Befriending Silence
Discovering the Gifts of Cistercian Spirituality
by Carl McColman
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Pub Date Nov 20 2015 | Archive Date Jan 31 2016
Description
Steeped in chant and silence, grounded in down-to-earth work and service, and immersed in the mystical wisdom of teachers ancient (Bernard of Clairvaux) and modern (Thomas Merton), Cistercian spirituality’s beautifully humble path has for centuries made monasteries places of rest, retreat, and renewal. Now, Carl McColman offers the first practical introduction to this ancient method of contemplative spirituality for all people.
Hailed by reviewers of his many books as playful and profound, McColman draws on his experience as a lay Cistercian to provide insight into the relevance of the tradition to contemporary issues and spiritual practice. He explains how silence, simplicity, stability, stewardship of the earth, contemplation, ongoing conversion, and devotion to Mary combine to offer a rich and unique path to discipleship and intimacy with God.
Features & Benefits:
The first practical guide to Cistercian spirituality, the book provides an understanding of the spiritual path that informed Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, and Bernard of Clairvaux.Written by a leading guide to contemplative spirituality. Carl McColman is the author ofThe Big Book of Christian Mysticism, a survey of contemplative spirituality.Advance Praise
“Drawing on his personal experience and expansive knowledge, Carl McColman skillfully presents readers with an accessible introduction to the beauty of Cistercian spirituality. As the Rule of Benedict instructs, readers will be inspired to 'listen carefully' to the wisdom of a tradition that continues to speak powerfully to women and men. Not only does Befriending Silence guide us in the gifts of Cistercian spirituality, but it’s also a tremendous gift to all spiritual seekers!”
Rev. Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M.,
Author of The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton
“Carl McColman gives us a gentle, conversational, and humbly persuasive presentation of the spiritual benefits (and joys) of vowed and disciplined association with monastic life and practice for Christian lay folk. Himself a Lay Cistercian, McColman speaks with quiet assurance about our human need to be ever more mindful of, and intentional about, our 'God-hunger' and the holy yearning from which it comes. In doing so, he has added a practical as well as an informing volume to the literature of faith.”
Phyllis Tickle
Founding Editor of the Religion Department of Publishers Weekly
“Befriending Silence is a great gift to all who hunger for meaning, mystery, peace, hope, and God. It takes wisdom from an important contemplative tradition and offers it to all. It is beautifully and humbly written; a joy on many levels.”
Brian D. McLaren
Speaker and author of We Make the Road by Walking
"Befriending Silence is useful and stimulating to anyone who wishes to profit from the substantial wisdom of the Cistercian tradition."
Michael Casey, O.C.S.O.
Cistercian monk and author of Seventy-Four Tools for Good Living
"It's a pleasure to recommend Carl McColman's new book on Cistercian spirituality,Befriending Silence. It manifests in a wonderful way the Cistercian charism which today is shared by Lay Cistercians and also guides mature seekers."
Br. Patrick Hart, O.C.S.O.
Cistercian monk and former secretary to Thomas Merton
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781594716157 |
| PRICE | $15.95 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Sr. Marie P, Media/Journalist
Whether you are naturally drawn toward silence or made anxious by silence, this book will reveal the befriending face of silence.
Darrell G, Reviewer
This is a beautifully-written book about contemplative Christian spirituality, focusing on the Cistercian monastic heritage. Carl McColman, who is himself a Lay Cistercian, gives us history as well as quotes from famous Cistercians like Thomas Merton, Basil Pennington, and St. Bernard, but the book is no dry history or theology text. McColman uses Cistercian history as a springboard for delving deeper into topics that apply to all, whether inside or outside the walls of a monastery, who are on a spiritual path: humility, hospitality, compassion, community, prayer, contemplation. Each chapter reads like an inspiring devotional. Befriending Silence is a quiet and insightful reminder of what those of us "in the real world" can learn from the deep tradition of monastic spirituality.
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