ANAMCHARA • THE WEBSITE OF UNKNOWING is all about Christian mysticism, interfaith spirituality, Celtic wisdom, emergent theology, and assorted other topics.
Click on this image to learn more about books by Carl McColman.
Carl McColman talks about mysticism: what it is, and why it matters, in this interview which originally aired on Atlanta's AM 1690 in September 2008. Click here to listen.
What others say...
"www.anamchara.com is a beautiful site that lists books and web sites introducing all aspects of Christian mysticism."
— Abbot Christopher Jamison, host of
"The Monastery" on the BBC
"One of the best spiritual blogs around"
— John Skinner, author of Hear Our Silence and translator of Julian of Norwich's Revelation of Love
"Thanks, Carl, for your fine and much needed work."
— Richard Rohr, author of Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer
"Recommended website"
— Steven Sadler, author of Looking for God: A Seeker's Guide to Religious and Spiritual Groups of the World
"Carl McColman is part Ken Wilber, part Richard Rohr, and part Indiana Jones’ dad."
— Brittian Bullock, blogger, Sensual Jesus
Upcoming Class: February 2009
A Brief History of Everything through Emory University's "Evening at Emory" Program. Online registration begins November 19!
American philosopher Ken Wilber’s writings combine eastern and western spirituality, psychology, biology, cultural theory, and other strands of contemporary thought to create what the author calls “integral psychology.” Wilber bridges science and religion, explains the dynamics of human consciousness and moral development, and speculates on future evolution of our species. Despite the complexity of his thought, many of Wilber’s books are surprisingly accessible, including the textbook for this class, A Brief History of Everything. In this class we’ll read the book, discuss its merits, and consider how Wilber’s ideas can impact the scientific and spiritual communities. Tuition includes textbook. Instructor: Carl McColman
February 18-March 18, 2009 7:00-9:00 pm
Upcoming Retreats in 2009
Carl McColman will be co-leading the following retreats at the guesthouse of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA. For more information or to register, click here.
June 5-7, 2009:
Writing & Journal Keeping
(with Fr. James Behrens)
Explore your personal connection between the inner life and the written word. This weekend includes time for silence, for journaling, and for reflections on the relationship between writing and the spiritual life. Suitable for professional and amateur writers at all skill levels, this weekend does not include personal criticism or feedback. Instead, it simply creates a space where you can write, you can pray, and perhaps even combine the two into a unified spiritual practice.
July 17-19, 2009:
Wisdom of the Christian Mystics
(with Fr. James Behrens and Fr. Tom Francis)
From the Desert Fathers to Julian of Norwich to Thomas Merton, Christian history is filled with stories of men and women who experienced a profound sense of God's presence in their lives. Can the teachings of the mystics still speak to us today? The mystics themselves would say “yes” – and furthermore, that their message is not just for priests or monks or nuns, but is indeed meant for the entire people of God. With this in mind, during this weekend we will look at several ways in which the wisdom of the Christian mystics can provide insight and inspiration for our age. This will include the universal call to holiness – St. Paul 's directive to “pray without ceasing,” and the promise from the Psalms to “be still and know God.”
If you live in, or are visiting, Atlanta, I hope you'll come to the Julian Meeting.
I'd love to hear from you
Email me at
or send old-fashioned mail to:
Carl McColman
Post Office Box 1146
Clarkston, GA 30021
USA
The Abbey Store
When in Atlanta, be sure to visit the Abbey Store located at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Or follow this link to shop online: www.abbeystore.com. Not only does the Abbey Store carry many of the books featured on this website, but it's also the source of the world's best fruitcake and fudge (made by the monks), as well as many other delicious food items and inspiring religious items.