By L. Putnam
Filled with monks, monasteries, mystics, mentors, meditations, methods, and imaginations Mansions of the Heart by R. Thomas Ashbrook is a dangerously deceptive work; for while its author mentions and discusses salvation, many scriptures, and maturing spiritual growth he mixes in mega doses of Catholic mystical prayer practices centered round the Teresian mansions and John’s dark night making this book a virtual gold mine of contemplative resources.
Mark the Foreword: Meet the Two Mystic Masters of Spiritual Life
From the get go the foreword endorser, author of the famed Message “Bible” Eugene Peterson, says we’ll be immersed in the idea that “that good thing” the Bible was just not enough and that we need something more . . .
And who can give us that something more? Why it is two master mystics, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, who will introduce us, according to Peterson, to “matters of the soul,” and to the “sweet mysteries of prayer.” So, says Peterson, just as I was introduced to Teresa and John by a long ago friend, so likewise today Thomas Ashbrook will immerse you in the holy wisdom that you too can learn from these mystics!
Mark the Preface: More in the Mansions
Frustrated and confused Ashbrook claims there has got to be something more! And the place to go for this something more is through the many doors of the Teresian mansions which will lead you into a new and wonderful life with our Lord. So, come explore!
Mark the Acknowledgments: Ashbrook Meets a Monk
It is in his “Acknowledgments” that Ashbrook mentions “Brother Bon” not only as the one who taught him to “be still and know God,” then simply to “be still,” and finally to just “be;” but “Monk Bon” as the one who had also introduced him to Teresa showing him what the seventh mansion looked like. And says Ashbrook, “I will be eternally grateful to him for calling out the monk within me.”
Mark Chapter One: “Is This All There Is?”
Chapter One, “Is This All There Is?” is the crux of Ashrook’s theme tracing Ashbook’s mission to find more. And where did Ashbrook find his answers. Ashbrook found them in a monk, in the monastery, in the Renovare movement, in spiritual direction, in spiritual formation, in the Spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, and in various contemplative practices. Still this was not enough, until he
discovered that “ancient yet timeless roadmap” –Teresa of Avila’s “Seven Mansions!”
Mark Ashbrook’s Monastery Story
Ashbrook began his monastery getaways with visits to the Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity* in Utah just to find a quiet place to work. And, as Ashbrook described in his story, almost immediately he was worshipping with the monks in their two-story Quonset church.
*Note Ashbrook identifies the monastery this way “The Holy Trinity Abbey” rather than using its full name with “Our Lady” in it. Click here to read this entire book review.
I’m reading this book for my college course and it frustrates me so bad. I’m saddened that a lot of my classmates agree with all of the foolishness in it. People need to seek God and read the Bible. We shouldn’t seek people and their theories. We need to get to know God in His Word not through “mansions.” This book is trash. Good review!