They are often as close as our night-stand, their lives, words and wisdom captured in books that we keep nearby. Though their cultures and religions differ, and their time frames span more than a millennium, they each exhibited a single-minded devotion to God that transformed them from ordinary people into the saints, prophets, and spiritual guides we turn to today.
On the following pages, explorefaith.org offers a subjective look at some of the spiritual teachers who have shaped our lives. These essays are by no means comprehensive. Numerous Web Sites catalogue different saints and spiritual guides in great detail (and we will provide links to a few of the best).
Our coverage is intended to show what these people can mean to us now, how they can help us envision new realties in which a relationship with God is the core from which all thoughts and actions spread. Here our explorefaith writers have mused about the spiritual teachers in their lives who continue to give them guidance and help them discover new avenues of devotion deep within. It is our hope that their essays may kindle thoughts of those spiritual teachers who have molded your life, and perhaps spur you to explore a few you might not have known.
Essays on the man who helped define modern-day Christianity: Who he was, how he lived, what he wrote and why he believed.
Audio reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., recorded in Memphis on the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's death
Thoughts on peace and mindfulness
What this 1960s guru can teach us about real Christianity
In his writings and example, poet, activist, ecumenical leader and Trappist monk Thomas Merton offers us insights into a spirituality that is grounded in reality.
Apart from the image of a theologian who prays and reads the Bible, what is most compelling about Bonhoeffer is the way he opposed the Nazi regime—unflinchingly, sacrificially and from the very first week of Hitler’s rule.
Julian of Norwich’s refrain of hope and joy has given comfort to seekers throughout the ages.
The writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin help us grow in awareness of our responsibility to God for caring for the Earth.
How a Southern Baptist-turned-Buddhist came to revere a 13th–century Muslim mystic.
St. Catherine of Siena offers contemporary seekers a powerful example of blending contemplation with action.
The many stories, even the legends, about Cuthbert give us a sense of a man who was able to speak the truth in love, and to guide communities in the midst of turmoil and confusion.
St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to the Irish in the fourth century, still gives us inspiration and spiritual guidance today.
How the 16th century saint, Teresa of Avila, taught writer Linda Douty to truly experience the grace of God's love.
Considered by Nobel laureate André Gide and others to be “the most truly spiritual writer” of the 20th century, Simone Weil would no doubt be confounded by all the fuss.
I cannot really explain why or how he became the saint that speaks most directly to me, but I feel a close relationship with Francis of Assisi and have so since high school.
Soul Friends: The Celtic Saints
The Celtic saints are perceived to be anamchairde or “soul friends.” In the Celtic tradition, it is understood that a soul friend is a spiritual necessity.
What we can learn from the saints
Reflections on the lessons taught by the heroes of faith
