No, I haven’t forgotten.
So over the past two years I’ve put so much energy into contemplative spirituality, from trying to wrap my mind around the ancient Orthodox teachings on theosis or deification, to exploring my own deep interior silence as a Lay Cistercian, to reflecting on how Ken Wilber’s integral theory (primarily grounded in Buddhism) can make sense within a mystical Christian context. It’s all loads of fun (yeah, I know, I’m a geek) and for the most part keeps me out of trouble. (more…)
Audio Mystica
This week I’m attending the International Christian Retail Show here in Atlanta. Today I was most happy to learn that a company named Christian Audio has (or will soon be) releasing a number of the writings of great mystics on audio CD, including:
- Anonymous, The Cloud of Unknowing
- Augustine of Hippo, The Confessions
- Benedict of Nursia, The Holy Rule of St. Benedict
- Bernard of Clairvaux, On Loving God
- Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God
- John of the Cross, The Dark Night of the Soul
- Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle
- Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
I think I’ve just found a way to make my 22-mile commute much more bearable.
Loving my faith
Someone asked me recently why I loved my religion. Here’s the answer I gave.
As a Catholic, I appreciate the culture of my religion, from Gregorian Chant, to the writings of great mystics like Teresa of Avila or Julian of Norwich, to the soaring architecture of Gothic Cathedrals, the pomp and ceremony of a pontifical mass, the profound silence of a Trappist monastery, the warm sense of spirituality in a cathedral lit by hundreds of flickering candles, each one representing someone’s heartfelt prayer. I also love the theology of Holy Communion: when we eat the consecrated bread and wine, Christ himself feeds and nurtures us. This is a faith where I truly encounter the love of God.
Agnostic
Of course I’m an agnostic. I’m not a gnostic. And that’s what an agnostic is: not a gnostic…
