The mystic way of radiant love: Alchemy for a new creation [Paperback]

John Francis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1998

This work takes a new, radical look at many of the mysterious verses of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. What emerges is a dimension of Holy Scripture which has been ignored by almost all Jewish and Christian theologians since the time of Christ. When theologians interpret the Bible they usually assume a given passage can be placed into one or more of the following categories: literal history, moral teaching, practical wisdom, visionary experience and prophecy. This work attempts to demonstrate that these categories are inadequate to reveal the full depth and breadth of inspired-Biblical revelation.

The author proposes that the very heart of Sacred Scripture has remained hidden to theologians because they have overlooked the vital dimension of mystical instruction which is contained in the Bible. This is guidance which reveals to the seeker the way to inner communion with God in the here and now.

One of the most important contributions which this work offers is a decoding of the mysterious parables of Jesus. Traditionally, theologians have attempted to interpret these simple sayings and stories by assuming they fall into the above categories -- usually a moral teaching or a prophecy. However, the author asks why would Jesus explain the hidden meanings of the parables only to His closest disciples if they contain only moral commandments and prophetic warnings which are usually meant for all to understand? Actually, Jesus Himself said that His parables speak of the "mysteries" of the Kingdom of Heaven and are meant only for those deemed ready to hear them. However, if we approach the more mysterious parables as mystical instructions then such a secretive attitude becomes understandable.

The author proposes that some of the parables are written in the metaphoric language of the soul. What they convey to the initiated disciple is the method of meditation taught by Jesus to those who had proven themselves morally ready for such instruction.

Thus we see that Jesus not only gave the commandment to love with all our being but also revealed mystical techniques for manifesting a radically-transforming and Radiant Love. He taught His disciples the "science of Love." This Radiant Love is the key to the alchemical transformation and spiritual evolution of humanity.

Finally, understanding the parables as mystical instructions reveals much about the mission of Jesus. His method of inner communion with God is seen as a way through which graces flow which ultimately give birth to the New Human. It is the fulfillment of the prayer "let Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven."

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The importance that the Bible has played in the course of human religious history cannot be overestimated. There are over two billion people on earth today that hold all or part of the Bible to be the foundation of their religious beliefs and practices. The Bible is the best-selling book of all time. Every year tens of millions of copies are sold. Furthermore, tens of thousands of books have been written which comment upon and interpret the Bible. With such widespread attention given to the Bible for thousands of years one might wonder if there could still possibly be any stone left unturned in the quest for an understanding of this Holy Scripture. This publisher responds with a resounding yes! John Francis not only turns over a new stone but reveals an entire new field of Biblical interpretation totally ignored for centuries by theologians. We believe that "The Mystic Way of Radiant Love" represents a breakthrough of immense significance in the understanding of Jewish and Christian Sacred Scripture. Using language easily accessible to the layperson, Francis clearly leads the reader to an inner experience of the hidden meanings of the parables. By practicing the meditation techniques proposed the reader may come to her or his own decision regarding how accurately they represent what Jesus taught His disciples. Finally, for those still requiring external, authoritative validation the author has provided supporting quotes from respected mystics and theologians each step along the way of his presentation.

From the Author

An appreciation of the hidden depths of the Bible has emerged for this author gradually over a span of more than twenty years. Originally I was drawn away from my Biblical roots in search of the keys to unlock the presence of God in the here and now. I was raised on the belief that one must wait until after death or until the "end of the world" in order the encounter God. Therefore, I looked eastward in search of the way to a mystical experience of God's presence while still living on earth.

In my journey through eastern mysticism I quickly learned the need for discernment. Not all that is called meditation has the same intent or effect upon mind, body, and soul. Also, not all teachers are virtuous or sincere in their motivations nor have they all achieved the same level of spiritual realization. Thus I found it necessary to have some standard upon which to measure their words and actions. For this I found myself turning time and time again back to the Bible.

This going back and forth between the East and West had an unexpected result. I began to appreciate more and more the mysticism that was hidden within the metaphors of the Bible. Also, as I practiced meditation the inner landscape of my soul gradually emerged from my dense, mental fog. I could see that Bible metaphors offered a window to the inner anatomy of the soul.

The other unexpected result was the discovery that Jesus actually taught His disciples meditation--inner communion with God. This was not language or thought-based prayer but rather a direct opening of the heart to the indwelling grace of God's loving presence. Furthermore, it was not a means of escaping suffering through annihilation. Rather, it is a way to receive and embody Heaven on earth.

This discovery meant that I no longer had to rely upon non-Biblical teachings for an inner experience of God's Love. My own tradition was deep enough to reach all the way to the center of creation. Furthermore, I could now experience for myself the ecstatic life of the "communion of saints."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 111 pages
• Publisher: Heart Blossom Books (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886063001
• ISBN-13: 978-1886063006
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,943,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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