I’m glad you’re visiting my website. I’m Carl — and here’s a little bit about me.
I am a writer, blogger, podcaster, spiritual director, and speaker. While I work with words for a living, I love to explore what ultimately cannot be put into words: topics like silence and love — and God.
On my blog I write about whatever captures my attention, but there are four topics I return to over and over again: Christian mysticism, contemplative prayer & practice, Celtic wisdom, and interspiritual exploration. If at least one of those topics appeals to you, I hope you’ll do some exploring (you can click on these links to get started).
The heart of every word is silence, and the heart of spirituality is the mystery of love.
My books — like The Big Book of Christian Mysticism and Unteachable Lessons — approach spirituality (and life) in a joyful and optimistic way. I believe spirituality should bring people together, rather than setting us apart. For this reason, my work explores many paths, from Buddhism to Celtic wisdom to Neopaganism — while remaining grounded in contemplative Christianity.
Following a life-changing encounter with the presence of God as a teenager, I studied Christian spirituality at the Shalem Institute, and received formation as a spiritual director through the Institute for Pastoral Studies. I am a life-professed Lay Cistercian (a layperson under the spiritual guidance of Trappist monks) and a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer workshops.
To learn more about me, click here.
What Others Say
Carl McColman gives much wise direction and broad understanding of the field of contemplative theory and practice. Here is your teacher!
— Richard Rohr
Carl McColman’s first gift is his commitment to write about things that matter. His second gift is his ability to write about them with clarity and warmth, enticing his readers to go places with him that we might otherwise not have gone.
— Barbara Brown Taylor
If you don’t know about Carl McColman and his work, you should.
— Brian D. McLaren
Books
Unteachable Lessons (2019)
Invitation to Celtic Wisdom (2018)
Little Book of Christian Mysticism (2018)
Christian Mystics (2016)
Befriending Silence (2015)
Answering the Contemplative Call (2013)
Lion, the Mouse and the Dawn Treader (2010)
Big Book of Christian Mysticism (2010)
366 Celt (2005)
The Aspiring Mystic (2000)
Spirituality (1997, reprinted with new forward 2008))
From 2001 to 2005 I wrote books about Neopagan spirituality. Learn about those books here: Eight Pagan Books (by a Christian Author)
Spiritual Direction
I am privileged to accompany people as they explore the contemplative dimension of their relationship with God. I can meet with directees at two locations in Atlanta, or via Skype or Zoom for those outside of the Atlanta area.
To learn more about my ministry of spiritual direction, click here.
Speaking, Teaching and Retreats
Upcoming Events
Invite Me to Speak at Your Church or Community
Podcast
Encountering Silence (cohosted with Cassidy Hall and Kevin Johnson)
Ways to Stay Connected
Patreon: Donate to Support My Work
Purchase Autographed Copies of My Books
Contact Me
Facebook
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