Is the Christian mystical tradition a relic of another time, shaped by celibates for celibates, unable to engage meaningfully with people of our time who embrace their corporeality and sexuality as crucial aspects of their journey towards union with God? This book reflects in serious theological depth and detail on the spiritual and sexual journeys of gay men of mature and committed Christian faith, employing the Christian mystical tradition as the lens and the interlocutor in this process.\nThis study examines the major themes and stages of the mystical tradition as outlined by Evelyn Underhill, but also including more recent work by Ruth Burrows, Thomas Merton and Constance Fitzgerald. Using methods of qualitative research, it then considers the texts of in-depth interviews conducted with men, most of whom are theologians or spiritual leaders with a deep Catholic faith, and all of whom are openly, self-affirmingly gay. Finally, it employs Ricoeur’s hermeneutical theory to engage in a creative theological conversation between the traditional mystical stages and themes and these men’s lives, as described in their interviews.\nThis is a unique study that brings together ancient spirituality with contemporary lived religion. As such, it will be of interest to scholars of religious studies, theology, Christian mysticism and spirituality, and queer studies. It will be of particular interest to those teach spiritual direction and to all who seek new ways to engage with the spiritual lives of LGBTIQ+ people.

Christian Mysticism’s Queer Flame (Routledge Studies in Religion)

Christian Books & Bibles

Kelly, Michael Bernard

Catholicism

Routledge

Seduced By Grace: Contemporary spirituality, Gay experience, and Christian faith

Religion & Spirituality

Clouds of Magellan Pub.

In 1994, Michael Kelly recorded six video lectures for the Erospirit Research Institute, charting a spirituality for gay and lesbian Christians grounded in the contemplative, mystical traditions of the church. Joseph Kramer, who commissioned the lectures, writes, "His powerful words ... seemed to come straight from his heart and right into mine. I told Michael that he was offering transformative guidance, like Joseph Campbell did in his Hero's Journey. 'You have described the Mystic's Journey for Gay and Lesbian Christians.'"\nThe lectures, released in 1995, were digitised and re-released in 2020. Now this transcription of the lectures is published for the first time, and includes a study guide to the series prepared by Michael Kelly.\n"The Erotic Contemplative is the most powerful and insightful study of Gay Spirituality that I know of. I have watched 'The Road from Emmaus' lecture three times, and still find new riches!" - John J. McNeill, PhD. Author of The Church and the Homosexual

The Erotic Contemplative: Reflections on the Spiritual Journey of the Gay/Lesbian Christian

Into Your Hands: Essays Inspired by Mystic, Prophet, and Activist Michael Bernard Kelly - edited by Andrew Brown and with the close involvement of family and friends - includes academic essays, personal and theological reflections, and tributes to the life and work of Michael Bernard Kelly. 
Michael Bernard Kelly (1954-2020) was a writer, speaker, activist, counsellor and educator, specialising in spirituality, sexuality and human integration. His ministry included creating rituals, leading retreats, speaking at conferences, offering spiritual direction, and writing for journals, newspapers and books in Australia, the US and the UK. 
He is the author of Seduced by Grace: Contemporary Spirituality, Gay Experience and Christian Faith, the video series The Erotic Contemplative and Christian Mysticism's Queer Flame: Spirituality in the Lives of Contemporary Gay Men.\n'This collection of essays is a heartfelt tribute to Michael Bernard Kelly's work and solidifies his legacy as one of Australia's leading gay activists and religious commentators. This collection superbly captures the depth of Michael's spirit, defiance and his whole-hearted commitment to supporting LGBTIQ+ people to reclaim and transform their spiritual lives' - Ro Allen 
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner; 
Inaugural Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities

Into Your Hands: Essays Inspired by Mystic, Prophet, and Activist Michael Bernard Kelly

Being gay and Christian. In these collected writings - essays, articles, letters - Michael B Kelly invites us into an intimate exploration of the inner wisdom and radical challenge of Christianity. In reflections that take us from the fields of Nicaragua to the 'War on Terror', from the joy of erotic pleasure to the challenge of rebuilding the church, Kelly gives voice to a spirituality of desire, grounded in justice and love. Michael Kelly is a freelance writer, activist, counsellor and educator, known internationally for his ministry in spirituality, sexuality and human integration.

Seduced by Grace: Contemporary spirituality, Gay experience and Christian faith

Religious Studies

Clouds of Magellan

Is the Christian mystical tradition a relic of another time, shaped by celibates for celibates, unable to engage meaningfully with people of our time who embrace their corporeality and sexuality as crucial aspects of their journey towards union with God? This book reflects in serious theological depth and detail on the spiritual and sexual journeys of gay men of mature and committed Christian faith, employing the Christian mystical tradition as the lens and the interlocutor in this process. This study examines the major themes and stages of the mystical tradition as outlined by Evelyn Underhill, but also including more recent work by Ruth Burrows, Thomas Merton and Constance Fitzgerald. Using methods of qualitative research, it then considers the texts of in-depth interviews conducted with men, most of whom are theologians or spiritual leaders with a deep Catholic faith, and all of whom are openly, self-affirmingly gay. Finally, it employs Ricoeur’s hermeneutical theory to engage in a creative theological conversation between the traditional mystical stages and themes and these men’s lives, as described in their interviews. This is a unique study that brings together ancient spirituality with contemporary lived religion. As such, it will be of interest to scholars of religious studies, theology, Christian mysticism and spirituality, and queer studies. It will be of particular interest to those teach spiritual direction and to all who seek new ways to engage with the spiritual lives of LGBTIQ+ people.

Christian Mysticism’s Queer Flame: Spirituality in the Lives of Contemporary Gay Men (Routledge Studies in Religion)

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