The Heart of the World: An Introduction to Contemplative Christianity

The transcendent experience that many Christians seek in Eastern religions is abundantly available to those who make use of the suggestions in this introduction to contemplative Christianity. The Christian heritage contains a rich contemplative wisdom, literature, and practice, and this volume is written for those who would like to find enrichment in spiritual practices grounded in non-Christian religions while retaining basic Christian commitments. Traditional Christian subjects such as sacrifice, redemption, salvation, faith, and prayer are discussed to foster understanding of their contemplative aspects. Explanations on how practices such as Lectio Divina clear the mind of the hectic nature of everyday life and help prepare the heart for profound listening to the divine within are also included.

Thomas Keating is the founder of the Centering Prayer movement, an author, a teacher, and a monk who has worked for many years to foster understanding among the world’s religions. A member of the Cistercian Order in the Benedictine tradition, he has served at monasteries in Colorado and Massachusetts and currently directs retreats in the practice of Centering Prayer, a cornerstone of contemporary Christian contemplative practice. He is the author of numerous books, including Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit; Manifesting God; Open Mind, Open Heart; St. Therese of Lisieux;and The Transformation of Suffering. He lives at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado.