Love's Oneing
A Book About Contemplation
📘 About This Book
Grounded in Christian love mysticism, Love's Oneing gives voice to the luminous consciousness that awakens from within our oneness in God in contemplation. With great sensitivity, the book offers nuanced insight into the marriage of kenosis and desire in contemplation, through the rich tapestry of writings from nine mystics: Julian of Norwich, the Cloud of Unknowing author, Meister Eckhart, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Clare of Assisi, John of the Cross, Teilhard de Chardin, Beatrice Bruteau and Ilia Delio. With the delicate eye of a spiritual director immersed in mystical literature, Kerrie Hide situates these mystical teachings within contemplative prayer, whilst offering a scholarly exploration of contemplative practice to embody the insights. Deeply grounded in traditional and contemporary mystical classics, Hide celebrates how the Christian mystical tradition lays a foundation for the evolutionary growth of communion consciousness and the insights of quantum science, highlighting key moments in contemplation that when surrendered into, open into divine love. Born of intellectual reflection, lived experience and contemplative wisdom, Love's Oneing makes a unique contribution to the existing literature on contemplation at a time when the recovery of the mystical dimension of life is crucial for the future of our planet in this climate crisis moment.
📖 Summary
Love's Oneing by Kerrie Hide is a profound exploration of Christian love mysticism, inviting readers into a luminous consciousness that awakens from humanity's inherent oneness with God. Published in 2022 and spanning 272 pages, the book is written with the delicate eye and sensitive touch of an experienced spiritual director who is deeply immersed in mystical literature. Hide weaves a rich tapestry of writings from nine renowned mystics, bringing their ancient and modern wisdom into a cohesive dialogue. The featured voices include Julian of Norwich, the anonymous author of the Cloud of Unknowing, Meister Eckhart, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Clare of Assisi, John of the Cross, Teilhard de Chardin, Beatrice Bruteau, and Ilia Delio. Through these diverse yet harmonious perspectives, Hide examines the delicate marriage of kenosis, the theological concept of self-emptying, and deep human desire within the practice of contemplation. The book is firmly grounded in traditional mystical theology while remaining thoroughly relevant through contemporary spiritual insights. Hide does not merely present these mystical teachings as historical artifacts or theoretical concepts; rather, she situates them directly within the framework of contemplative prayer. She offers a scholarly yet accessible exploration of contemplative practice, guiding readers on how to embody these profound insights in their everyday lives. By bridging the gap between historical mysticism and actionable spiritual practices, Love's Oneing encourages individuals to awaken to the divine presence operating within their own consciousness. The interplay between kenosis and desire serves as a central pillar, demonstrating how letting go of the ego and embracing a deep, yearning love for the divine allows the soul to experience divine union. Ultimately, Hide's work is a rich resource for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life, understand the historical depth of Christian mysticism, and find practical pathways to divine intimacy in a modern context.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Brings together a diverse and rich tapestry of nine influential mystics.
Authored by an experienced spiritual director with deep knowledge of mystical literature.
Successfully bridges traditional Christian mysticism with contemporary spiritual practice.
Provides scholarly yet accessible guidance on embodying contemplative insights.
⚠️ Cons
The scholarly and theological depth may feel challenging for casual readers.
Requires a contemplative pacing that may not suit readers looking for quick self-help tips.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Love's Oneing? +
The book was written by Kerrie Hide, a spiritual director immersed in mystical literature.
When was Love's Oneing published? +
It was published in 2022.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book spans 272 pages.
Which mystics are featured in the book? +
The book features writings from Julian of Norwich, the Cloud of Unknowing author, Meister Eckhart, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Clare of Assisi, John of the Cross, Teilhard de Chardin, Beatrice Bruteau, and Ilia Delio.
What is the primary spiritual focus of the book? +
It focuses on Christian love mysticism, contemplative prayer, and the balance between kenosis and desire.
