THREE THINGS.... Three people to follow this year

Below I offer the names and bios of three people I think are worth following/reading this year with links to websites that offer a video introductions to them and their teachings. It would take several years to read the books they have produced collectively. Their wisdom is profound; relevant to this specific moment while illuminating timeless and eternal truths. Their life experiences and backgrounds are varied and diverse. They are spiritual masters, each in their own right; good teachers for those who seek a deeper walk with and into the divine. I have barely begun to study with these teachers, though I have been dabbling in their work for years; I invite you to learn with me. There has never been a time in our common humanity when we needed to ground ourselves more securely in the wisdom teachings of the divine lest we be devoured by cultural madness.  Rowena+

1. Joan Chittister: https://www.joanchittister.org

Joan Chittister is one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time. For 50 years she has passionately advocated on behalf of peace, human rights, women’s issues, and church renewal. A much sought-after speaker, counselor and clear voice that bridges across all religions, she is also a best-selling author of more than 60 books, hundreds of articles, and an online column for the National Catholic Reporter. She has received numerous writing awards and honors for her work, and is a noted international lecturer as well as a former fellow at St. Edmund’s College, Cambridge University, England.

2. Brian McLaren: https://cac.org/about/our-teachers/brian-d-mclaren/

Former evangelical pastor Brian D. McLaren is a champion for a more loving, inclusive and contemplative Christianity. A faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation, he teaches ways to reconnect with the message Jesus lived and died for—unconditional love. He is the author of Faith After Doubt, The Great Spiritual Migration, and host of CAC’s podcast Learning How to See.

3. James Finley: https://cac.org/about/our-teachers/james-finley/

Student of Thomas Merton and clinical psychologist, Dr. James Finley teaches how connecting to our Divine indwelling can transcend fear and shame and awaken to our True Self. A faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation, he is the author of Merton’s Palace of Nowhere and The Contemplative Heart, and the host of CAC’s podcast Turning to the Mystics.