Mysticism Driven Social Justice

The Progressive Christians fuel the passion for the Social gospel with mysticism...

NOW IN PAPERBACK! Tony Campolo, best-selling author, controversial preacher, and fiery activist, teams up with Mary Albert Darling, seasoned spiritual director, to show Christians how practices that cultivate intimacy with God can fuel both their passion for evangelism and their commitment to social justice.

( Editor's note; Darling was trained by Roman Catholic priests of the Jesuit order as a "spiritual director". )

“Many Christians are questioning whether evangelicals care enough about trying to change the political and economic institutions of our society so that they will provide equal justice for all of its citizens; protect other animals and the environment; and end poverty for those who have been shut out of the American Dream. On the other hand, there are those who primarily preach a social gospel but are wondering if they have neglected that more personal connection with God that is so much at the core of contemporary evangelicalism.” – excerpt from Chap 1

THE GOD OF INTIMACY AND ACTION: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice (Jossey-Bass, a Wiley imprint; October 2008; $14.95; Paper; ISBN: 978-0-470-34521-4) by Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling uncovers mystical “holy habits” that modern people can employ to open themselves further to God, thereby nurturing and deepening their spiritual intimacy. Quelling fears that these contemplative practices are inaccessibly “New Age”, the authors spend the first part of the book culling the lives of Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, Catherine of Siena, and Methodist preacher and activist John Wesley for their wisdom, vitality, and joy. The second part explores how rituals such as the prayer of examen, lectio divina, and centering prayer can cultivate an intimacy with God that results in a passionate commitment to bring salvation to the lost and to work for justice for all of the poor and oppressed of creation.

Listen to Tony Campolo in his own words...Campolo - God of Intimacy Part I, Campolo - God of Intimacy Part II, Campolo - God of Intimacy Part III

Now step back and see the Roman Catholic reflection in Evangelical's romantic pursuit of mysticism and global unity...

This week the Pope brought attention to the Roman Catholic contemplative prayer practice of praying the Rosary of the Blessed Mary. A constant theme associated with this mystical ritual and the apparitions of the Mary of Rome is:

• Mary of Rome is the hope of reconciliation with God


• Mary is the hope of global peace for all religions

In a vision to Saint Dominic, the Marian apparition says...

"One day through the Rosary and Scapular I will save the world."

In 1917, the Marion Apparition at Fatima gave then secret messages to three children. They were told how Mary would bring world peace. The children were instructed in the following:

" In order to bring peace into the world, 1. Offer your daily tasks as a sacrifice in reparation. 2. Pray the rosary everyday 3. Wear the Brown Scapular and make acts of consecration to the Virgin Mary." 4. Make visits to the Blessed Sacrament (Eucharist)".

The book, Queen of Rome, Queen of Islam, Queen of All , Tetlow, Oakland and Myers reveal this theme of The Marian Apparitions plan to unite all religions under the Roman Catholic Church.

In the anniversary celebration of the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes, the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal Kasper said "Devotion to the Virgin Mary has an essential role in ecumenical dialogue and the journey to full and visible unity among Christians..."

See more on mysticism and the Mary of Rome here.

The Virginia Baptist Mission Board is proudly sponsoring Tony Campolo in November. And there is silence from the pews.

Looks like the VBMB, Tony Campolo, et al. and the Roman Catholicism can commune in global, mystical unity through Lectio Divina. Just take the Bible out of the picture, and Islamic unity is only a breath away according to Campolo.

See related articles: Campolo's Psychic Evangelism , Interfaith Prayer Service For The DNC , Spreading The Global Religion , Evangelical Christians Combine Contemplative Mysticism with Catholic Eucharist , Campolo's Catechism , Colleges, Contemplative and Campolo