Answering the Contemplative Call: First Steps on the Mystical Path

I discovered Christian mysticism seven years ago, but I hadn't read an interesting or practical book on the subject till Carl McColman's previous book, "The Big Book of Christian Mysticism." So I was happy to learn the author was writing another book about Christian mysticism. I always wanted to act and be like Christ, but McColman tells you to simply love Christ. Trying to act like Jesus is putting too much emphasis on yourself. Being still within so God can act within you is a radical change from the Catholic understanding I had before mysticism. Prayers without words are still prayers and worship to God. On a personal note, I do zazen daily and I am Catholic. I am partial towards forms of prayer without images. I see the balances of prayers with words and without, as Carl McColman makes sure the reader understands to try both forms of prayer. I recommend this book for someone who is inclined to resting in the will of God. I recommend this book to any of my fellow Christians, too, who like me may have interfaith dialogue or meditation with Zen Buddhists as a priority. Why? There are many agreements upon which all mystical paths can take, and a peaceful world exists where we can appreciate our differences and stay true to our roots of religious practice. Above all -- love God, neighbor and yourself. McColman is an expert on Christian mysticism and you will learn quite a lot in this book. I haven't even touched upon other insights that you may have reading this wonderful book. But after reading, sit down and shut up. Silence is there for you to grow and be in love with God.

This book is for the Christian who wants to have an intimate relationship with God, but thinks they can't - or that they don't seem to have the ability to hear God's voice. It makes contemplation realistic - really anyone who takes time and makes themselves available can do it. It's not a magic formula either - simply a process of doing simple things consistently and making yourself available to spend time with God. I'm sure I'll reread this book often.

This book is helpful for anyone who wishes to improve their personal religious study and personal relationship with God. That said, believers must not withdraw from the world entirely. Both communal worship in the church and personal contemplation of God are critical to the health and well-being of the believer. The believer is meant to love God and to love people. The lessons of this book are good and should add to the faith practices of the believer, but not be the only faith practices of the believer.

For anyone starting out on the path of contemplative Christianity, this book is a must-read. Carl McColman speaks with a clarity and intimacy that is right on the mark for the beginning contemplative. As an analogy, if his previous book, "The Big Book of Christian Mysticism," is like Bach, then "Answering the Contemplative Call" is Mozart. The author knows how to write a readable book and how to communicate with laymen. A very enjoyable and enlightening read, indeed.

I've read many of Carl McColman's books, and this one is a stand out favorite. It gives a good overview of a contemplative spiritual life along with practices and practical advice from the long history of contemplative spirituality. It has a Christian focus, but many aspects are ecumenical and applicable to other religious traditions as well.

This book, written from carefully lived experience, is ideal for individual study as well as for discussion by a group of prayer companions.

When read with “Beginners Mind” this book is a helpful guide to anyone exploring the Contemplative Journey.

I read this when it came out in softcover and bought one to have on kindle because it is that good. Very much worth having. One of those books you want to always have near at hand.

a medida que fui leyendo el libro me fue gustando más. De una forma sencilla y pedagógica, el autor nos va presentando un itinerario claro y al mismo tiempo serio para recorrer un camino hacia dentro de uno mismo y descubrirse cerca de Dios. Muy cerca.