News From New Mexico
Gospel to Life and Life to Gospel
August 29th, 2025
“From gospel to life and life to gospel” is a phrase from the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order that puzzled me when I first read it. I felt called to join the Order (one of three religious orders formed by St. Francis of Assisi during his lifetime—this one for single or married people who would live “in
Contemplation, Love, and Action
August 29th, 2025
I’m inspired by the word “engaged” from my Buddhist friends who talk about engaged Buddhism. What Jesus talks about is not attending or belonging but doing. He focuses on the way we do life and do life with and for the neighbor. If going to service on Sunday morning keeps us from volunteer work on Monday
Transforming Our Collective Troubles
August 29th, 2025
As someone who grew up in church, it is easy for me to miss the transgressive nature of the gospel. Recently engaging the work of authors like Cole Arthur Riley, James Baldwin, and James Cone has reminded me of the scandalous nature of the gospel.
Cone writes, “The gospel of Jesus is not a rational concept to
What Is a Christian Contemplative Movement?
August 29th, 2025
We could say that the Christian contemplative movement has been with us since the beginning. Jesus took time apart, withdrawing into solitude and then returning to live out the fruit of what he saw and heard in that quiet place. He trusted deeply in his relationship with God, and through that trust, power flowed.
In the Desert, at the Border: Seeking a Contemplative Path at the Edge of Empire
August 29th, 2025
I was born in the desert—in Jordan, not far from where the early Christian desert mystics withdrew into the wilderness, seeking deeper communion with God. They weren’t just escaping the world, but searching for clarity, transformation, and freedom from the illusions of empire and ego. In silence and simplicity
Seven Stories | Season 5 Wrap-Up of “Learning How to See”
On season 5 of “Learning How to See,” Brian McLaren dives into conversation with Gareth Higgins, a writer and speaker who works in peace building and violence reduction. Together, Brian and Gareth invite you to explore the story patterns that can lead us towards — and away from — a more equitable and loving
Julian of Norwich | Season 6 Wrap-Up of “Turning to the Mystics”
What wisdom can the great Christian mystics offer us today?
In season 6 of “Turning to the Mystics” James Finley and Kirsten Oates turn to 14th-century English mystic Julian of Norwich for spiritual guidance. Throughout this season, James works with Julian’s text, “The Showings,” exploring how we may
Cultivating Inner Freedom | August’s “We Conspire” Series
August 22nd, 2025
We Conspire is a series from the Center for Action and Contemplation featuring wisdom and stories from the growing Christian contemplative movement. Sign up for the monthly email series and receive a free invitation to practice each month.
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In August’s “We Conspire” series
Recovery for Life
August 22nd, 2025
We Conspire is a series from the Center for Action and Contemplation featuring wisdom and stories from the growing Christian contemplative movement. Sign up for the monthly email series and receive a free invitation to practice each month.
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In August’s “We Conspire” series, discover
The Way of the Desert
August 22nd, 2025
We Conspire is a series from the Center for Action and Contemplation featuring wisdom and stories from the growing Christian contemplative movement. Sign up for the monthly email series and receive a free invitation to practice each month.
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What does it mean to seek freedom—not just