Diverse Voices in the Contemplative Tradition 

Christian contemplative perspectives are many faceted and diverse, and they exist in dialog with other traditions 

 

Exploring the breadth of contemplative practice can broaden perspectives and support a more profound inner journey. One important aspect of embracing diversity is being open to expanding and deepening our contemplative life by listening to diverse voices – Christian contemplatives as well as those from other spiritual backgrounds. This process enriches our understanding and fosters a welcoming environment for prayer, reflection, and community.  

The following resources are suggested for those who would like to learn more and are by no means exhaustive. 

 

Books

  • Invitation to Love by Thomas Keating – Father Thomas guides readers through the spiritual journey, blending classic teachings with modern psychology to foster deeper connection with God and move beyond the “false self” to spiritual freedom and transformation.  
  • The Human Condition by Thomas Keating – A concise treatment of Father Thomas’s teachings on the role of Centering Prayer practice in letting go of the false self, transcending mythic membership consciousness, and coming closer to God and the human community. 
  • The Common Heart by Netanel Miles-Yepez – Based on ideas and ideals from 20 years of interreligious dialogue at the Snowmass Conferences, where Father Thomas invited spiritual teachers from all of the world’s great wisdom traditions to gather at St. Benedict’s Monastery.  These great teachers discuss the gates of unity, East and West on the path, commitment and attainment, mantra, sacred land, blessing and more. 
  • Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church by Barbara Holmes – Focuses on the aspects of the Black church that point toward a mystical and communal spirituality.  The book details not only ways in which contemplative experience is built into African American collective worship but also the legacy of African monasticism, a history of spiritual teachers, and unique meditative worship practices.  
  • The Cloud of Unknowing (Anonymous) – A classic text on Christian mysticism, guiding readers in contemplative prayer and surrender to God. A major source in the development of Centering Prayer. 
  • Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thuman. This classic work interprets the teachings of Jesus through the experience of the oppressed and discusses nonviolent responses to oppression.   
  • Meditations of the Heart by Howard Thurman – First written for and shared with his congregation of the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco, this book is a beautiful collection of over 150 prayers, poems, and meditations on prayer, community, and the joys and rituals of life.   
  • The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley – This classic work from 1945 – by the author of Brave New World  and nearly 50 other books – draws on a diverse array of faiths, including Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Christian mysticism, and Islam. Huxley examines the spiritual beliefs of various cultures and reveals the common perception of the “divine reality” common to all.  
  • The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr – Features talks and teachings from Franciscan friar Richard Rohr, focusing on Christian mysticism, contemplation, and action. 
  • What Makes You Come Alive by Lerita Coleman Brown – Readers learn about Howard Thurman’s resilience in the terrorizing climate of the Jim Crow South, his encounters with Quakers and with Mahatma Gandhi, and his sense of being guided by the Spirit. Each chapter illuminates an aspect of Thurman’s work and includes reflection questions and spiritual practices. 
  • Awakening Together:  The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community by Larry Yang. A thought-provoking and detailed look at how an American Buddhist group has worked for decades toward its goal of providing a fully welcoming community for all people. 

Podcasts & Media

  • Opening Minds, Opening Hearts  – From Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. This multi-season exploration reflects on the method of Centering Prayer and the teachings of Thomas Keating with friends from the contemplative community who share their personal experience of encountering God through the prayer. In season three, the focus was on honoring Thomas Keating’s legacy of hosting interspiritual dialogues by embracing guests from various spiritual traditions and learning about contemplative prayer from their perspective. 
  • Encountering Silence  – Dedicated to the Christian contemplative tradition, the podcast hosts conversations with Christian mystics, writers, and spiritual guides. 
  • On Being with Krista Tippett – Features discussions with Christian contemplative thinkers, as well as those from other backgrounds. 

Videos & Movies

  • The Spiritual Journey – This in-depth series is the foundation of the teaching legacy of Fr. Thomas Keating and is shared by Contemplative Outreach Ltd. as a freewill offering to anyone who wishes to gain wisdom and understanding of the Christian contemplative path of transformation in Christ. The series also engages an openness to the wisdom of other spiritual traditions, and to the discoveries of the contemporary sciences, especially psychology.  

Organizations & Online Platforms 

  • Center for Action and Contemplation – Founded by Richard Rohr, CAC offers teachings, podcasts, and retreats emphasizing Christian contemplative practice and social engagement. 
  • Center for Spiritual Imagination – A center for teaching contemplative prayer—rooted in ancient spiritual rhythms, committed to nurturing intentional community, and grounded in a call to justice in the world. 
  • Episcopal Church Sacred Ground Curriculum – A walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. The 11-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. 
  • Listening Heart – A spiritual community that seeks to cultivate contemplative presence and compassionate action through silence, deep listening, and mindful living. 
  • Awakenings –  A Black-led global community using contemplative spirituality to heal, renew & inspire. 
  • Closer Than Breath – A community of contemplatives worldwide who actively embody the light and love of the Divine to create greater peace and harmony on earth.  
  • Black Lives & Contemplation – A vibrant community where individuals exploring the depths of their being through the lens of Black experiences. Black Lives & Contemplation centers Black wisdom and lived experience in contemplative offerings and knowledge sharing.  
  • Spirit Rock Meditation Center – Meditation as taught in the Theravada tradition, emphasizing mindfulness and lovingkindness. Practices focus on training and quieting the mind,[4] the cultivation of lovingkindness and compassion, and the teachings of the Buddha.  
  • Mind & Life Institute – Highlights research at the intersection of science, contemplation, and social change, including Christian contemplative voices. 

Articles & Essays 

  • “Contemplative Christianity: Pathways to Prayer” by Thomas Merton – Explores Christian contemplative prayer and the search for God. 
  • “Why We Need Diverse Voices in Mindfulness” by Ruth King – Discusses the importance of representation, including Christian perspectives, in contemplative communities (ruthking.net). 
  • Thomas Keating’s Interfaith Vision by Keith Kristich – This concise blog post reflects on Thomas Keatings’s interspiritual explorations and teachings and presents the Snowmass Conference Eight Points of Agreement – eight affirmations shared by all of the world’s great religions. 
  • “Indigenous Mindfulness” by Bonnie Duran – Explores contemplative practices within Native American traditions (mindful.org). 

Workshops & Retreats 

  • Center for Action and Contemplation Events – Hosts retreats and workshops on Christian contemplation, often blending social justice and spiritual practice. 
  • Insight Meditation Society (IMS) BIPOC Retreats – Periodically hosts retreats for BIPOC practitioners, mainly focusing on Buddhist teachings and sometimes featuring Christian contemplative elements. 
  • East Bay Meditation Center – Offers inclusive retreats, occasionally highlighting Christian contemplative teachers.