The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism: An Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality
How are emerging generations making meaning in their lives? This team of eight scholars and ministry leaders from across the denominational spectrum formed Co.lab.inq, a collective learning laboratory focused on open-ended inquiry, to explore this question. Together they interviewed over 200 people under 40 in search of the lessons they might teach us about belonging, adversity, legacy - and faith.
Through collaborative storytelling conversations focused on truth-seeking and meaning-making, Sue Pizor Yoder and her co-authors illustrate the complex and varied ways Millennials and Gen Z are navigating life and crafting their stories. What do younger Americans have to say about belonging? Where do they find meaning? What challenges are they facing--and how do they confront them? How do they envision their legacies?
Pizor Yoder and her colleagues were surprised to find that in addition to these questions, their conversation partners also wanted to talk about faith--even when they didn't identify with any religious tradition. The narratives these authors uncover offer both critique and blessing for society and the church.
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Carl McColman is a contemplative writer, speaker, teacher, soul friend, and storyteller.
He is the author of numerous books, including The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Eternal Heart, Answering the Contemplative Call, An Invitation to Celtic Wisdom and Unteachable Lessons. His books cover a variety of spiritual perspectives, from Christian mysticism and contemplative living, to Celtic wisdom, earth-centered and pagan spirituality, and Wicca. Carl's own contemplative practice is deeply interspiritual, and he is an active, practicing Christian and Buddhist.
Carl studied at James Madison University (BA, English) and George Mason University (MA, Professional Writing and Editing). His formation in the spiritual life includes training and formation with the Shalem Institute in Washington, DC and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA; where Carl is a Life-Professed Lay Cistercian: a layperson under formal spiritual guidance with the Trappist monks. He is a commissioned Centering Prayer presenter with Contemplative Outreach of North Georgia, and a spiritual director serving individuals both in metro Atlanta and online.
"Mysticism is not mystifying at all, but simple, always available, and utterly clarifying. Carl McColman's much-needed book will allow you to experience this for yourself! Christians and all Seekers will find both meat and dessert in such a full meal." --Richard Rohr
"A wise and supportive guidebook for those going deeper on the Christian mystical path. This book is grounded in sound scholarship and thoughtful reflection, but what makes it sing is the authenticity of the author's own contemplative journey." --Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, author of Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening and The Wisdom Jesus
"If you identify as Christian, make this book a new Gospel. If you are not, read it as a catalyst to finding the mystic heart of your own spiritual identity." --Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author of Perennial Wisdom for the Spiritually Independent
"Comprehensive, accessible, and dynamic, Carl McColman's New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is a masterpiece! Offering a rich mix of history, clear explanation, attention to the social dimension, inclusivity, community, and resources for further learning, The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism leads us gently into the deeply ordinary, very human, keenly subversive and joyful activity we simply call contemplation. A must-read for every spiritual seeker!" --Carmen Acevedo Butcher, translator of The Cloud of Unknowing, Practice of the Presence by Brother Lawrence, and Hildegard of Bingen
"Carl McColman's The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is accessible for those brand new to mysticism and a deep dive for those who have been studying it a lifetime. In this new edition, McColman explores mysticism's direct connection to topics like embodiment, social justice, eroticism, and sexuality, inviting the reader into mysticism's aliveness." --Cassidy Hall, award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, and author of Queering Contemplation: Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality
"A mystic is one whose eyes are open to seeing the Eternal in every fleeting moment of human life on this earth, and whose heart is open to the Love that permeates each and every thing in this universe. This new volume lays out more of the rich treasures of the Christian tradition for those aspiring to awaken their mystic heart." --Ruben L. F. Habito, author of Be Still and Know: Zen and the Bible and Living Zen, Loving God
"Bringing mysticism and contemplation out of the clouds and down to earth, Carl provides everyday mystics and spiritual seekers with a portal to embrace the Presence unceasingly. In this extraordinary contribution, Carl ushers the discussion into contemporary times by noting the ongoing impact of Christian mysticism on struggles for liberation and human dignity. I believe the timeless wisdom contained in this volume will feed and enlighten those who follow in our footsteps." --Lerita Coleman Brown, professor of psychology emerita, spiritual companion, and author of What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman
"With The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Carl McColman has reawakened in me that deep, radical, relational tenderness that first called me into the practices and lineage of Christian mysticism. This book offers helpful definition without ceasing to dance, and makes present both the mystery of Presence and the wonderful companionship of those who have gone before us." --Alana Levandoski, singer-songwriter whose albums include Behold, I Make All Things New and Hymns from the Icons
