Bücher veröffentlicht von Paraclete Press

A new edition of The Jesus Creed, Scot McKnight's bestselling book, providing a remarkable summary of what biblical Christianity is at its core: Loving God and Loving Others. It fosters a practical understanding, appreciation of and application of Christian formation in grace and love toward God and Neighbor.

Intellect and emotion both fail in seeking God, who can only be encountered by rejecting of all common earthly means in a "cloud of forgetting" and the discovery of Godself in the dark "cloud of unknowing" which can be pierced only with a "lance of longing love."

Voted Best Book of 2010 by Englewood Review of Books"e;In whatever place you live, do not easily leave it."e; -Abba AnthonyIn an age where we might email a friend in Africa, skype a co-worker in Brazil, and teleconference with people in different time zones-all in one day-the sheer speed of life can be dizzying. Like children stumbling off a merry-go-round, says Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, we are grasping for something to anchor our lives in a sea of constant change. In The Wisdom of Stability, Wilson-Hartgrove illuminates the biblical and monastic understanding of why staying in one place is both a virtue and good for you. "e;For the Christian tradition,"e; he writes, "e;the heart's true home is a life rooted in the love of God."e; When we cultivate an inner stability of heart - by rooting ourselves in the places where we live, engaging the people we are with, and by the simple rhythms of tending to body and soul - true growth can happen. The Wisdom of Stability is a must-read for pastors, leaders, and anyone seeking an authentic path of Christian transformation.

Discover the spirituality of St. Clare and how it complements that of St. Francis. Enter into a week of morning and evening prayer centered on themes from Clare's life.

Written by an anonymous fourteenth-century author, The Cloud of Unknowing was originally prepared for cloistered monks. This contemporary English translation with foreword by bestselling author, Robert Benson, helps to put this classic text within reach of everyday Christians.

Did you know that the whole world needs your "yes" to God? In this book, Fr. Jeremiah Shryock shares how he learned this humbling truth from his personal relationship with Mary, and how we too can learn from her how to follow Christ with all our hearts. "Fr. Jeremiah Shryock, CFR has written a truly beautiful book. Frankly, it is a must-read for everyone aspiring to enter more deeply into the life of holiness and Mary's role in leading souls to a total self-offering and surrender to God. Inspired passages and uniquely contemplative insights fill the pages of this book as Fr. Jeremiah ponders the mysteries of the Rosary and Mary's presence in the gospel accounts with a great heart of love. Fr. Jeremiah calls himself now a Marian hermit taught by Mary; clearly, he has been a very fine student and son in placing himself receptively before the profound instructions of his Virgin Mother." --Fr. Donald Haggerty, author of St. John of the Cross, Master of Contemplation, The Contemplative Hunger, Contemplative Provocations

Centering Prayers for Women is a collection of 365 daily prayers for moments of silence and meditation, in a beautiful new edition especially for women. In the midst of busyness and noise, and being pulled in many different directions, Centering Prayers for Women provides a moment of deep quiet, to draw closer to the love of God. The love, warmth, and peace that radiate from these brief daily prayers spring from the ancient Christian practice of contemplative prayer.Centering Prayers for Women is: A book of simple, gentle daily devotions to grow our awareness of God's presence An invitation to find peace and stillness, to listen and just be Ideal for centering your mind and heart at the beginning of the day, or at bedtime, to calm anxiety An ideal gift for anyone who feels lost, doubting, or fearful, anxious, or needs reassurance of the intimate love of God A helpful tool for letting the noise of the world recede and entering a prayerful space Structured by the natural seasons of the year, and includes special prayers for holy days Rooted in Scripture and timeless Christian wisdom, these open-hearted prayers are rich in imagery, helping us connect with God as Living Water, Source, Sustainer, Living Gate, Love, Wisdom, Beauty, Strength in Life, Abba, Eternal Listener, Grace-giver, God of Gentle Power, Beloved Source of Security, and more. Centering Prayers for Women is a perfect companion for a personal retreat, or to pray with others in community.

This edition offers all of G. K. Chesterton's insight, humor, and wit as he uncovers the real meaning of the life of the world's most popular saint. All Francis's life was a series of plunges and scampers, darting after the beggar, dashing naked into the woods, tossing himself into the strange ship, and hurling himself into the Sultan's tent. In appearance he must have been like a thin brown skeleton autumn leaf dancing eternally before the wind; but in truth it was he that was the wind.

