The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism: An Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality

by Carl McColman

This revised and expanded edition offers a big the hope of achieving real, experiential union with God.

"The Christian of the future will be a mystic—or will not exist." This word of warning from theologian Karl Rahner was uttered half a century ago, and today, Christianity is indeed in crisis. Is mysticism necessary for the survival of Christianity? What exactly is Christian mysticism? How can it be relevant in our crisis-ridden world? Questions like these inspire The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, a newly updated edition from beloved spiritual teacher and bestselling author Carl McColman.

The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism serves as both introduction and practical instruction for a living contemplative practice today. In addition to the overview of mysticism, spiritual and prayer practices in mysticism, the various types of mysticism in Christian tradition, and influential mystics through the millennia, this second edition offers an embodied understanding of the mystic life with a more diverse range of voices and perspectives, from Howard Thurman to Pauli Murray. It also includes new chapters and themes that address embodied mysticism, contemplation and social justice, and the ongoing relevance of Jesus's message of radical equality and inclusivity.

This bigger book introduces both Christians and non-Christians to the contemplative tradition within Christianity, a tradition that has often been marginalized or cloistered (to the church's detriment). As a practice-oriented book, this is an invitation to embrace the mystical element within Christianity—a practice that can equip faithful persons with a joyful sense of divine intimacy, not just for personal benefit but as a foundation to a life of service and activism in the interest of justice.

McColman's overview of mysticism shows how it has been practiced and lived through the centuries and will prove inspirational for today's seekers, regardless of their faith tradition. At its heart, Christian mysticism is an ancient practice that incorporates meditation, contemplation, worship, philosophy, the quest for enlightenment, the thirst for a better world, and the experience of divine presence.

Genres: Christianity, Religion, Mysticism, Spirituality

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Carl McColman writes about the spiritual life, covering topics like mysticism (The Big Book of Christian Mysticism), contemplative prayer (Answering the Contemplative Call), monastic spirituality (Befriending Silence), Celtic traditions (An Invitation to Celtic Wisdom), Paganism (The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism), and Wicca (When Someone You Love is Wiccan).

He is also a blogger (www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman) and podcaster(www.encounteringsilence.com) .

Why did Carl McColman, a Catholic author, write books about Paganism? Read the answer here: www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman/20...

Reviews

[Mike Smoolca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just over a month ago, I was sent a copy of Carl McColman's new book to review in time for it's recent launch. I was delighted to make my way through this volume, use it as a resource to check-in and clarify my own Christian Contemplative spirituality and settle into what I believe is the growing edge of that spirituality and my experience of it. 

I gave Carl a 4* rating only because 4.5*'s was not an option. My comments below indicate where I was hoping to have seen included in Carl's New Big Book.

The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism is a revised and expanded version of his original The Big Book of Christian Mysticism. If I were to subtitle either book, what comes to mind is Traditional Christian Mysticism 101. In many ways both of these books provide a good review and excellent primer on the Christian Mystical Tradition. There are two distinct parts to Carl's new book. Part 1 is dedicated to painting the broad landscape of traditional Christian Mysticism and Part 2 discusses various, mostly traditional, practices used by Christian Mystics and Contemplatives.

This book can be an important companion for Christians new to Christian Contemplative and Mystical Spirituality. It provides a good overview of the breath of this Spiritual terrain as well as highlighting a number of traditional practices used by many as aids on the Contemplative journey. For those more advanced in their Christian Contemplative spirituality, I believe it provides a good resource to take stock of your practices and spirituality in order to notice and reflect on the aspects, beliefs, and practices of the Christian Contemplative and Mystical tradition that you've incorporated and those which you have felt drawn beyond.

Carl uses the very traditional Purgative/Illuminative/Unitive stages as the way to describe the path of Spiritual development and movement. Though knowledge of these stages is helpful in describing the Christian Contemplative Journey, I'm finding other maps of the development of Consciousness like the one described by Dr. David Hawkins are now more illuminative and helpful to me on own journey. Because Carl is focused on these traditional stages, he doesn't explore what's beyond the classic Unitive stage nor explicitly look at the Christian mystics who have experienced going beyond it. This is the journey beyond self experienced and written about by Bernadette Roberts, Jim Marion and hinted at by Meister Eckhart. Cynthia Bourgeault has also made the observation that Thomas Keating got here at the end of his life. It is this rare stage that seems to unite Christian mysticism more deeply with the mystic dimensions of other world traditions. 

Carl highlights many traditional and foundational practices in his book including Lectio Divina, Daily Office, participation in Liturgy and Sacraments, the Jesus Prayer, various types of traditional prayer, journaling, and methods of silent prayer among others. Though he does mention the more modern practice of Centering Prayer, he does not cover Christian Body Presence practices like Welcoming Prayer (developed by Contemplative Outreach), and one I've found particularly deep and opening, BioSpiritual Focusing. He also doesn't mention how the Enneagram has been used and integrated into Contemplative practice.

