What if silence isn’t the destination, but the womb of something greater? 

In this session, discover how contemplative practice can transform religion beyond rigid literalism into a living encounter with love. Drawing on his journey with mentors and contemplative communities, Peter Traben Haas explores how silence opens us—not to escape the world, but to return more grounded, creative, and compassionate. 

Together, we’ll reflect on the fine line between spiritual maturity and spiritual arrogance, the temptations of dogma even within mystical circles, and the fruit that proves authentic practice: love for God, self, others, and creation. 

Through story, wisdom, and prayer, Peter invites us to see silence not as an end in itself, but as the space where grace flows, creativity awakens, and our deepest gifts are birthed.

Speaker bio: 

Rev., Dr. Peter Traben Haas rises each morning watching the light shade from dark to dawn, and the still silence births words. His aim as a pastor and writer is to deepen spiritual fecundity by exploring biblical wisdom paired with the devotional longings of the heart. He has been an ordained Teaching Pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for over 25 years. Peter earned a B.A. from Moody Bible, an M.Div. from Princeton Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Peter is the author of multiple books in the contemplative stream, such as "Contemplative Church" and the widely read series of profound daily prayers in Paraclete Press' book series, "Centering Prayers."

Peter serves as Pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Telluride, Colorado and is an esteemed guest teacher and Centering Prayer retreat leader.