"A mystical classic now easier to understand" Very few spiritual classics from centuries past offer real guidance for entering into the darkness and light of Christian mysticism. Notoriously difficult to understand, this contemporary English translation of one of the most popular texts from the late Middle Ages is different: It offers an accessible invitation to the reader to enter into an engagement with God, through this "cloud of unknowing." Mystical concepts are explained in everyday language. Written by an anonymous fourteenth-century author, "The Cloud of Unknowing" was originally prepared for cloistered monks. Yet it has found centuries of readers from all walks of life. Each brief chapter offers the spiritual seeker a way to enter into the life of prayer and appeals to the reader's common sense in beginning steps on the path to knowing a God beyond all knowing. A foreword by bestselling author, Robert Benson, special to this edition, helps to put this classic text within reach of everyday Christians.

Drawing from both her published writings and her private journals, this compilation presents a candid look at the extraordinary journey of Evelyn Underhill. For the many readers who have been moved by the writings of Evelyn Underhill, and for those who are merely intrigued by mysticism or captivated by a good memoir, this book presents a vivid and deeply personal rendering of a life that was, both intellectually and spiritually, radiant.

Forgiving yourself can be more difficult than forgiving others. Take the first step toward healing with Pastor Bangley's encouraging counsel. You'll learn how to distinguish true guilt from false, understand God's forgiving nature, deal with conflict, resolve guilt through an 8-step plan, and prepare emotionally and spiritually for the "next time." Includes study questions. 129 pages

Heavenly Love comes as a wound that is a gift of God.

Francis de Sales's spiritual masterpiece, "Treatise on the Love of God," was originally published in 1616 while he was Bishop of Geneva. This contemporary English edition preserves St. Francis's gentle prose, his enthusiasm for God, compassion, and good humor. For all spiritual pilgrims seeking comfort and guidance, this book offers the assurance that "a deep and satisfying prayer life is not only possible, but within the reach of anyone who will accept what God is forever offering."

There is no greater authority on the saints than Alban Butler, and his enormous research has been the standard reference on the subject for the last two and a half centuries. This new adaptation of Butler's multi-volume "Lives of the Saints" presents a modernized text for today's reader and provides an illuminating guide to these historic, symbolic, and foundational Christian men and women.
Butler's daily readings from the lives and works of the saints offer readers of all backgrounds the opportunity to engage directly with these great figures. Butler's distinctive contribution to stories about saints was to turn attention away from the superhuman, miraculous themes that are prevalent in earlier works. He gives us saints who are examples of Christian living, who provide inspiration for our own lives, in every time and circumstance. As Butler writes: "They were once what we are now, travelers on earth. They had the same weaknesses we have. We have difficulties; so had the saints."
Important features of this version include mention of recently canonized saints as well as those whose path to official sainthood is still in progress. Also included in the daily readings are more obscure saints whose lives and contributions to Christianity should not be forgotten.