Getting Started in Christian Mysticism, Part 1: The Reading List

In this video I give you my honest opinion of Richard Rohr, and a list of some of the books that have been helpful to me in putting together a deeper understanding of the history and practices of Christian mysticism. If I left out any must-read books let me know in the comments!
More short content about getting started in Christian mysticism is coming, so make sure you subscribe.
Here are some links to the books I recommend in the video. None of this is sponsored, and I don’t do affiliate links, so shop around and find which edition suits you best. Have fun!
If you have to have a Bible with study notes, try this one:
www.amazon.com...
Kindle Edition of Life of St. Anthony, other versions are available:
www.amazon.com...
Kindle Edition of the Writings of St. Maximus the Confessor; contains Four Hundred Texts on Love and Commentary on the Lord’s Prayer:
www.amazon.com...
The Ascetic Life by St. Maximus; this is the only translation in English so it’s expensive.
www.amazon.com...
Kindle edition of The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross:
www.amazon.com...
Thomas Merton’s Seven Storey Mountain, Contemplative Prayer, and A Course in Christian Mysticism:
www.amazon.com...
www.amazon.com...
www.amazon.com...
The Roots of Christian Mysticism by Olivier Clement:
www.amazon.com...
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun:
www.amazon.com...
And here are the Richard Rohr books I mentioned - The Naked Now, The Divine Dance, and Eager to Love:
www.amazon.com...
www.amazon.com...
www.amazon.com...

[@withjonadams]

BIG NEWS: My new book Jesus: A Field Manual is out October 3, 2023! You can pre-order the ebook in the Kindle store right now, and the paperback is out on Oct. 3. a.co/d/c5CuJgb For updates on the book and all my other work, contact me through withjonadams.com to sign up for my new email newsletter.

[@limolnar]

Thank you for this! True Christianity focuses on the Truth that "God became man so that man could become God." Humility, nonjudgement, moderation, service, fraternity, and nonconfrontation are the original teachings of the Christ. All else is corruption.

[@PHDinMeTV]

Like the monks of old, I never imagined trying to practice spiritual disciplines all alone by myself😔. This completely sums up my current Christian ✝️ walk. It feels like it would be SO nice to have company sometimes! 😞. This list is AWESOME! 👏🏾 Thanks Jon!

[@derektrudelle4182]

Alone? When you seek God, you are with God and never alone :-) However, I do get your sentiment. I'm a "solo" roller myself. Bless you.

[@suindoe8141]

My sentiments exactly, it’s very difficult to congregate with others who have our shared beliefs. When God spoke to me, he spoke about planting seeds. That’s what we are doing now, and soon enough more people will share our faith. God bless you and yours ♥️ 🕊 🙏🏽

[@timothyblake8058]

@Keegan Unfortunately for those of us in the USA, there are not many churches that acknowledge Christian Mysticism.

[@PenOtration]

⁠church has an agenda and it’s not true to Mysticism or Jesus teachings.

[@jackpaterson8556]

I have become a Catholic mystic. Mary took me to this riad! It's a great wonderful feeling!

[@solitarypawn5076]

Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3)

[@toddpyrkos278]

Only through Yeshua we can inherit the kingdom of heaven.

[@ws5273]

Never stop making these videos. I’m quite sure you already know this but if you save even one soul then you have done God a great service, so please, never give up. I’m rooting for you

[@judithaitken4620]

My first book that started me on this path of mysticism and contemplation (life changing transformation) was Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich. Then I found Richard Rohr et al.

[@withjonadams]

That's awesome, what translation of Julian did you read? I tried to read Revelations but I didn't like the translation

[@MikeMorrell]

Such a good conversation, I concur! And I'm glad you enjoy 'The Divine Dance.' It was such a privilege getting to write it with Fr. Richard. One of my contemplative faves: John of Ruusbroec. Another, from the 20th century: Evelyn Underhill. Contemporary, Carl McColman and Cole Arthur Riley rock. And Cynthia Bourgeault, if you're willing to have a heaping side of Gurdjieff with your Benedictine spirituality!

