mysticism “Unknowledge Base”! Read More »
How My Surrogate Grandmother Introduced Me to Silence
When I was a small boy, there was a lady named Mrs. Frazier who lived across the street from my home. Mrs. Frazier and her husband were a bit older …
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A Mystical Catechism
One of my dreams is to create a Christian Mysticism Knowledge Base (or, perhaps better described as a Christian Mysticism Un-knowledge Base!). I wrote the following questions a while back thinking …
A Julian of Norwich Meditation
Here’s a meditation I developed a few months ago for a retreat I led for an Episcopal Church. It’s based on Julian of Norwich’s vision of the hazelnut. Before you …
Online Day of Reflection: Celtic Spirituality (March 20, 2021)
Experience the prayer, poetry, folklore, and spirituality of the Celtic Christians of old — and how their down to-earth, lyrical, and hope-filled wisdom still speaks to us today. Our day together …
Online Day of Reflection: Celtic Spirituality (March 20, 2021) Read More »
Online Retreat: Celtic Wisdom (March 16-18, 2021)
Explore the wisdom, wit, poetry and mysticism of the Celtic saints in this 3-day online retreat! In March, I will return (via Zoom) to lead another retreat sponsored by the …
Online Retreat: Celtic Wisdom (March 16-18, 2021) Read More »
