I go to an evangelical church but I have chosen to retain elements of the Eastern Orthodox faith that I was born into. I am no expert on mysticism but frankly feel that some Christians fear it.

Why should they be afraid to attempts to directly experience God?

I think Christian meditation and contemplation is important. I respect all the major denominations but some focus only on analyzing the Bible and ignore the inner life.

I’d love to spend 30 days on Mount Athos with the Orthodox monks.

I bookmarked your page.

I have been reading a couple pages of The God Who Is Here during my morning prayer time pretty much daily since you gave me the book. I have gained many insights, had ideas of my own provoked by your thoughts, and admired your writing. I’ve read very deliberately, rolling over many thoughts in my mind and soul. Thank you so much for giving me the book; thank you even more for writing it. I’m making progress in my efforts to draw nigh into a living awareness of Christ’s presence. Being a distracted screw up makes it hard, but God I’m taking baby steps. BTW, your meditation above reminded me that yesterday it occurred to me that when Jesus hung limply on the cross and was ready to die, he thought to himself, “Just in case there is some total wreck out there who feels unworthy of my love and sacrifice, I think I’ll take along to paradise this wretch hanging next to me. His belief is shallow, less than a minute old, and panicky. If I include this guy, that creates space for everyone.” Blessings, Peter. Thanks for your faithfulness. Bill Robinson