About the Book and Author

Now Featured in the Patheos Book Club
Befriending Silence
Discovering the Gifts of Cistercian Spirituality
by Carl McColman

About the Book

In Befriending Silence: Discovering the Gifts of Cistercian Spirituality respected speaker, author, and Patheos blogger Carl McColman introduces Cistercian spirituality as "the hidden jewel of the Church," presenting a surprisingly contemporary path grounded in monastic tradition. This accessible and comprehensive guide highlights a unique focus on simplicity, living close to the earth, and contemplative prayer, all of which make Cistercian spirituality relevant today.

Steeped in chant and silence, grounded in down-to-earth work and service, and immersed in the mystical wisdom of teachers ancient (Bernard of Clairvaux) and modern (Thomas Merton), Cistercian spirituality's beautifully humble path has for centuries made monasteries places of rest, retreat, and renewal. Now, Carl McColman offers the first practical introduction to this ancient method of contemplative spirituality for all people.

Hailed by reviewers of his many books as playful and profound, McColman draws on his experience as a lay Cistercian to provide insight into the relevance of the tradition to contemporary issues and spiritual practice. He explains how silence, simplicity, stability, stewardship of the earth, contemplation, ongoing conversion, and devotion to Mary combine to offer a rich and unique path to discipleship and intimacy with God.

Features and Benefits

-The first practical guide to Cistercian spirituality, the book provides an understanding of the spiritual path that informed Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, and Bernard of Clairvaux.

-Written by a leading guide to contemplative spirituality. Carl McColman is the author of The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, a survey of contemplative spirituality.

About the Author

Carl McColman is the author of The Big Book of Christian Mysticism and Answering the Contemplative Call, and writes for Patheos, Huffington Post, and Contemplative Journal. He also has his own popular website and blog devoted to Christian and world mysticism. McColman is a member of the Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, a contemplative community under the spiritual guidance of Trappist monks. A Catholic in full-time ministry as a retreat leader and speaker, McColman frequently leads workshops and retreats on contemplative spirituality at churches, seminaries, monasteries and retreat centers.

McColman earned a bachelor's degree in English (magna cum laude) from James Madison University in 1982, and a master's in English from George Mason University in 1984. He was trained in the practice of Christian contemplation through the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Washington, DC. He received training in spiritual direction from the Institute for Pastoral Studies in Atlanta. He lives in Stone Mountain, Georgia.