On balance, Carl's book is a valuable resource and a good read that is especially helpful to Christians who are new to Christian Contemplative Spirituality. It provides a good review of the overall traditional Christian Mystical and Contemplative landscape, and outlines a number of traditional practices that have been used by many folks following this path though it doesn't mention many more modern ones. As you set out to read this book, I would encourage you to embrace Carl's own words:

Thanks only to the grace of God, and the wisdom of my own teachers over the years, I've caught a glimpse of where we might find the nourishment we so desperately need. So now I am saying to you "Here, let's go this way." That's the extent of my authority here. You, of course, need to weigh everything I've written throughout this book, in the light of your own intuition and discernment. Spirituality is not a spectator sport; ultimately you can only embrace the mystical life by following the wisdom of your heart. Anything you might learn... must ultimately be tested in the crucible of your own heart. For it is in your embodied heart where you, ultimately, are called to encounter and embrace the mystery of divine love. -- The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism pg. 186

Following Carl's advice will keep you grounded and honest as you explore this resource and ultimately will serve you well on your personal Mystical and Contemplative journey.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl McColman has once again done an excellent job of guiding readers through the complexities and history of the Christian mystical tradition. One of the things that I appreciate about Carl’s writing is the way he approaches the history and topics in an open and non-judgmental way. While he makes it clear that he is writing from the Christian perspective, he gladly sheds light on mystics from other faith tradition. I really appreciate the way in which he grounds Christian mysticism firmly in the Jewish mystical tradition. After all, Jesus was a Jewish Rabbi who brought a fresh perspective to the Hebrew Scriptures. If you are new to the Christian Mystical Tradition or if you have a good background in the tradition, this book offers both resources and a fresh perspective on mysticism. An excellent go-to resource for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Christian Mysticism.

[Kathe Maneval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very highly recommend!!
McColman takes us on a sweeping journey through mysticism in his latest book. First he leads us up to the mountain top revealing a multidimensional landscape of all things mysticism and contemplation: delving into what mysticism is; its importance in spiritual life; its roots and evolution through history; and, the many paradoxes embodied within it. Then instead of just leaving us with a foundational understanding of mysticism, McColman invites us to incorporate mysticism into our everyday lives. He guides us down various paths of contemplative practice into the center of our hearts by providing in-depth guidance on how to implement these practices. I found McColman’s writing to be inviting, accessible, nonjudgmental, supportive and inclusive. I believe this is an excellent introduction into mysticism and contemplation regardless of where you find yourself on your spiritual journey. Well done!

[elle jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love is real, God is love and God dwells in your heart. And this God-who-is-Love wants nothing more than for you to realise what is already yours: the limitless joy of union with divine love as you behold the eyes of infinite compassion - and allow that compassion to guide your own life into care and service for others.” (pg. 1)

If this resonates with you in any way, this book might be for you. This guide to contemplative spirituality is both an introduction to what mysticism, and specifically Christian mysticism, is, as well as being a guide to the practices that invite an embodied experience of God. Both sections are clear and comprehensive, weaving in quotes from Christian mystics through time.

But the real joy of this book is the love that Carl brings to this work, both for God and community in all its wonderful variety. McColman acknowledges how oppressive and unsafe the Church has been and continues to be for many - particularly for women and members of the LGBTQI community - as well as its self-serving complicity in widespread economic inequality. This book offers no easy remedies to these issues but rather invites us to consider how a felt sense of God’s love might transform individuals and in turn community, to dismantle “all forms of injustice, privilege or oppression and fostering relationships and communities based in equity, inclusivity, peace and justice.”

I am deeply repelled by the Church, and deeply spiritual. I found this book wonderfully loving, generous and moving, one I know I’ll keep returning to.

[Kelly C Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Carl McColman's original Big Book of Christian Mysticism about 6 years ago, and really enjoyed it. It's an excellent resource with a wealth of information on Christianity and Mysticism. The topic is very broad and he does a good job of addressing basic christian theology and mysticism. This updated version carries on that tradition, and was an enjoyable read, overall. While I read the first version of the book many years ago, most of what I like about the original version remains the same. The only real noticeable difference was the emphasis on gender inclusive language, which I know some people really appreciate while others do not. If you already have the original, I don't really think that this one is worth re-purchasing. If you haven't read any Carl McColman before, then I'd opt for this updated version of the book.

[Sara Pantazes · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could I would give this book 3.5 stars. It covers so much ground that it’s almost too much ground, and uses more words than necessary to say what the author was trying to say. I love the content and ideas, but it was a heavy mental lift to digest, even while reading it slowly.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good content, although exclusively from the perspective of Christian mysticism and contemplative practice. Unfortunately however, also quite wordy and repetitive. It could have been half the length and twice as good. 3.5 stars.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A spiritual paradox offers evidence that God is bigger than our limited human capacity for reason and logic….. they point to an ultimate mystery that is beyond human control, beyond what passes for logic or common sense.”

[Karen Chlosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read! This is *not* your mother’s Catholicism, but more so a spiritual and philosophical approach to what I consider a divine mystery.

[Joan Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and 3/4 to four stars. The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism serves as a wonderful beginner guide to the mystical world of sacred silence and contemplative prayer, utilizing both the writings of the masters, like The Cloud of Unknowing and Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle, and simplified techniques to help move the reader towards achieving contemplative unity with God. A wide range of prayer styles are offered to the reader, from the meditative rosary to the Jesus Prayer to meditation and more, to help them better understand how to find a comfortable and consistent way to contemplate God. While this book is a wealth of information, it also drags-- it took me months to finish, not because of its admittedly thick girth, but because the constant repetition of previously explained ideas and simplistic language would put me to sleep. This could easily be half the number of pages. Still, it's a fantastic resource for newbies and a great starting place for both an aspiring mystic and a curious layperson.