English and Dutch translations of 'On Seven Ways of Holy Love', a mystagogic treatise on 'minne' or 'holy love' by Beatrice of Nazareth, a 13th century Cistercian nun and the oldest datable mystical prose text in Middle Dutch. Beatrice describes the nuptial relationship between the good soul and her Bridegroom in terms of seven ways of holy love. The use of vernacular contributed in a significant way to the development of a mysticism influencing the more scholarly approach of John of Ruusbroec. Beatrice's text also affected Margaret Porette, Meister Eckhart and the Modern Devotion (Gerard Groote). Beatrice is the 'mother' of all these ways to the direct experience of God.

Building on years of research and teaching, experienced author and theologian David Wells offers a remedy for evangelicalism’s superficial theology and weightless conception of God: a journey to discover the paradoxical nature of his holiness and love. We all struggle, at times, to hold that paradox together, commonly resulting in problems such as liberalism or legalism. Yet understanding how God’s holiness is inextricably bound to his love is what enables us to live between the two extremes and defines our life of service in this world. In the vein of classics such as Packer’s Knowing God, Wells’s biblical theology is written at an accessible level so that all readers can cultivate a balanced vision of the God who belongs in the center of it all.

We can’t live as soul mates if we don’t know ourselves as souls Both visionary and practical, Holy Love offers a groundbreaking method to ignite profound self-growth and create fulfilling relationships. Weaving together elements of psychology and spirituality, this manual will help you build authentic intimacy by connecting to a wellspring of wisdom and insight — your Soul. This method activates intuition, empowering us to navigate common relationship issues that can otherwise trap us in an endless cycle of misunderstanding and separation. These techniques clarify and heal conflict in all relationships: marriages, short-term romances, friendships, and those with children and even acquaintances. In this sacred undertaking, instead of giving or receiving love, we become love.

Teaching Outline + Study Guide for The Attributes of God

A rich articulation of John Wesley's theology that is appreciative of the old and mindful of the new, faithful to the past and attentive to the present. This work carefully displays John Wesley's eighteenth century theology in its own distinct historical and social location, but then transitions to the twenty-first century through the introduction of contemporary issues. So conceived, the book is both historical and constructive demonstrating that the theology of Wesley represents a vibrant tradition. Cognizant of Wesley's own preferred vocabulary, Collins introduces Wesley's theological method beginning with a discussion of the doctrine of God. "In this insightful exposition the leitmotif of holy love arises out of Wesley's reflection on the nature of the divine being as well as other major doctrines." (Douglas Meeks)

In popular usage, "mysticism" typically refers to New Age or Eastern forms of spirituality. However, the mystical tradition is also an important component of the Christian tradition. At its heart--and much like its expression in other faith traditions--Christian mysticism is an ancient practice that incorporates meditation, contemplation, worship, philosophy, the quest for personal enlightenment, and the experience of Divine presence. This volume is a comprehensive introduction and guide to Christian mysticism. It is a big book about a big possibility: the hope of achieving real, blissful, experiential unison with God. Among the topics covered here are a general introduction to mysticism, the Bible and mysticism, the history and types of Christian mysticism, biographical sketches of leading Christian mystics, and practical instructions about practicing mysticism today. This is a breathtaking work that explores a form of spirituality that has changed lives over the course of 2,000 years. Learning about Christian mysticism and how it has been articulated through the centuries will prove inspirational for today's seekers, regardless of the faith tradition. "The mystic is not a special kind of person; every person is a special kind of mytic." --William McNamara

Do conservatives or progressives "own" the teachings about what the Bible says about human sexuality and marriage? For some--perhaps a vocal minority--the question is no longer up for debate or discussion: conservatives win. For others, the issues are not that simple. A fresh, rigorous, but yet concise, theological examination of the Bible's teachings is required. There are other ways to interpret scripture faithfully with respect to sexuality other than the conservative interpretation. In Holy Love, Steve Harper strives to articulate the truth about the teachings of the Bible and Wesleyan tradition on human sexuality. This very accessible book is intended for church leaders, small groups, and those interested in understanding the Bible's teaching on this fundamental component of human life, experience and relationships. The book will help church leaders and small groups make the constructive case that biblical, Christian teaching is compatible with faithful, covenantal love and intimacy amidst all sexual orientations.