Holistic Mysticism: The Integrated Spiritual Path of the Quakers

by Amos Smith

When people hear the word Quaker, their first association is often oats, motor oil, or the Amish—but oatmeal, automobile lubricant, and avoiding electricity have nothing to do with the Quakers' holistic mysticism. What is central to Quaker spirituality is the Divine Center, an inner sanctuary where the very Presence of God dwells. As Quaker theologian Rufus Jones “The kingdom of God is not a place where we go, but a state of being we can live in.” And we don’t need to take the journey by horse and buggy!

Let Amos Smith open your heart and expand your mind. Quakerism holds wisdom we desperately need today. Read, contemplate, and prepare to be transformed.
—Phileena Nikole, author of Mindful The Heart of Christian Contemplation and Pilgrimage of a Contemplative Spirituality for the Active Life

I am grateful to Amos Smith for sharing himself, for bringing alive these voices from Quaker tradition, and for making clear that mysticism is not confined to monasteries or otherwise isolated from the problems of the world.
—Margery Post Abbott, author of To Be Broken and Tender

My own interior work by the Spirit of Christ has been affirmed on many levels by this new book by Amos Smith. . . . Read, relish, and be renewed.
—David Sanford, Executive Editor of Tyndale House's Holy Mosaic


Amos Smith is a practicing Quaker (Friends General Conference) and a long-term centering-prayer practitioner, as well as a writer, workshop leader, and rehabilitation counselor. He emphasizes centering prayer and contemplative arts as the saving graces of his life. He is also the author of Healing the Divide (Resource, 2013) and Be Still and Listen (Paraclete, 2018). For more information, go to RCMR5.org ( friends).

Genres: Novels, Drama, Contemporary, Book Club

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2023

About the author

Amos is a family man, hiker, walker, seasoned Centering Prayer practitioner, workshop and retreat leader, Contemplative Christian writer, and Rehabilitation Therapist. His writing has been published in various newspapers and magazines, including The Billings Gazette, The Spokesman-Review, Friends Journal: Quaker Thought and Life Today, and Chicago Seminary Press.

Amos published his first book, Healing The Divide: Recovering Christianity’s Mystic Roots with Wipf & Stock Publishers in 2013. The book has been well received and reviewed and is part of the curriculum for the Living School of The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC).

Amos published his second book, Be Still and Listen, with Paraclete Press in 2018. His third book, Holistic Mysticism: The Integrated Spiritual Path of the Quakers released in 2023.

A word about my Goodreads book ratings... I only rate books I like.

Reviews

[Teresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unique contribution of this book is its open exploration of Quaker philosophy. Other books I have read are much more narrow in scope, while Smith examines Quaker ideas historically and spiritually—a truly enriching read.

[David E. Schutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most enlightening mystical writing.

This is most wonderfully written book., a true celebration of silence and presence, Consciousness and contemplation.IAM not a physical member of such a community, yet in mysticism and contemplation,we are uniquely linked with one another beHoly One, Herself. For me, Holy Sophia Wisdom came to dwell within me after one Lent when i studied and pondered the women of Jesus - who remained with Him and tended to Him through crucifixion, and death Mary Magdaline, often named "the apostle to the apostles, indeed went behind, above and beyond the cross and into Christs resurrection, glorification, and spirit.
In 2015 I had a deathly illness and after surgery I had an out of body experience in the arms of Holy Sophia Wisdom.
She guided me into the same silent presence - beyond the cross and into eternal love, forgiveness and freedom
"In The Good Shepherd, no-one is ever lost" she voiced in silence. We are all given this gift at every moment, or without a doubt, at our final breath. The God'dess who enfolds me is incapable of sustaining the hells we create for ourselves and one another. In Her, No-one is ever lost.

[Valerria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like reads that involve advocating "spirituality" as they connect me more with my inner self. My last read, "Holistic Mysticism" by Amos Smith, is a simple and thoughtful book that explores Quaker spirituality. It helps readers understand how personal reflection and community worship create a meaningful spiritual life. The author, a devoted Quaker, shares his experiences and knowledge to guide readers on this path of spirituality and make it an inevitable part of everyday life. The readers would explore practices like silent worship, its true meaning and its significance in connecting with ourselves, which aids in personal reflection.
The writing style is reader-friendly, easy to comprehend, and applicable to our lives. It would be a torchlight for people looking for spiritual guidance or wanting to explore the true essence of spirituality. The reading is moderately slow, but it creates a connection with real-life experiences.
The book successfully unveils that mysticism is not only about deep thinking but also about finding equilibrium, creating deep-rooted relationships, and living with greater awareness and purpose.

[GrantedBooks Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amos Smith’s Holistic Mysticism is a great resource for those interested in Quakerism and Centering Prayer. I previously knew nothing about Quakerism so reading this book was certainly enlightening. Smith includes Quaker founders and leaders into his reflections, focusing on the power of silence in worship. His warm, welcoming style of writing makes complex ideas easier to understand. The book is divided into five sections, exploring core beliefs, inner work, and outward expressions. The balance of inner wholeness and outward action is central to modern contemplative spirituality. I love the essence of this book and feel I have learned much about the Quaker faith, while being able to put into practice some of their methodologies. Recommended.

[Rich Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amos shares his wisdom learned from both Quakers and contemplative Christians who practice centering prayer. As Amos mentions, their common ground is holy silence. The words from this book flow beautifully because Amos, a long-term centering prayer practitioner, has spent decades sitting in this holy silence. Highly recommended!

[Rhonda Wiley-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I will give you an overview of the contents of the book below, I found it conversational and easy to read and grasp. I enjoyed the historical figures that author Amos Smith introduces us to in short inserts. It was NOT theoretical or stuffy. It was like a mentor walking beside me, helping me out.

Quote from the author on page 103, "In Christ, Christians find their blueprint, their meta-narrative." This practical guide for any Christian and especially for Quakers calls our attention to the core soul skill of Holy Silence, how to settle into silence, and how to wait and listen for words from God.

It outlines the foundational beliefs that our relationship to the divine is built on love, what the seed of Christ in us means, how to experience the real presence through individual and group mysticism, how to understand Original Blessing rather than original sin, how to read the scripture that leads us to the spirit, as well as the mystery and nature of God.

Then Amos Smith introduces us to the tools of mindfulness and an inward focus, silent prayer, persistence and steadfastness, and deepening self-surrender. The outward expression of our inner work shows up in taking a stand through nonviolence, integrity and simplicity.

And finally it highlights the inner fruit of silence: courageous love, abiding joy, steady stability, deep rest and peace, and purpose and identity.

The book includes over 35 pages of reference notes and recommended reading list.