Friday, 5:00pm | Living Room
The Jesuit theologian Karl Rainer (1904-1984) famously said “”the Christian of the future will be a mystic or will not exist.”” Thirty-three years after Rahner’s death, the “”will not exist”” part seems to be coming true faster than anyone expected: but is a mystical Christianity the key to a thriving renewal of the faith — not only in the future, but now? What is mysticism, anyway? Why should we care about prayer and meditation when there are so many pressing political and social issues? Isn’t “mysticism” the equivalent of the band playing on the Titanic? During our time together we will look at what mysticism is (and isn’t), why it matters, why Karl Rahner’s words were so prophetic, and how ordinary Christians can embrace a truly mystical spirituality — without abandoning our commitment to justice and community.
Carl McColman
Carl McColman is the author of The Big Book of Christian Mysticism and several other books. He is a member of the Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit―a contemplative community under the spiritual guidance of Trappist monks. He is active in the Atlanta interfaith community, and regularly leads workshops and retreats on contemplative spirituality at churches, seminaries, monasteries, and retreat centers. Connect with Carl online at www.carlmccolman.net.
