Growing into God: A Beginner's Guide to Christian Mysticism

De: John R. Mabry

Narrado por: Tim H. Dixon

For many people, the word mysticism conjures up occult, secretive rituals held after midnight in some dark cave. But true mysticism isn’t at all sinister or secretive, claims Growing into God: A Beginner’s Guide to Christian Mysticism author John Mabry, a United Church of Christ minister. In fact, he teaches, mysticism is at the heart of an authentic Christian life. It is nothing more and nothing less than the pursuit - and enjoyment - of union with God, which is the goal of all Christian spirituality. In Growing into God, Mabry “de-mystifies” mysticism, providing a friendly and accessible entry point to some of the teachings, practices and experiences of the Christian mystical tradition.

Mabry’s great passion is to bring theology to everyday life by explaining complex ideas in everyday language that anyone can understand and find useful, and his matter-of-fact, pragmatic approach makes this beginner’s guide to Christian mysticism accessible and easy-to-follow. Mabry explores the classic mystical journey, which begins with the awakening of a unitive consciousness that experiences everything as divine and interconnected. The journey continues with purgation, in which we empty ourselves of illusion; illumination, in which we begin to see God in all things and all things in God; and, finally, union, in which we marry our lives with God’s life, thereby bringing help, comfort and healing to the world.

Along the way, and with an entertaining teacher’s clarity, Mabry recounts the stories of many Christian mystics in a simple way and aptly relates them to modern times. He also enriches each chapter with questions and answers to simplify points, as well as experiential practices to help listeners embark upon the mystical journey themselves. In Growing into God, listeners will learn the discipline of growing the soul into God - shedding illusory identities, deepening prayer, seeing God in all things and acting as Christ in the world.

©July 6, 2012 John R. Mabry (P)2020 Theosophical Publishing House

the mystical path finally made accessible!

what an absolutely wonderful and expert treaties on mysticism. this is one listen that is so insightful and so well organized that I know it will be my go-to reference as I embark on my own mystical experience. this is such a remarkable work, but I believe it will become a classic. so beautifully written so beautifully performed, I just loved and enjoyed this listen while learning more than ever, and I've read a lot, on mysticism. the author is humble and brilliant, I just can't say enough.

I appreciated the down to earth approach of a heavenly subject.

As a long-time seeker and lover of the classic mystics, I loved hearing fresh insights and even new information about them in the context of developing my own fidelity to meditation and mysticism. Mabry is an outstanding scholar, author, and spiritual director. Much recommended for any serious student of Christian faith.

steers heavily in eastern directions..

as Evelyn underhill did( dixon's hero) , this work is not orthodox but is closer to pantheistic conclutions..The best of actual western mystics would strongly refute the conclusions in this work.This error is repeated endlessly in academic works on christian mysticism for the writers all take.from the writers before them ...The actual mystic writers will always be misunderstood by academics...start to walk the road to God and the spirit will help you see and interpret correctly. The heart knows truths the intellect can't grasp. The mystical journey is all about a love affair , want to kill it then analyze it...This is what the Bible and the healthier of early mystics all say in unison..." taste and you will know"...