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John R. Mabry

    This author, whose writing journey began in third grade, is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ and teaches world religions and spiritual direction. His fiction aims to portray people of faith realistically, highlighting their flaws and insecurities while emphasizing their persistent efforts to do good. His books are crafted for everyday readers seeking to explore their spirituality and deepen their connection with the divine, rather than for academic audiences. The author's approach offers an honest and compassionate look at the complexities of faith in ordinary lives.

    Starting Spiritual Direction
    Way of Thomas
    Sermons that Connect
    The Monster God
    God Has One Eye
    Heretics, Mystics & Misfits
    • Heretics, Mystics & Misfits

      • 204 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Exploring the lives of misunderstood figures in Christianity, this collection of sermons highlights heretics and mystics from the early church to modern times. Through engaging narratives, John Mabry sheds light on the teachings of individuals like the Gnostics, Julian of Norwich, and Soren Kierkegaard, offering insights that resonate with contemporary faith practices. His compassionate approach encourages readers to embrace diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality across various denominations and beliefs.

      Heretics, Mystics & Misfits
    • God Has One Eye

      The Mystics of the World's Religions

      • 280 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Exploring the transformative power of mysticism, the book delves into the journeys of historical figures like Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad, who faced condemnation as heretics for their profound insights. It emphasizes the disorienting and painful nature of enlightenment, which shatters preconceived notions of self and reality. The narrative suggests that true enlightenment demands a complete surrender of the old self, leaving behind familiar structures and rules, ultimately leading to a luminous existence that is unrecognizable even to the enlightened individual.

      God Has One Eye
    • The Monster God

      Coming to Terms with the Dark Side of Divinity

      • 182 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      A gripping tale of moral dilemmas and the consequences of one's choices unfolds as characters confront their darkest fears and desires. The narrative explores themes of redemption, guilt, and the struggle between good and evil, leading readers through a journey that challenges their perceptions of morality. As the protagonists face their impending fates, the story delves into the complexities of human nature and the possibility of salvation, ultimately questioning what it truly means to be damned.

      The Monster God
    • Sermons that Connect

      • 114 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Focusing on the challenges of sermon preparation, this guide offers a straightforward model for crafting impactful homilies. It presents a step-by-step approach that simplifies the sermon-writing process for new preachers, ensuring they can create meaningful messages with ease. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for experienced preachers, providing strategies to enhance their sermons and refine their delivery. This comprehensive manual equips readers with the tools needed for effective preaching, making it a lasting reference for years to come.

      Sermons that Connect
    • Way of Thomas

      Insights for Spiritual Living from the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas

      • 202 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Exploring profound spiritual insights, this text invites readers to uncover the deeper meanings behind its enigmatic phrases. It emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and suggests that true knowledge can lead to eternal life, transcending physical existence. The exploration of these teachings encourages introspection and a search for enlightenment, appealing to those interested in spirituality and philosophy.

      Way of Thomas
    • Starting Spiritual Direction

      A Guide to Getting Ready, Feeling Safe, and Getting the Most Out of Your Sessions

      • 104 pages
      • 4 hours of reading
      4.3(17)Add rating

      This guide offers practical insights for individuals embarking on spiritual direction. It provides tips on maximizing the benefits of sessions, enhancing personal growth, and deepening spiritual understanding. By focusing on preparation and engagement, readers will learn how to navigate their spiritual journey effectively.

      Starting Spiritual Direction
    • God is a Great Underground River

      • 228 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Focusing on interfaith dialogue, this collection features writings by John R. Mabry, a scholar with a doctorate in world religions. It includes his influential "Deep Ecumenism" columns from Creation Spirituality magazine, alongside essays, articles, and homilies that explore and illuminate the wisdom of diverse faith traditions. Mabry's extensive experience in interfaith theology, as a teacher and author, enriches the discourse on spirituality and ministry, making this volume a significant contribution to the field.

      God is a Great Underground River
    • Crisis and Communion

      The Remythologization of the Eucharist

      • 308 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      The book explores the historical evolution of the Eucharist in response to various crises faced by the church. It examines how these changes have been crucial in addressing challenges throughout history. By analyzing past adaptations, the author raises pertinent questions about the current crisis the church is experiencing and contemplates how the Eucharist might need to transform once more to effectively respond to contemporary challenges.

      Crisis and Communion
    • Noticing the Divine

      An Introduction to Interfaith Spiritual Guidance

      • 182 pages
      • 7 hours of reading
      4.2(33)Add rating

      Exploring the diverse interpretations of faith, this book emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual beliefs in spiritual direction. It highlights how spiritual directors should tailor their approach to accommodate the unique ways clients connect with the divine. By examining various perspectives on spirituality, the book guides practitioners in assessing client needs, making personalized recommendations, and evaluating spiritual growth effectively.

      Noticing the Divine
    • I Believe in a God Who is Growing

      • 212 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Exploring the dynamic relationship between God and the world, Process Theology emphasizes change, evolution, and the interconnectedness of all existence. It presents a vision of God that is not static but responsive to the unfolding universe, inviting readers to reconsider traditional views of divinity. This movement challenges conventional theological perspectives, promoting a more relational understanding of faith that resonates with contemporary issues and personal experiences.

      I Believe in a God Who is Growing