[@ms.chelleg2068]

I wish every beginners video, on every topic in the world, was laid out on the manner you just purser you just presented. I have literally written a curriculum for all of my studies. Thank you!!!!

[@EsotericNY]

I've read most of these. A friend introduced me to Daskalos (Dr. Stylianos Atteshlis) a few decades ago and I haven't looked back. I'm quite surprised he's not that well known in the U.S. Start w/ "The Magus of Strovolos" by Markides. If it resonates, I'd recommend Markides' two follow-up books (out of print). Even better, however, are Atteshlis' own works which are revivifying. In my mind, Daskalos is one of the greatest contemporary Christian mystic of our time and left a wonderful legacy of meditations and exercises that were given by Christ directly to the His disciples. I don't want to spoil any surprises, but I wish you good luck in your journey.

[@mrscream2028]

Hello and Thank you from Sydney Australia. I've been calling to God and he led me to you and your guideance. Thank you!

[@ronalda3488]

Glad to chance upon your channel! This is exactly my path nowadays, mostly contamplative mysticism qnd clCarmelite spirituality. Subbed!

[@derektrudelle4182]

"Forget not that the motivation for this course is the attainment and the keeping of the state of peace." ~ A Course in Miracles T-24.in.1. The state of peace IS the mystical experience. Although not the only way to have the experience, "A Course in Miracles" WILL lead your there. I know because I followed it and had the experience. Just wanted to share for the right person.

[@Trishmarie122]

Thank u for your diligence ✨🙏🌿🕊️♥️

[@ademiranda2]

I am reading "The Universal Christ" now. It is awesome. I also read "What the Mystics Know: Seven Pathways to Your Deeper Self" both by Rev. Rohr. Excellent books. Next on my list is "Breathing Underwater"; as a recovering compulsive gambler, I look forward to gaining some insight on Rev. Rohr's interpretation of the 12 Steps. Peace everyone!

[@withjonadams]

Very cool!

[@solitarypawn5076]

That sounds to me like a cult. Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

[@ademiranda2]

@@solitarypawn5076 cool story bruh

[@a.b.2405]

I already have so much books in my to-be-read list! Lort! I have a book on Mary Magdalene...

[@justjosh188]

Wow this is all kind of overwheling even here there's so many choices, I do think I need to learn some history to understand better but I also want to jump into it. I guess this learning process will take a long time. Im excited to learn more since I really want to jump into it I may try The Roots of Christain Mysticism or The Seven Story Mountain.

[@timwilkins2008]

I was raised int he Pentecostal tradition, trained in the United Methodist Church seminary, served as an ordained elder and now I am a progressive Christian layperson in the part of the Jesus Movement known as The Episcopal Church. I am an anglo-Catholic and have pursued mysticism pretty much all of my life. I lean more toward the Catholic end of the spectrum in many things but extremely liberal in theological, social and political issues. I want to thank you for this series. It will help me even further down the path.

[@bushka33]

Wow, so glad I found this! The amount of coincidences in connections that led me to find this video has been...mystic😂. A whole heck of a lot of that going on over here, ty. About to update my reading list🙂

[@bquintb]

fav Richard Rohn is Falling Upwards. Such a beautiful book from a beautiful soul and mind.

[@withjonadams]

Love that one too

[@joshuaandress7320]

What’s it about?

[@timhennessey7778]

I am Coptic orthodox, the first book I bought was " Sayings of the desert fathers"

[@IAmChadBroseph]

I have an interest in Coptic Christianity. Are there any books from the Coptic tradition you would recommend? Not necessarily just Mysticism.

[@bastiat8322]

"The Roots of Christian Mysticism " is an amazing intro to dozens of the most influential Christian mystics. You will not regret it.

