Excerpt from a Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat.
A remarkable overview of the riches, wisdom, paradoxes, and major figures in Christian Mysticism.
Carl McColman is an author, teacher and spiritual director, and the creator of the website of Unknowing(www.anamcara.com), which includes a blog devoted to Celtic and mystical spirituality. He studied Christian meditation and contemplation at the Salem Institute for Spiritual Formation and received additional training in the art of spiritual direction from the Institute for Pastoral Studies in Atlanta.
His books include 366 Celt, a year and a day of Celtic Lore And Wisdom. McColman is a lay associate of The Trappist Monastery of The Holy Spirit in Georgia.
Mysticism and mystery belong together, mysticism is difficult to describe in words or pin down in concepts. McColman says that it encompasses union with God, the experiential core of spirituality, the place where all religious differences are resolved and unity comes alive, an ancient wisdom tradition, and a way of life.
The author writes "For Christians, mysticism is thus not a static concept. Rather it suggests something dynamic- a process, energy or movement. It involves a continual tension between what is hidden and what is revealed." In a chapter on "Why Mysticism Matters" McColman salutes love as the heart of the Christian path which involves prayer, contemplation, reading the Bible and other sacred writings, serving others and being the presence of God in a troubled world.
McColman sees the contemplative life as a journey which involves practices such as devotional reading and meditation, both of which open us to mystical wisdom.
Our lives are enriched by learning from musicians, artists, poets and writers. The author closes with a wide and divers listing of mystics from the past and the present who are worthy exemplars of the contemplative life.
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