"e;About 30 years ago, I came across the evocative phrase 'religionless Christianity' in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's later writings, and it has stayed with me ever since. In his new book The Fidelity of Betrayal, Peter Rollins has teased out - as Bonhoeffer never had the chance to do - profound possibilities hidden in the phrase. As a huge fan of Peter's first book, I find his second no less thoughtful, stimulating, and at times unsettling - always in a most (de)constructive way. His subversive parables, his clever turns of phrase, and his beguiling clarity all conspire to tempt the reader into that most fertile and terrifying of activities - to think to the very rim of one's understanding, and then to faithfully imagine the Truth that lies far beyond."e;- Brian McLaren, author/activist (www.brianmclaren.net)What if one of the core demands of a radical Christianity lay in a call for its betrayal, while the ultimate act of affirming God required the forsaking of God? And what if fidelity to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures demanded their renunciation? In short, what would it mean if the only way of finding real faith involved betraying it with a kiss?Employing the insights of mysticism and deconstructive theory, The Fidelity of Betrayal delves into the subversive and revolutionary nature of a Christianity that dwells within the church while simultaneously undermining it.

In this engaging guide, M. Basil Pennington takes us on a retreat with Thomas Merton, in Merton's own Kentucky hermitage, reading his writings on the spiritual life, praying the hours, caring for the birds on the front porch. This is the place where Merton found greater silence and solitude than was possible for him within the walls of the monastery. Pennington fills this eloquent introduction to Merton with photographs taken in and around the hermitage. Engaging the World with Merton enables each of us to have a retreat with Pennington's friend and mentor as our companion, as we seek the kingdom of God within.

Seeds of Faith by Jeremy Langford covers an astonishing variety of spiritual practices, and does so in such a joy-filled and inviting way that we instantly feel at home. Buy this book. --Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline and Life with GodJeremy Langford's multiple talents as a superb writer, a loving father, a dedicated worker, and an ardent believer, combine to make his new book perfect for anyone seeking to lead a faith-filled life in the real world. Through an artful use of the Christian tradition, insights from the spiritual masters, and compelling real-life examples, Langford shows seekers and believers alike how God can be found in all things, and how the ordinary events in our lives can be places of extraordinary grace. --James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the SaintsIn every moment and event in our lives, God plants seeds which we may or may not notice in our paths. Our challenge is to prepare the soil of our lives to receive and nurture these seeds so that they may take root and help us grow closer to God. By tapping into the spiritual practices revealed in scripture and throughout Christian tradition, we come to embrace what God the Gardener is doing in our lives and, in turn, to share God's grace with the world. The healthier our spiritual lives, the more abundant will be the fruits of our love, hope, joy, and kindness. This book is for seekers of all ages and walks of life - college students, parents, professionals, the lapsed and the weary, as well as seasoned saints who wish to deepen their faith in small but meaningful ways, and it covers topics such as: Why Believe? The Practice of Doubt Awareness: The Practice of Seeking Loneliness vs. Being Alone: The Practice of Solitude Spiritual Exercise: The Practice of Practice Touchstones of the Sacred: The Practice of Living Sacramentally How, Then, Shall I Live? The Practice of Vocation Happy Are They: The Practice of Celebration When Did We See You Hungry? The Practice of Mercy Following Christ: The Practice of Discipleship