[@ronlussier8570]

Spectacular video

[@GodwardPodcast]

Totally on board for this!

[@dirkscott5138]

Thank you !

[@justinbirkholz]

Great list! Some of these were already on my radar but others were not. My main area of interest is in practical mysticism so I'm very excited to check out Adele's book.

[@christopherbazemore8972]

Thanks for your inform reading list. I would suggest the beginner not to miss Evelyn Underhill, start with her book on the spiritual life, then practical mysticism, still another writer, Howard Thurman, a person of color, his book the inward journey, lastly, Brother Lawrence book, practicing the present. In today's world an open at the top for all people is true universal (Catholicism).

[@withjonadams]

I loved one of Howard Thurman's chapters on the temptations of Jesus, can't remember the title of the book but it was awesome.

[@ungeteiltesherz]

Please Part 2

[@douglasdde376]

I was unsure of Richard Rohr and found an overview on line “ primer on Richard roher “ the short answer is that he appears to hold numerous contradictory believes to the Catholic Faith, something along the lines of Teilhard de Chardin who was censored by the Church and his Cosmic Christ, just my opinion as a simple Catholic trying to follow his Church, the foundation of truth, 1 Timothy 3 15

[@withjonadams]

Thanks for sharing your perspective

[@congamike1]

This is helpful. Thanks

[@withjonadams]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neuesjerusalem_]

Hi. Really beautiful. How about Theologia Germania or Augustine? Can you make someday Part 2? Vielen Dank

[@edbrooke75]

Awesome info, thank you.

[@prahyectzeh7031]

Thank you, super helpful.

[@andrewortiz5797]

have you heard of ted nottingham?? He talks about the mystical teachings of the eastern orhodox Church,, he is very imformative... also this is my first time seeing one of your videos.. very imformative

[@bphifer]

Thanks man!!

[@BrideofJesuChristo2]

I was a witch and said “Jesus, if you want me, come find me.” And he did (: Funny tho, he never left me. Got baptized in November. But I feel unsure how to give my body and surrender mentally Nd still be Christian, because deep down I feel nervous to follow any religion

[@jflaugher]

Hey Jon, thanks for starting this channel. I have some questions about Christian mysticism, is there away that we can I can ask you ny questions in a more private format?

[@withjonadams]

Hey Joshua, welcome! You can email me at [e-mail], although I have to warn you that I'm not very good about responding quickly.

[@jflaugher]

@@withjonadams thanks

[@supermanlxvi]

A few short years ago I came across a video with Bill Donahue that actually blew my mind and sounded nearly blasphemous as I was just coming out of The fundamentalist view of the church. And listening to him was mind-blowing of which he referenced Joel S Goldsmith, then that led to Neville Goddard, Joseph Murphy and so many more. They do go in detail on how to pray but is this the same type mysticism as none of these names were referenced in your video.

[@elizabethweller6897]

What do you think about Hildegard of Bingen?

[@bropeterdimond]

thanks bro

[@wisewomanhealing]

Instead of the Philokalia, people may wish to start with, 30 Steps to Heaven. It geared more towards laypeople. Also, Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives by Elder Thaddeaus of Vitonova.

[@withjonadams]

Thank you for the recommendations :)

[@peterwycka7222]

What is the difference between st John of the cross work the Dark night AND The Dark Night of the Soul? What is the difference?

[@withjonadams]

St John of the Cross’s work is called “The Dark Night of the Soul.” People talk about “dark nights of the soul” when they have personal struggles and doubts but St. JOTC was talking about specific events in the life of faith. I hope I understood your question, if not please correct me :)

[@peterwycka7222]

@@withjonadams Thank you for your reply. What I meant was is the Dark Night and The Dark Night of the soul two different works written by Saint John or the same written work with two names?

[@lesleydavies8796]

Madame Guyon?

