What if the Bible wasn’t meant to be mastered—but to master you in love?

In session, contemplative teacher and author Carl McColman invites us to read Scripture not as scholars or theologians, but as mystics. Rather than seeking certainty or control, the mystical path approaches the Bible with reverence, humility, and wonder. Drawing on ancient practices like lectio divina and the apophatic tradition, Carl offers a vision of sacred reading that leads us beyond information into transformation.

Through silence, prayer, and a willingness to “unknow,” we open ourselves to a living encounter with the Divine—one that reshapes our hearts and deepens our capacity for love. Whether you’re new to contemplative practice or a seasoned seeker, this session will help you fall in love with the Word in a whole new way.

Speaker bio: 

Carl McColman is the author of numerous books exploring mystical spirituality and contemplative living, including The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Eternal Heart, Answering the Contemplative Call, An Invitation to Celtic Wisdom and Unteachable Lessons. His most recent book, Read the Bible Like a Mystic, was released in the summer of 2025. His work is informed by a variety of spiritual perspectives, from Christian mysticism and Zen Buddhism, to Celtic wisdom, earth-centered and pagan spirituality, and Wicca.

Several of Carl's books have won awards or recognition, notably Befriending Silence which won the 2015 "Georgia Author of the Year" award in the field of inspirational/religious writing. His work has been warmly endorsed by many leading voices in the field of Christian spirituality, such as bestselling author Brian D. McLaren who said, "If you don't know about Carl McColman and his work, you should."

Carl studied at James Madison University (BA, English) and George Mason University (MA, Professional Writing and Editing). His formation in the spiritual life includes training and formation with the Shalem Institute in Washington, DC; the Institute for Pastoral Studies in Atlanta (under the direction of John Westerhoff); and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA; where Carl is a Life-Professed Lay Cistercian: a layperson under formal spiritual guidance with the Trappist monks.

In addition to a busy schedule as a writer, blogger, podcaster, retreat leader, speaker and teacher, Carl is a commissioned Centering Prayer presenter with Contemplative Outreach of North Georgia, and a spiritual director serving individuals both in metro Atlanta and online.

Carl's writing has appeared on numerous websites, including Patheos, the Huffington Post, Day One, Contemplative Life, and Medium. He shares new content regularly on Patreon (www.patreon.com/carlmccolman) and Substack (www.anamchara.net).

Carl co-hosts the Encountering Silence podcast with filmmaker Cassidy Hall and theologian Kevin Johnson.

Carl and his wife, artist Fran McColman, live near Atlanta in a small house filled with cats, books, icons and love. Their daughter, Rhiannon, passed away after a long illness at age 29 in 2014. When they take a break from their creative work, you may find Carl and Fran wandering around the mountains of western North Carolina or taking long walks along the Emerald Coast of Florida.