Drawing from Scripture, church history, and the author's own ministry experiences among those who live on the margins, Vulnerable Faith bridges the often enormous gap between the conceptual ideal of faithfulness we talk about in church and a genuine, practical, radical obedience to Jesus. "e;This book is an invitation to radical faithfulness found in willing vulnerability. Jamie Arpin- Ricci guides readers through a process of transformation, which exposes our pretense and promises new life through and beyond the cross of Christ."e; -Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, author of Dead Man Walking"e;The urgency of the invitation to each of us in Vulnerable Faith cannot be ignored. In a world of terror and hatred, of protection and retaliation, it is a bold and important reminder to Christians of the radical nature of our witness as followers of Jesus. He is the Word made flesh, the vulnerable incarnation of God's love for each and every one of us."e; -Jean Vanier, from the foreword"e;In Vulnerable Faith the life of St. Patrick meets the spirituality of the Twelve Steps. It is a surprising, potent and challenging combination, one that Jamie Arpin-Ricci uses to profound effect in setting before us a vision of Christian community characterized by loving vulnerability, sacrificial generosity and a radical welcome of the stranger into the Shalom of God's Kingdom. An inspiring and life-changing book."e; -Richard Beck, author Unclean and Slavery of Death"e;If you are intrigued by the life of early Celtic leader St. Patrick, and if you see a need for transformation in your own life, Vulnerable Faith is your invitation to take some time to explore what greater faithfulness in the people of God might look like. Jamie juxtaposes the life of St. Patrick with lessons learned from AA's Twelve Steps in a way that is refreshing and challenging. This is not for the faint-hearted but for those who want to take steps deeper into the love of God. I loved it, was inspired by it and recommend it to all who take their faith seriously."e; -Christine Sine, author of Return to Our Senses"e;Using an array of examples that is both wide and deep, Jamie Arpin-Ricci draws us into a very deep place. This place of questions, trembling, fear, hope, faith, is at the heart of our vulnerability. It is in this very place that we most intimately find God and one another"e;-Fran Rossi Szpylczyn, Catholic blogger, contributed to Homilists for the Homeless"e;Jamie is an expert storyteller who with compassion and imagination seamlessly weaves together the old and the new, the saint and the sinner, the practical wisdom of the 12 Steps with the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures. But his greatest feat in Vulnerable Faith is showing how transformative spirituality can be woven into the context of restorative community, where it belongs. Using the life of Saint Patrick as his guide, Jamie paves a way for all of us - on our own and in community - to approach a vulnerability worthy of our redemption. Vulnerable Faith is a primer on authentic community, a personal devotional book, and an insightful look into the human heart, all in one"e; -Amy Hollingsworth, author of The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers and Runaway Radical"e;Jamie Arpin-Ricci knows only too well that spiritual growth and transformation are the result of God's grace. In 'Vulnerable Faith', he masterfully shows how the 12 Steps help facilitate an openness to God with the life of St. Patrick as our guiding example. I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in teaching that has stood the test of time."e;-Albert Haase, O.F.M., author of Catching Fire, Becoming Flame: A Guide for Spiritual Transformation"e;In Vulnerable Faith, Jamie Arpin-Ricci has found a unique way to blend the life struggles of St Patrick to help us restore our own dilemma of neglected discipleship. Referencing the 12 Steps model, the reality of Patrick's life and the need for Christ in our own lives slowly unfolds into an understanding of how Christ fulfills shalom in all the areas of our lives. We all need this book"e;.-Randy Woodley, author of Shalom and the Community of Creation: An Indigenous Vision"e;Vulnerable Faith is a wonderfully creative exploration of missional life that draws from the story of St. Patrick as well as contemporary culture. The artful retelling of the story of St. Patrick is done with imagination and care. Each chapter's installment of the story of the beloved saint is followed by theological reflection that probes and prods the reader toward holiness. This book is a fine resource for clergy, congregations, and missional communities."e;-Elaine Heath, author We Were the Least of These"e;In this age of self-reliance and faux invincibility, the spiritual discipline of vulnerability is a rare thing indeed. Gently and yet provocatively, Jamie Arpin-Ricci uses the life and teaching of St Patrick to show us that it is only through accepting our common weakness, our brokenness and our unequivocal need for grace that we can find the opportunity for fullness of life and true freedom."e; -Michael Frost, author of Incarnate"e;With creativity, skill, vulnerability, and insight Jamie Arpin-Ricci reintroduces readers to the risk of Christian faith, the hope of prophetic witness, and the true reward of costly grace for our time. St. Patrick and the tenets of the twelve-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous serve as new and inspiring companions as Arpin-Ricci guides us along the path toward renewing our commitment to be missionary disciples of Christ."e; -Daniel P. Horan OFM, author, The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton

Going to college brings a time of discovery. Are you ready for what lies ahead?How will you fare going to college - leaving behind the safety of home, community, and church? How will you keep your faith in college? Drawing on their own experiences and years of ministry to young men and women during this transition of going to college, Nic and Syler provide a game plan you can follow to survive and thrive, to live out your faith in college. "e;Game Plan has the potential to equip our college students (and soon to be college students) with an anchored, informed, buoyant love for God that can breathe through every corner of their lives."e; -Mark DeVries, president of Youth Ministry Architects and author of Sustainable Youth Ministry"e;This wise, straight-talking book offers much practical advice on the many challenges that Christian students face when they step onto the university campus. I highly recommend it."e; -Paul Copan, Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University"e;Get this book into the hands of your college bound students and children! Too many students go off to college unprepared to face the spiritual, moral, intellectual and practical challenges they will face and I see the negative effects in their lives on campus. With practical wisdom and real life stories, this book hits all the big topics a young student needs to not just survive college but mature and grow a dynamic Christian walk."e; -R. Shannon Marion, National Field Director, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship"e;For every student headed to college, this is a must-read. Gibson and Thomas have written a practical, spiritual, timely book that addresses real concerns of those who are continuing their education at a college or university, secular or faith-based."e; -Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster, President, Council of Bishops, The United Methodist Church

Based on Catholic teaching, Angels for Kids offers proof of the true existence of angels while dispelling prevalent contemporary myths. This inspiring book will open the eyes and hearts of youth and their families to a greater awareness of the unseen world.

Discover how icons can become part of your life of prayer.

Now in paperback for the first time, this book helps you mark the events of the season.