ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH by Carl McColman
Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
Date published: February 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-57174-677-1
Nonfiction/Inspirational
Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 5
One must begin the journey through Carl McColman’s ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH as one would any secular or Christian book, keeping an open mind. Not all readers may agree with what is revealed in the pages of this book. Many references are made to ancient mystics, Catholic, Zen, Taoist, or Buddhist practices, and what has been experienced by spiritual mystics or contemplatives. So with this in mind, let me say that I found this a profoundly thought-provoking read, inspirational in fact. ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH will surely help anyone aspiring to draw closer to God in a way perhaps never considered before.
McColman has done excellent research and provides many invaluable resources for further information on the topic of contemplation and mysticism. I found some free on the Internet that are easily downloaded, to peruse at leisure.
Mysticism is not a subject one hears a lot about these days. Regardless, McColman is a skilled writer who has pieced together many interesting facts that broadened my knowledge on this fascinating topic. Again, I had to keep an open mind because I tend to consider and view things from that of a non-denominational believer. As I warn many people when reading secular or even Christian books, one must be careful when reading books such as these since truths may be twisted and Scripture changed to suit one’s needs. Misinterpretations can be readily inherent as well. I do believe, however, that McColman, through his extensive spiritual training has portrayed his knowledge in ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH in an enlightening, informative way that is as true as he believes it to be. As I read this book, nothing untoward, negative, or vastly disturbing leaped out at me. I kept everything in perspective and tried to relate much of McColman’s teachings to my own life experiences and to the Truth of God as I know it.
McColman makes one grasp the concepts of contemplation quite easily in ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH. As an intellectual, I discovered things in the pages of this wonderful book that made me want to delve more deeply into the subject matter by reviewing many of the resources mentioned therein. His references to many spiritual giants such as Thomas Aquinas, Theresa of Avila, Walter Hilton, Ignatius of Loyola, and Julian of Norwich, to name a few, piqued my interest regarding the lives of these people. Which made me want to read what some of them experienced in their own spiritual lives and eventually wrote about. To learn these things, one must, of course, continue moving along the pathway, far beyond the first steps.
The jewels of great price shared in ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH indeed share the way of drawing closer to God. God wants us to seek Him, and prayer, meditation - contemplation, if you will, and waiting on God by remaining silent before Him, are first steps in finding Him. In order to do these things, we must lay aside all aspects of self and focus completely on God. According to McColman, “when we empty ourselves completely, creating space for God within us, it is then His love will pour into us. For love, you see, is what will fill us and transform our lives.” (paraphrased, p. 140)
ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH is a great read for anyone interested in drawing closer to God. Since we are instructed by God to pray and be holy, McColman’s book shares that our simple participation in the Christian prayer life and growing in holiness is a step in the right direction. In fact, McColman states that “...when God’s longing for us connects with our longing for God, [it is then] we enter the mystical life.” (p.15)
If you are at that point in your life when you are striving to know God more intimately, then ANSWERING THE CONTEMPLATIVE CALL: FIRST STEPS ON THE MYSTICAL PATH is a book that may help guide you in the right direction for your life. It is an interesting, fairly fast-paced read and is well worth the time to read and apply to your own life experiences.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commisions’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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