Read the Bible Like a Mystic

Exploring the Contemplative Dimension of Scripture

Friday, October 24  –  Saturday, October 25, 2025   7:00 – 9:00 pm   9:30 am – 4:00 pm   

Carl McColman

The Bible is a difficult book.  Written thousands of years ago, in a culture radically unlike our own, it is revered as sacred.  But many people – Christians and otherwise – find it almost impossible to read.  Some people take it literally, viewing it like a policy manual (and using it to divide people rather than to bring them together), while many scholars and academics treat it like just another ancient artifact, interesting to study but not seen as relevant to modern-day life.  Can there be another way to integrate the wisdom of Scripture into our spiritual lives today?

We will explore the ancient “third way” of approaching the Bible: reading Scripture like the great mystics of the past, figures like Ignatius of Loyola, Julian of Norwich, Howard Thurman, and Teresa of Avila.  This contemplative approach celebrates how spiritual wisdom, guidance in prayer, and encouragement for meditation are found throughout the sacred text.

Friday Evening: (Re)Discovering the Spiritual Heart of Scripture
Saturday: Spiritual Practices for Reading the Bible Like a Mystic

Carl McColman is a contemplative writer, spiritual director and retreat leader based in Atlanta. His books include The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism and most recently, Read the Bible Like a Mystic, the basis for this retreat.

This program will be available in-person and online.  Pre-registration is required to receive the link.

Suggested Donation:  $60
Limited overnight accommodations available for Friday night: $45