Befriending Silence: Discovering the Gifts of Cistercian Spirituality

Winner of the 2016 Georgia Author of the Year: Inspirational-religious books.

Respected speaker, author, and Patheos blogger Carl McColman introduces Cistercian spirituality as "the hidden jewel of the Church," presenting a surprisingly contemporary path grounded in monastic tradition. This accessible and comprehensive guide highlights a unique focus on simplicity, living close to the earth, and contemplative prayer, all of which make Cistercian spirituality relevant today.

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, 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.

• Answering the Contemplative Call: First Steps on the Mystical Path
• The Big Book of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality
• In Praise of the Useless Life: A Monk’s Memoir
• Christian Mystics: 108 Seers, Saints, and Sages
• Just This: prompts and practices for contemplation
• Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation
• The Little Book of Christian Mysticism: Essential Wisdom of Saints, Seers, and Sages
• Tears of an Innocent God
• The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise
• The Way Of Simplicity: The Cistercian Tradition (Monastic Wisdom Series)