Hermitage of the Heart: Contemplative Practices from Hundred Acres Monastery

Rating:
Summary: Contemplative yes, but Christian?
Review: I have to say that I bought this book with high expectations. I am a Christian and I have discovered that my spiritual pathway, that is the way that I relate best to God through Christ, is contemplative. I have been looking to explore ways to expand my relationship with God through contemplation. To that end I sought books on Christian contemplative practicies.

I have only just begun listening to these tapes but I already am disappointed. They seem more about spirituality than authentic Christianity. It is more about New Age mysticism seasoned with Christian terms than exploring authentic Christianity in a contemplitive style.

The author often sites some of the greats of the Christian past yet denies the very basics of their faith. Amongst other things he demotes Jesus to just another "spiritual teacher" rather than the unique Son of God. Also he denies Jesus' own words that Jesus is the only way to the father. The author says that he has left some of the Catholic terminology behind, but I think he left more than that, I think he left his Christian faith behind too. (Note that I am not Catholic.)

I will continue to listen to the tapes in the hopes that they eventually present some material that can be salvaged. I plan to expand this review as I listen to the rest of them.