[@andrewbrossman9902]

Laura from Mystery Magical Church KZbin channel. Did a series on mysticism. I honestly think it’s a bunch of fear porn. Well, anyway I think she deserves a rebuttal.

[@davidmorton5949]

So my understanding of Rohr is that he's non-dualistic, essentially obliterating the delineation between creature and creator. Is that your stance as well? This is my major concern with Rohr and his teachings, where I might not have such a concern with, say, Eugene Peterson.

[@withjonadams]

That's a great question. I haven't read every Rohr book but his non-dualism doesn't seem to be a technical non-dualism in the Hindu sense. And I'm sure I've read passages where he affirms the historical Christian mystical differentiation between Creator and creature. I think he's much more a panentheist (God indwells everything in Christ) than a pantheist (God is everything, everything is God). That's my reading of him, anyway.

[@mikkis668]

The teachings of Rohr is not in line with historic Christianity. Some even call him heretical.

[@rand5]

no mention of jeanne guyon or the cloud of unknowing

[@withjonadams]

Those are both great suggestions, but I haven’t read enough Guyon and I think the Cloud is difficult as an introduction for beginners

[@gmeliberty]

I found The Cloud to be transformative.

[@kimberlysteph3877]

A mystic is someone chosen; A non mystic can certainly study the subject over a lifetime but arriving at any real conclusion, comprehension on it's substance will be impossible, simply because a mystic becomes one through a spiritual initiation, a profoundly spiritual, emotional, physical visual event from a whole other level of consciousness which instantly rewires the human brain to comprehend the unspoken, unseen realm from which it appears from another dimension/ realm, it manifests itself based off the vibrations of the mystic and becomes one with the chosens spirit/sou. ln that moment there will be no mistaking what is happening because its overpowering total and complete bliss will be so intense you will literally leave your own body and float above it for a second for your own protection, the spirit in the flesh doesn't mix with the pure spirit, but if one is not open and prepared for this mind blowing love, it can be horribly terrifying..it's like standing 2 feet from the sun, it's power will literally consume you. come close to understanding the complexity of the matter, it might help those not initiated to study physics, energies, vibrations, ECT. the chosen ones aren't able to scratch the surface or fully comprehend what mysticism is, even with solid mystical experiences, then there's the false experiences which one should be very aware and careful to not bring to themselves, the imitator lives to open that spiritual door and good luck trying to close it without first experiencing some personal losses, Only choose this if you've experience mystical initiation, From what I know, it chooses you, you don't get to chose it..even when one is chosen, comprehending the magnitude, depth and mystery of the mystical experience is at best daunting..

[@JulienBoeker]

I can just recommend Frank Laubach - Letters by a modern mystic.

[@withjonadams]

Thanks!

[@属灵的书籍]

The book that got me into mysticism is experience the depth of Jesus Christ by Madam Guyon

[@withjonadams]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@ranger-uw3gw]

I concurr..the same book for me I read in part the roots of mysticism I also recommend Evelyn Underhills The Mystic Way Her book The ways of the Spirit is also good..could have been something she taught at one of her spiritual retreats Thomas Mertons New Seeds of Contemplation I remember enjoying back in the 80s I couldn't get into Richard Rohrs The Cosmic Christ for some reason although I'm familiar with the biblical concept..Bede Griffths Toward the Center I enjoyed more I don't know if anyone has read Bernard Mcginn but I can't believe I splurged on 4 of his The Presence of God series.. I only heard his KZbin stuff thus far

[@antoniopozo9311]

I have been in a state of union. I had nothing to do with it. I am not sure a state of union can be reached through practice. Seems to me that the Grace of God is the only cause. I really do not think holiness can be attained through practice, like virtue can. We can be Jesus the man, through practice. Here, we can elevate the bar of virtue as high as Jesus. But I am not sure a state of union can be practiced the same way. It comes as a blessing from on high. But it does not matter. Being good and virtuous is enough, since this is conducive to the unitive state after death. Just a matter of patience.

