Writing the Icon of the Heart: In Silence Beholding

by Maggie Ross

Shows how faith cannot be divorced from an outlook characterised by a rigorous questioning and testing of assumptions, and a passionate concern for the created world in which we are blessed to live. This book takes us deep into what it truly means to worship, to love, to pray - and what it means to be human, made in the image of God.

Genres: Christian, Philosophy

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[David S Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Much Essential Reading for the Modern Mystic

OK, the writing quality and turn of phrase alone makes the book worth reading. But the depth of insight and awareness of her spirituality is why you should actually read the book. She's the sort of writer that makes you want to grow up in your notion of faith and belief.

Ross ponders faith or belief or spirituality at a level deeper than how most of us consider it. Her work is like a deep dive into what your spiritual director is trying to explain to you. I can’t recommend this enough.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t easy to get through. It’s not as hard as her book Silence Vol 1 (which I read years ago and maybe only understood 30%), but it’s still the kind of book where you have to let it wash over you rather than trying to understand. Extensive and impressive end notes. If she is right, what we call Christianity is not even remotely what Christianity actually is. Honestly I don’t know what to do with that, given I have been in deconstruction for a couple of years and was quite ready to write it all off. Well worth the read for anyone who is weirdly both disgusted by and obsessed with theology.

[Cassian Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series of provocative essays about religious practice. Maggie Ross has a web site where she writes more fully about her understanding of how the mind works and the ways that institutional religion has hampered the natural working of the mind.

[Josie Wu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ngl i feel like i should have gotten more from this book than i actually did — my fault because i don’t love the nonfiction genre. Really liked the chapter “Heaven Can’t Wait” — the author vividly describes watching her mother die with such tight, restrained language. I don’t think I understood the other chapters that much (probably because i skimmed). Seemed like many of the arguments were conclusory or circular.

[Margaret]

A stunning reflection on silence and contemplative prayer. The chapters on liturgy and tears left me breathless! Margaret

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts really well, with this great insight on "Behold".
Some essays are not as deep, and I was expecting even more on Beholding, but sounds like the author is preparing another book on the topic.
She quotes a lot St Isaac the Syrian, and it is always refreshing to see a Father from the Christian East quoted by a Christian from the Western world. Going back to our common roots...

By the way, if you are into St Isaac, you might want to read my post:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2013/01/09/b...

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A jewel! My newest favorite author.