The Holy Ordinary

Auteur

Mark Longhurst is a writer and “ordinary mystic.” He is a member of the new monastic “Community of the Incarnation” and works as the Publications Manager at the Center for Action and Contemplation. A former pastor, he served United Church of Christ churches for ten years and worked as a faith-based social justice activist in the Boston area for ten more. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, and a longtime yoga-practitioner, he runs two Substack newsletters at marklonghurst.substack.com. Mark lives in western Massachusetts with his family. 

Texte du rabat

Locates mysticism as the essential experiential center of any Christian faith

“Herein lies support for your deepest self. Mark illuminates for you that in the ordinary aspects of life there is an extraordinary way to live. Drink from these reflections and prepare to be awakened and transformed.” —Phileena Nikole, author of Pilgrimage of a Soul

The Holy Ordinary takes its inspiration from mystics, modern prophets, and saints, with surprising insights from Christian scriptures. “Mysticism is a stream of the experiential, flowing from the hearts of those who knew and know God,” explains Mark Longhurst, demonstrating the availability to every person of a mystical life.

Through topics such as “How to be contemplative and active” and “Live green like Hildegard of Bingen,” Longhurst speaks to each person’s need for transformation. This book is both profound and practical, a reflective guide for anyone—Nones, Dones, former Christians, and Christians open to learning from people of all backgrounds—seeking a vibrant, just, and inclusive spirituality.

“For years, I’ve been wishing for a book that could introduce ordinary people to the spiritual life in a healthy, honest, accessible way. Mark Longhurst has written what I’ve been waiting for.” —Brian D. McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt

Contenu

Preface 
 Part 1: Contemplation

	Say Yes

	Be Active and Contemplative

	Flee to the Heart of the World Like Thomas Merton

	Live Vibrantly Now (Not Only Later)

	Recognize God in All Places

	Show Up to Reality

	Contemplate Together Like Howard Thurman 
 Part 2: Connections

	Connect to Source of Love

	Love Animals Like St. Francis

	Live Green Like Hildegard of Bingen

	Make Sense of Angels Like a Scientist

	Love Like My Grandmother (And the Trinity)

	Sing to the Cosmic Christ Like John Muir

	Join the Resurrection Movement 
 Part 3: Liberations

	Be Subversively Joyful

	Love Like James Baldwin

	See Whiteness

	Embrace Light and Darkness

	Be Happy with Enough 
 Part 4: Embodiment

	Make Room for the Holy

	Create Sacred Space

	Sit at Wisdom’s Feet

	Pray through Your Body

	Greet Christ Like a Yogi

	Know More than Books

	Meet God in the Arts/p>


Part 5: Transformations

	Find God at the Margins

	Enter that Dark Night

	Welcome Christ’s Arrival (Like Shakers)

	Prepare for Death

	Live from the True Self

	Pray and Listen on Your Way 
 Acknowledgements and Permissions