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Many associate mysticism with eastern spiritual practices such as Zen Buddhism or yoga. But Christianity has its own mystical tradition with a long and rich history that reaches back to the New Testament-and remains surprisingly relevant today. The Big Book of Christian Mysticism explores this rich tradition and shows how it can be a powerful tool for transformation and the experience of the Divine.
Preface 7
Part I The Christian Mystery 13
Chapter 1 Hidden in Plain Sight 15
Chapter 2 Defining Mysticism 23
Chapter 3 How Mysticism Became Christian 37
Chapter 4 The Evolution of Christian Mysticism 47
Chapter 5 Christian Mysticism and World Mysticism 57
Chapter 6 Why Mysticism Matters 65
Chapter 7 The Mystical Paradoxes 75
Chapter 8 Christianity's Best-Kept Secret 121
Part II The Contemplative Life 131
Chapter 9 The Mystical Body 133
Chapter 10 Kenosis and Perichoresis 159
Chapter 11 The Path of Holiness 167
Chapter 12 The Journey that Isn't a Journey 183
Chapter 13 Lectio Divina 189
Chapter 14 The Heavenly Conversation 201
Chapter 15 Prayer Beyond Words 219
Chapter 16 Wood, Water, and Wine 235
Chapter 17 The Heart of the Mystery 247
Appendix A The Communion of Mystics 258
Appendix B A Contemplative Reading List 272
Appendix C Online Resources 282
Endnotes 284
Selected Bibliography 289
Recent and Contemporary Christian Contemplatives 294
Resources on Christian Mysticism 299
Other Worthwhile Sources 306
This is a very informative book for anyone who wishes to understand the Christian mystics. It is well written, easy to understand and well worth the time to read. If you want to increase your knowledge of the Contemplative path this book will serve has a good reference book. This book brought me back from Eastern mysticism to explore anew my Western spiritual roots.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MaribethM
Posted February 10, 2012
I Also Recommend:
This book is an excellent introduction to a rather murky and difficult topic. It offers a variety of ways to think about mysticism, both in general and as a Christian phenomenon, and then offers a wealth of practical advice for anyone who wants to explore mystical spirituality for themselves. It concludes with a list of recommended books to explore and a wonderful bibliography. It's not often you'll find a book on this topic that is interesting and thoughtful, but written for a general audience. But that's what this book does. And if you like this one, also check out "The Lion, the Mouse and the Dawn Treader" by the same author -- a look at the mysticism of C. S. Lewis as revealed in the Narnia books.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JREwing
Posted November 22, 2010
Why is this book not available for the Nook? I don't buy from any author who signs exclusive deals with Amazon.
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 14, 2013
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Posted December 27, 2010
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Overview
Many associate mysticism with eastern spiritual practices such as Zen Buddhism or yoga. But Christianity has its own mystical tradition with a long and rich history that reaches back to the New Testament-and remains surprisingly relevant today. The Big Book of Christian Mysticism explores this rich tradition and shows how it can be a powerful tool for transformation and the experience of the Divine.