Becoming Christ: Transformation Through Contemplation

While I was initially a little put-off by the title ("Becoming Christ-Like" might have been a little less troublesome), I purchased this book because I had read two other books by this author, and liked both of them. Taylor, an Episcopal priest, clearly writes from first-hand experience. His thoughts on contemplative prayer are informed by the Orthodox tradition, e.g., he suggests using the Jesus Prayer as a mantra. The meditation approach he suggests is similar to, but different from, both Thomas Keating's (Centering Prayer) and John Main's (Chrisitan Meditation). The book is divided into three parts: Practice, Context, and Transformation. While the third part is potentially the most powerful, I felt that it was somewhat unfocused and "rambling" in nature. Having said all this, Taylor's treatment of the subject is comprehensive and, as suggested in the title of this review, can be regarded as "A Handbook for Contemplative Prayer." I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this subject.

This book addresses contemplative prayer, in particular within the Jesus Prayer and lectio divina traditions, and is in my opinion the best guide to the theology and practice of contemplative prayer that I have read. What makes this book special is the realism and balance of Taylor's approach. He is aware of the trap of looking to spirituality as a way of avoiding life, but believes that a discipline of prayer should and can help one engage with life all the more. There are more sophisticated books out there, but there is plenty of sophistication in this book too, but it is lightly expressed. I recommend this book warmly.