What propelled these 20 towering figures from the Christian tradition toward mystical union with God?

What is a mystic? Take a sneak peek at the course introduction. Like many of us in college I was trying to find my tribe. So many of the writers and professors I was most drawn to seemed to have one thing in common. They would quote and reference the Christian mystics. It seemed like a mark of wisdom. Why were all the wisest people I knew interested in many of the same figures? I'd pick up quotes here and there and scribble them into a notebook, but I really had no idea who these figures were beyond a superficial understanding and how their lives and teachings fit together.

When I went to seminary the mystics still called to me. I took whatever classes and projects I could to immerse myself in their lives and teachings. Years later, after becoming a long-time contemplative practitioner and experiencing some of the transformation they describe, I came back to these teachings with fresh eyes, and decided I'd pass along what I had learned from these greatest of Christian spiritual teachers and some simple ways to hold these complex threads together.

our question to you

If you could travel through time and learn directly from the great Christian mystics like Dionysius the Areopagite, Julian of Norwich, Meister Eckhart, or even modern mystics like Evelyn Underhill, how would it deepen your spirituality or practice?

Are you or those you serve being called to the same kind of awakening?

What knowledge did these figures obtain and why did it radically change not only their own lives, but their whole world?

Most of us get bits and pieces of figures like Julian of Norwich and John of the Cross, but what makes each of these figures unique? What are the threads that connect them? How did they respond to the challenges of their own time and place?

What can we learn from their inspiring examples as towering figures of spirituality? What makes them great?

Drawing on the best available writing on the topic of Christian Mysticism both ancient and modern, for a limited time we're offering a special course on the Christian Mystics Sacred Lives: An Introduction To The Christian Mystics.

This course helps contemplatives, healers, clergy, and spiritual directors get a handle on the daunting subject of Christian Mysticism to draw on this timeless wisdom for their own spiritual journey AND to provide care to those they serve.

After taking this powerful course, you will know:

Dionysius the Areopagite

Bernard of Clairvaux

Hildegard of Bingen

Richard of St. Victor

St. Francis of Assisi

Ramon Llull

Mechthild of Magdeburg

St. Bonaventure

Meister Eckhart

Henry Suso

John of Roosbroec

Julian of Norwich

Nicolas of Cusa

Teresa of Avila

John of the Cross

Jakob Boehme

Therese of Lisieux

Evelyn Underhill

Giordano Bruno

About the instructors Marc Thomas Shaw is an award-winning instructor and author focusing on the contemplative path as a means of inner transformation. A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, he has been a Centering Prayer practitioner for over a decade and is a presenter-in-training through Contemplative Outreach. He is a novice with the Tau Community of Interfaith Franciscans, a member of Spiritual Directors International, and a part of The Ignatian Spirituality Project. Clint Sabom is a Spiritual Coach, an award-winning writer and former aspirant monk. He is Co-Founder of Contemplative Light, a community of spiritual teachers. His teachings involve a wide range of disciplines and traditions, including Christian mysticism, Buddhism, psychology, philosophy, and Integral Theory.

When does the course start and finish?

How long do I have access to the course?

What if I am unhappy with the course?

What others are saying about contemplative light

"The integral Jesus Prayer method is really taking shape. I find that as I pray, an image or thought comes to mind. I continue to repeat the prayer while submitting that thought to God, asking God for help in the area the thought is about. Sometimes I find it’s about Christ having mercy on a certain aspect of myself, a certain area of my life, or sometimes it expands outwards to my family, or a group of people. Typically it’s just a mental image and the Jesus Prayer at the same time. I’m finding the integral Jesus Prayer as a way of submitting everything to God without having to find the ‘right words’. Just knowing that situation or aspect has been submitted to God and God will help me in ways that are beyond words and my own understanding is a wonderful gift of grace.”

- Martin T., California

"While I “know” and, indeed, have taught for years everything that you mentioned in our phone call and in your map the reality is that I had lost my point of view, my “center”, my connection/relationship with our Source, our God. What I seem to have needed was someone whacking me over the head with the truths that you did ... which specific language I had not heard before and which moved me instantly into a new heart-space. Just like that."

- Brian M., British Columbia

"Body & Mind tips are simple and easily integrated to my daily routine. Very helpful. I’m feeling far more focused, and insights are coming a bit quicker as a result.... "

- Carolyn P., California

"Thank you. It is hard to find people who "can hear you" when your path has become that of the Christian Mystic as mine has. It's good that your out there making yourself available for that. Peace and All Good to you... p.s. your words here clearly said to me that you have the thing you are giving away... nice to meet you."

- Newton Boyd

THIS COURSE, A $297 VALUE, WILL BE OFFERED FOR A LIMITED TIME AT $147, A FULL 50% OFF THE LIST PRICE (Payment options available. Special pricing available for clergy and students enrolled full-time at accredited institutions. For more information inquire at email@example.com) PS If now is not the right time for you, we get it. This is a pretty daunting subject weaving together a ton of reading and research collected over several years, but not everybody is at the place where they wan that broad sweeping overview. Our purpose at Contemplative Light is to provide contemplatives, clergy, spiritual directors, and healers with resources for their spiritual journey and for those they serve. You may circle back around. If you have a suggestion for a course or resource you need, let us know at email@example.com. If you're interested in a particular mystic or ongoing conversations about contemplation and mysticism in general, subscribe to our podcast here.
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