The other day I was speaking with a dear friend who said she really loves to read the endorsements in a book — the short blurbs that get printed on the book’s cover or before the title page, where other authors share how much they enjoyed reading the book. For any author, asking your peers to read your not-yet-published book (and waiting to hear back from them) is an angst-producing step in the book’s production process, but it’s always a joy when they respond, usually in ways that make me feel both honored and humbled.
I know not everyone cares about book endorsements, but if you are like my friend, then this post is for you. Here is the advance praise that The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism has received (along with the older endorsements for the first edition as well, which I’m calling the “legacy” endorsements).
Blatant marketing subtext: please buy the book. And order copies for all your friends as well. Click here to get an autographed copy from me.
Praise for The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism:
“Fine dining here, divine nutrition, a feast of good flavors, each dish more than satisfying and yet seducing you on to the whole grand buffet. Carl McColman has gathered into one place the salty, the savory, the sweet, and the sensuous of the mystical Tradition. He cooks with all the ingredients of the collective unconscious– which is the One Holy Spirit. Taste and be very well fed!”
— Richard Rohr, author of The Universal Christ and The Naked Now
“The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is a guidebook for going deeper on the mystical path. This revised and expanded edition remains thoughtful, insightful and grounded in scholarship; as before, what really makes it sing is the authenticity of the author’s own contemplative journey.”
— Cynthia Bourgeault, author of The Heart of Centering Prayer and The Corner of Fourth and Nondual
“Mainstream religion, highjacked to a dualistic and zero-sum worldview pitting us against one another and against the planet, is poisoning the human soul. The antidote isn’t reason or secular humanism or even liberal religion, but mysticism: the direct seeing into the nondual Divine happening as all reality. Carl McColman’s The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism provides this antidote for anyone who dares to read it. 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.”
— 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! Chock-full of everything you need to know about mysticism, it’s practical, too. When we read books on spirituality, we want to sense that the author is a practicing contemplative and writing from experience. This meaningfully revised and expanded edition of McColman’s acclaimed classic shows that it transformed during the last decade and more in the author’s own walk along the contemplative path. Offering us a rich mix of history, clear explanation, expertise, practical application, attention to the social dimension, inclusivity, community, and resources for further learning, the New Big Book of Christian Mysticism helps us realize: “If your heart is truly open, it will change your life.” For these chaotic days, this wisdom leads us gently into the deeply ordinary, very human, keenly subversive, and joyful activity we simply call contemplation. McColman’s treasure helps us know more presence, silence, self-compassion, compassion for others, hope, and peace. A must for every spiritual seeker!”
— Carmen Acevedo Butcher, translator of The Cloud of Unknowing, Practice of the Presence by Brother Lawrence, and Hildegard of Bingen
“The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is the right book by the right author at the right time. It is accessible to experienced contemplatives and curious not-yet-beginners alike, and it will guide you to the most fruitful pathways in what Carl McColman rightly calls the best-kept secret of the Christian tradition. I’m so glad that I can recommend this book to many of my friends!”
— Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian? and Faith After Doubt
“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, 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 through each and everything 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
“The greatest gift of the New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is Carl McColman’s masterful ability to make obscure and esoteric terms clear and accessible. 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. I particularly loved how Carl clarifies and offers new perspectives on the basic components of the Christian mystical journey (purification, illumination, union). He also addresses the underside of mysticism and contemplation which include dark nights, spiritual bypassing and ego intrusions. In this extraordinary contribution to the vast body of writing on mysticism, 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, 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 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
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“The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is a must read for anyone wanting to deeply explore the riches of the Christian contemplative tradition. Carl McColman is a trustworthy guide and teacher who beautifully synthesizes the wisdom of the Christian mystics, and invites us to experience the new frontiers of interspirituality. Additionally, McColman’s work includes vital yet often overlooked contributions of BIPOC mystics. This book is truly a gift!“
— Adam Bucko, author of Let Your Heartbreak Be Your Guide and coauthor of The New Monasticism
“In this wonderful book, Carl McColman reveals the essence of Christian Mysticism in an eloquent, inspiring and powerful narrative. A master teacher, McColman artfully weaves tales from the Bible, together with the lives and insights of Christianity’s best known mystics, to reveal the mystical paths of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In doing so, he invites us into the heart of the Mystery, that which gladdens our hearts, and manifests God’s Love for all of us. A beautiful journey awaits!”