[@mr.unknown1313]

Can anyone show me every verse where the Holy Bible talks about Mysticism as part of Gods plan of salvation through his son Jesus . Can you show me where the Holy Bible talks or teaches Mysticism would love to seethe verses . Than you in advance look forward to seeing the verses .

[@withjonadams]

This is a good question, and deserves better than a comment. I'll answer this in a Q&A video in a couple of weeks. Thanks :)

[@mr.unknown1313]

@@withjonadams Hi thanks for your response can you just give me a few verses now ? Thanks .

[@属灵的书籍]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

[@paxnorth7304]

"On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." John 14 : 20

[@paxnorth7304]

" 23Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.…" - John 14 : 22 -

[@billieethel6546]

I would be careful with saying that mysticism is somehow separate from institutional christanity. Monasticism is still part of the institution of the Church Universal, and a very integral part of all the strains of Christanity and development of Theology. This kind of thinking damages the tradition as a whole. Other than that great video. God bless.

[@SimplyChrist]

Anything by the Sadhu Sundar Singh.

[@jonashjerpe7421]

Mysticism is ultimately not about understanding christian doctrine and the Bible, but rather about directly experiencing and communing with Christ and God. You emphasize intellectual understanding way to much in order even to get close to proper mysticism.

[@timothyblake8058]

Highly recommend anyone read Jesus and The Lost Goddess by Timothy Freke

[@AugsburgPilgrim]

2:30 No need to discard reformational theology in order to study Christian mysticism. Martin Luther is the one who popularized the Theologia Germanica and promoted John Tauler’s writings. Bernard of Clairveux is also beloved by historic Protestants. Many people say the Friends of God society was a precursor to the reformation. And you cannot tell me that John Gerhard, John Ardnt, and Jakob Phillip Spener weren’t Christian mystics! There need not be a distinction between orthodox reformational thought and Christian mysticism! God bless!

[@AugsburgPilgrim]

I highly recommend True Christianity by John Ardnt. It’s my personal favorite of the reformational devotional works.

[@withjonadams]

This is an excellent point, and it would be great to see the popular Reformed movement embrace its rich mystical heritage. Thanks for sharing!

[@allenmorgan4309]

The only book anyone needs is the Bible. If a person studies the bible and lets go of everything they think they know and learn to see the scriptures with new eyes praying to God for guidance and repenting of their sins focusing their mind on God everyday with all their heart and they will experience union if they have sincerity of heart. The more books you read by people the more confusing it gets. Bypass all the dead ends and rely only on the bible and especially the New Testament. It can't be something you dabble in or do on the side. You have to want God more than anything else. You literally have to be willing to die for it.

[@jameelhambrick9041]

Please be careful, this could be dangerous if it starts to lead you away from the simple but powerful truth of the Gospel.

[@verneser]

I’d like to point out, everyone of the writers mentioned, (except for maybe Calhoun) are all part and one in complete alignment of the one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church. Praise the Lord. ❤

[@amyj.4992]

Ooooo yes call out institutional Christianity

[@amyj.4992]

Christian first, before a mystic

[@johannapalmer]

RUN RUN away do not go this way this is NOT Biblical if u want truth this is NOT it please people this is leading people to HELL

[@spicysmurf69]

I'm looking more guidence on what ancient writings to read. I have begun with some "gnostic" texts such as the gosepl of Mary and the Gospel of Thomas. I'd rather read those than "books about mysticism". Any suggestions?

[@withjonadams]

I understand what you mean… But while I like some of the gnostic writings, that’s not my speciality or what my understanding of mysticism is drawn from. Some important ancient mystical writers for me are Maximus the Confessor, Isaac the Ascetic, Evagrius of Pontus, etc. but they are kind of “about mysticism” as you put it. It’s more modern, but you might enjoy At the Master’s Feet by Sundar Singh.

[@Arcane.runa.]

Thank you!