Mystic Bonfires

“A fresh and innovative addition to Hilton scholarship, this will be of particular interest to Christian educators, spiritual directors, and those who know the area in Nottinghamshire, England, where Hilton lived and worked. Bringing the medieval mystical tradition into dialogue with contemporary theology and spirituality, Fr. Kevin’s analysis will surely encourage others to explore and to learn from Hilton’s writings.”


—Erica Kirk, priest vicar, Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire, England





“In a time of global anxiety, we need spiritual resources and practices as never before. Mystic Bonfires will be immensely valuable in guiding young people especially in the fourteenth-century mystical tradition, which is so practical and attractive in its theology of love. The book offers a unique introduction to the wisdom of Walter Hilton, who unlike many, wrote explicitly for ordinary Christians in their working lives.”


—Alison Milbank, University of Nottingham





“Mystic Bonfires revives Hilton’s tradition to work in tandem with a creative and contemporary practical spiritual theology. Its integration of spiritual theology with pastoral theology points a way for pastors, spiritual directors, Christian educators, and church evangelists to recover this living contemplative tradition at the heart of the church’s mission.”


—Julia Gatta, The University of the South





“Fr. Goodrich constructs a remarkable bridge between the spirituality of the High Middle Ages and contemporary Christianity. Although well-informed and critical, Mystic Bonfires is not primarily an academic study, although it would be a valuable resource in a variety of settings. . . . Fr. Goodrich presents a lucid and inspiring conversation across centuries of what Hilton would describe as ‘reformation in faith and feeling.’”


—Richard Woods, OP, Dominican University, emeritus





“The Christian tradition has treasure troves of practical wisdom, embodied spirituality, and moral reflection. Unfortunately, these treasures are obscured to many contemporary people who have become disillusioned by shallow substitutes and church salesmanship. Kevin Goodrich leads readers on a pilgrimage of recovery, discovering along the way a practical and spiritual theology designed for ordinary people. This book is for students, parents, professionals, tradespeople, and pensioners who long for a deeper life with God.”


—Jason Gaboury, author of Wait with Me: Meeting God in Loneliness





“Goodrich introduces and ignites a contemporary integration of spirituality, practical theology, and empirical studies, constructing a method for the growing enterprise of practical theology. Individuals and institutions enduring global and local crises can embrace such an approach and set the church, academy, and the most curious of society aflame by renewing and creating a liberative future. . . . This practical spiritual-theological method responds to social, cultural, and ecclesial problems and seeks a prophetic response of justice.”


—Sonja B. Williams, Eden Theological Seminary





“Packed with potential and possibilities, Mystic Bonfires sets forth a unique method for academia, the church, and laity to explore and incorporate mystic prayer practices in our modern context. It serves as a strong reminder of how much might yet be gleaned from early Christian theological pillars and mystics as we seek to integrate the active and contemplative life.”


—Gail Brecht, Christos Center for Spiritual Formation