— SeiFu Singh-Molares, Executive Director of Spiritual Directors International
“Carl McColman’s New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is a grace-filled, invaluable resource and practical handbook that invites us into a life more attuned with the Holy, enabling us to live into who we are meant to be as contemplatives-in-action. I will be recommending it to all my “anam charas” – my soul friends on the journey to fullness of life in God’s Love.”
— Caroline Oakes, author of Practice the Pause: Jesus’ Contemplative Practice, New Brain Science, and What It Means To Be Fully Human
“An amazing resource! If you want to have a sense of the varieties of the Christian spiritual life and insight into the Mystical way; this is a necessary read. You can spend hours wandering through this amazing book. I have.”
— James Ishmael Ford, author of If You’re Lucky, Your Heart Will Break: Field Notes from a Zen Life and co-editor of The Book of Mu: Essential Writings on Zen’s Most Famous Koan
“The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is a true gift! The new edition draws us deeper into the heart of the divine, and Carl McColman is a skillful and trustworthy guide on this journey. He offers ancient and modern examples that both inspire and instruct the reader on how mysticism can be a part of our everyday lives. I am so grateful for this book – I know I will turn to it again and again!”
— Kate H. Rademacher, author of Reclaiming Rest: The Promise of Sabbath, Solitude, and Stillness in a Restless World
“This is not only a big book of Christian mysticism, it is also an extraordinarily accessible book. In clear and engaging prose, McColman lays out what is distinctive of the Christian mystical path, but in a way that calls Christians to learn from the mysticism of other traditions. He describes Christians as “little Christs” who can truly share in Jesus’ awareness of oneness with the God he called ‘Abba.’ – Highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand and practice the mystical foundations of Christian faith.”
— Paul Knitter, author of Without Buddha I Could Not Be a Christian
“The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is an invitation to reclaim the mystical heart of Christianity. Written with the depth of a scholar and the soul of a pilgrim, it is accessible, challenging, heartfelt and practical. With clarity and passion, Carl McColman urges us to recognize how relevant mysticism is for our time.”
— Colette Lafia, author of The Divine Heart and Seeking Surrender
“In this generous theoretical and practical exploration of Christian Mysticism, we are offered a compelling Christ-shaped vision of how each of us can live uniquely in the mystery of God’s love. In his usual accessible and down-to-earth writing style, Carl McColman both deepens our longing to know this Great Love for ourselves and to make it more real where we live and work. This labor of love will be a treasured gift for God’s children from all backgrounds.”
— Trevor Hudson, author of Seeking God: Finding Another Kind of Life with St Ignatius and Dallas Willard
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Legacy Endorsements (Praise for the first edition):
“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, author of The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See and Everything Belongs
“A wise and supportive guidebook for those going deeper on the Christian mystical path. This book is grounded in sound scholarship and thoughtful reflection (often surprisingly fresh and insightful!), but what makes it sing is the authenticity of the author’s own contemplative journey.”
— Cynthia Bourgeault, author of Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening and The Wisdom Jesus
“Before I heard about The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, I had been think- ing about how such a book has been needed for a long time. Now, having read it, I’m glad we waited for Carl McColman to come along to write it. It’s accessible, human, well-informed, balanced, broad . . . just what we needed.”
—Brian D. McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christianity and A Generous Orthodoxy
“McColman’s book on Christian mysticism is a masterpiece of scholarship and wisdom. This author obviously earned his understanding of mysticism through years of research as well as his own personal spiritual journey and there is no more powerful combination for inspired writing.”
