Christian Mystics: 108 Seers, Saints, and Sages - Softcover

Carl McColman lives near Atlanta, Georgia, where he is the member of the Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit―a contemplative community under the spiritual guidance of Trappist monks. He is a member of the Atlanta Shambhala Center and is active in the Atlanta interfaith community. Carl frequently leads workshops and retreats on contemplative spirituality at churches, seminaries, monasteries, and retreat centers.

"108 is a sacred number in the Eastern wisdom traditions. I love that Carl McColman chose this esoteric vessel to hold the perennial wisdom of the Christian mystics. Drawing together an array of colorful visionaries and sublime poets, this book is an elegant guide to the essence of those awakened souls who transcend religiosity while simultaneously opening our hearts to the love of their Master, Christ." --Mirabai Starr, translator of The Showings of Julian of Norwich and author of God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and Caravan of No Despair: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation

"How blessed we are to have this book! Carl McColman not only broadens our notion of mysticism, but also deepens it, and thus invites ever Christian on the same beloved path." --Richard Rohr, OFM, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation and author of What the Mystics Know

“We live to feel alive. We need to know love and joy. And I feel this book could help safeguard -- and encourage -- many tender, precious unfurling wings." --Daniel Ladinsky, bestselling author of The Gift and Love Poems From God

“Carl McColman offers an inspiring introduction to a broad range of 108 Western Christian mystics, helpfully divided into 9 different kinds of mystics. The reader who is drawn to particular ones as potential teachers for their spiritual journey is helped by the author’s listing of an outstanding available book for each mystic, that will expose them more fully to that person’s wisdom. The book is written in lucid, non-academic language that allows it to be accessible to a wide range of people.” --Tilden Edwards

“I used to carry around Evelyn Underhill’s classic, Mysticism. My copy of Bernard McGinn’s anthology is marked on every page. But now, Carl McColman’s Christian Mystics will be my go to guide. The people in chapters “Heretics” and “Poets” are like treasures hidden in a field, and the “Unitives” are like a heavenly feast. Appropriately presented last, they are the ones that take us all to new ground.” --Jon M. Sweeney, author of The Enthusiast: How the Best Friend of Francis of Assisi Almost Destroyed What He Started

"Christianity is a vast sea of wisdom, and yet most of us are content only to skim the surface. Carl McColman's introduction to Christian mysticism invites us to dive deep and discover a Christianity most of us have never even imagine. If you think Christianity = Church + Sunday School, you need this book!" --Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author of Perennial Wisdom for the Spiritually Independent

"This useful and engaging book is, as the author says, a kind of "speed-dating" introduction to the world of Christian mystics. It's of real value both for beginners and for more experienced readers, who may have overlooked some of the great mystics of the past." --Richard Smoley, author of Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition

“Carl McColman has given us another rich introduction to the Christian mystical tradition, this time though the lives of some of its greatest explorers. This loving and accessible collection of portraits shows us the lush diversity of those who’ve ventured deep into the presence of God. Visionaries and lovers, poets and others, McColman joins these scalers of the spiritual heights and invites us forward on our own journey. An invaluable resource for both newcomers and those well-versed in the contemplative way.” --Susan R. Pitchford, author of Following Francis, God in the Dark, and The Sacred Gaze

“Read a page a day of this sacred book, and you will surely tap into the mystic wisdom and love of your own heart.” --Robert Holden, author of Life Loves You! and Shift Happens!

“Carl McColman’s wise and gentle primer has introduced me to many mystics I’ve never heard of, as well as renewed my acquaintance with some favorites like Julian of Norwich, Meister Eckhart and Richard Rohr. This book brings mystics down to earth even while bringing readers that much closer to heaven. I will be turning to it many times in the coming years.” ―Jana Riess, author of Flunking Sainthood