Tag Archives: Heaven
Who We Are Is Who We Will Be
Hell, No! Who We Are Is Who We Will Be Friday, September 17, 2021 My colleague Brian McLaren has long explored what it might mean to be a “new kind of Christian.” Brian once wrote a fictionalized story about a pastor asking questions at the edges of his faith. Dan, the book’s main character, strikes… Continue Reading Who We Are Is Who We Will Be
Choosing Heaven Now
Hell, No! Choosing Heaven Now Monday, September 13, 2021 The shape of creation must somehow mirror and reveal the shape of the Creator. We must have a God at least as big as the universe. Otherwise, our view of God becomes irrelevant, constricted, and more harmful than helpful. The Christian image of a torturous hell… Continue Reading Choosing Heaven Now
Mutual Indwelling
Great Themes of Scripture: New Testament Mutual Indwelling Friday, July 9, 2021 The whole movement of the Bible is toward ever-greater Incarnation and embodiment, until the mystery of mutual indwelling is finally experienced and enjoyed even here in this world, in this life, and in this body. It then becomes the banquet that we call… Continue Reading Mutual Indwelling
The Great Love Song
Mystical Marriage The Great Love Song Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Carl McColman has written many accessible books on spirituality, the mystics, and contemplative prayer. Here he explores a biblical book of “bridal mysticism” and also offers an example of a modern mystic who experienced this kind of union with God. “God is love” (1… Continue Reading The Great Love Song
Living in Heaven Now
Communion of Saints Living in Heaven Now Friday, March 12, 2021 Jesus spoke these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father . . . I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in me through their word; that they may all be one; even… Continue Reading Living in Heaven Now
Lesson Two: Your Name Is Written in Heaven
Reality Initiating Us: Part Two Lesson Two: Your Name Is Written in Heaven Tuesday, April 7, 2020 You are not important, and yet Jesus says, “Rejoice because your name is written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). We need a still point in this twirling world of images and feelings, especially in a time such as ours.… Continue Reading Lesson Two: Your Name Is Written in Heaven
Heaven Now: Weekly Summary
Heaven Now Summary: Sunday, April 28—Friday, May 3, 2019 You’re choosing your destiny right now. Do you want to live in love and communion? Or do you want to live in constant opposition to others and life itself? (Sunday) Union is not a place we go to later—if we are good; union is the place… Continue Reading Heaven Now: Weekly Summary
The Mystical Body of Christ
Heaven Now The Mystical Body of Christ Friday, May 3, 2019 A cosmic notion of Christ takes mysticism beyond the mere individual level to the transpersonal, social, and collective levels. Cynthia Bourgeault, another of our core faculty members and an Episcopal priest, explores Jesus’ resurrection from a universal, mystical perspective: What Jesus so profoundly demonstrates… Continue Reading The Mystical Body of Christ
The Gate of Heaven
Heaven Now The Gate of Heaven Thursday, May 2, 2019 James Finley, one of the Center for Action and Contemplation’s core faculty members, was a spiritual directee of Thomas Merton (1915–1968) at the Abbey of Gethsemani. Drawing from this experience and his own insights as a student of the mystics and a clinical psychologist, Finley… Continue Reading The Gate of Heaven
Finding Our Life
Heaven Now Finding Our Life Wednesday, May 1, 2019 Anyone who wants to save his life must lose it. Anyone who loses her life will find it. —Matthew 16:25 This passage from Matthew is a very strong, almost brutal statement from Jesus. It has perhaps been discussed, dismissed, misunderstood, and conveniently forgotten more than almost… Continue Reading Finding Our Life