— Caroline Myss, author of Entering the Castle and Anatomy of the Spirit
“With his “Big Book” McColman has pulled off a tour de force: a work on Christian mysticism that is broadly accessible, but deep; scholarly but not pedantic; reverent, but judicious; thorough, but a good read; an excellent introduction to the subject for the general reader, but with plenty of meat for the specialist. Highly recommended for the neophyte, the informed, and the expert alike.”
— Robert D. Hughes, III, author of Beloved Dust: Tides of the Spirit in the Christian Life
“In The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Carl McColman offers us a thorough and engaging exploration of Christian mysticism which he defines as a form of alchemy – that is, transformation through the Source of all Love. His wise and clear writing takes us on a wide journey through both classical and contemporary mystic guides. Ultimately he invites us to catch a glimpse of the heart of Mystery through concrete suggestions for mystical practice and be transformed ourselves.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, author of Water, Wind, Earth, & Fire: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements
“If you are looking for both a primer on Christian mysticism as well as an in-depth treatment of this oft-misunderstood aspect of the spiritual life, here is your book. Readable, useful, well-researched, Carl McColman’s Big Book of Christian Mysticism helps both the novice and those already well along on the journey toward a deeper relationship with God to see that mysticism is ultimately not at all a mysterious quest, but a human— and possible—one.”
— Paul Wilkes, author of Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life
“A brilliant contribution from a clear, concise and articulate author! Carl McColman’s Big Book deepens the conversation as he explores the paradoxes of the mystical/traditional approaches, outlines the bias against cultivating an interior life and illuminates the reader on practices to embrace in order to relate to a dynamic Living God.
— Lauren Artress, author of Walking a Sacred Path
“McColman’s book is wise and wonderful, deceptively simple! Are you interested in having a relationship with something that’s ultimately unknowable? Me too. It’s not easy, but dig in, here!”
— Jon M. Sweeney, author of Almost Catholic and The St. Francis Prayer Book
“In this delightfully accessible book, Carl McColman dispels the notion that Christian mysticism exists somewhere in the ether, and reveals its solid, earthy roots. If you want a rich, nourishing life of faith, and virtues that flourish like wildflowers, read Christian Mysticism, and let the good news in it transform you.”
— Claudia Mair Burney, author of God Alone is Enough: A Spirited Pilgrimage with St. Teresa of Avila
“Mysticism is at the heart of faith, whatever religious or denominational flag we raise. Thoughtful, well-written doorways into these mysteries, such as this one, matter a great deal to all of us who seek communion with the Mystery Itself.”
— Robert Benson, author of In Constant Prayer
“Carl McColman’s new book is truly a work of art as well as a spiritual guide for those who want to know more about Christian mysticism. Writing for a broad audience of readers, Carl wants everyone to become aware of that rich history and its potential meaning for today. He writes in a lively, engaging style, but his work comes out of deep wells of spiritual wisdom. Appealing to both head and heart, his book not only makes the history of Christian mysticism accessible, but also provides for readers guidance in prayer, contemplation, and transformation itself. For Carl, the great mystics are not just people specially gifted, but soul friends and spiritual mentors for anyone who seeks to live today with some degree of interiority, integrity, and joy. I highly recommend this book not only for general readers interested in mysticism and spirituality, but also for undergraduate or graduate students who need an introduc- tion to what Carl himself calls “this ancient wisdom tradition.”
— Ed Sellner, author of Wisdom of the Celtic Saints and Finding the Monk Within: Great Monastic Values for Today
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In Loving Memory (Endorsers from the First Edition Who Have Passed Away):
“Carl McColman has both studied and practiced the Christian mystical tradition, stressing its earthiness and ‘ordinariness.’ Like Thomas Merton, Michael Ramsey, and others, he holds that mysticism is not an esoteric realm reserved for the very holy, but is what all Christian life is about. I strongly commend this book.”
—Kenneth Leech (1939-2015), author of Soul Friend and Prayer and Prophecy
“Charmingly and conversationally written, but also rich in nuance and thorough in its coverage and its attention to detail, The Big Book is, as its name suggests, a big—even an enormous—contribution to our current literature on the subject. Highly recommended.”
—Phyllis Tickle (1934-2015), author of The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why and God-Talk in America
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