Mysticism

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Who are the Christian mystics and what can they teach us about love of God, service to the poor, and the life of discipleship? Our contribu- tors help us to explore the mystics' invitation "to walk into the world and be unleashed to care unselfishly."

Emilie Griffin addresses our wariness about mysticism. "Why are we sometimes afraid?" she asks. "Do we find mystics rare and strange because they give themselves completely to God?"

Mystical experience is not an accomplishment, but a gift from God; yet we may adopt some of the mystics' practices. They can teach us spiritually transforming ways of reading Scripture and repair our love for other people and the world. In this "age of uncollectedness and mindlessness," urges Glenn Hinson, spiritual "contemplation can help us recover our attentiveness which is essential to serving God."

Christian Reflection is an ideal resource for discipleship training in the church. Multiple copies are available for group study at $3.00 per copy.

The study guides and lesson plans integrate Bible study, prayer, and worship to help us explore the rich tradition of Christian mysticism. The guides can be used in a series or individually. You may download and reproduce them for personal or group use.