Kevin Goodrich

Kevin Goodrich’s lively, devotional, and practical guide to the teachings of fourteenth- century mystic, Walter Hilton of Thurgarton, one of the great medieval figures of the English spiritual tradition is the most accessible full-length introduction to Hilton written. It is the ideal accompaniment to Goodrich's anthology of Hilton's writings, The Greatest Desire. A near contemporary of Julian of Norwich, Hilton was widely read in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries by laity and clergy, as well as those in monasteries, who sought his wise counsel and penetrating insights into the spiritual life. Kindling the Fire draws from all of Hilton’s extant writings, including his two major works, The Scale of Perfection and The Mixed Life, and will introduce readers to the English mystical tradition and the spiritual counsel of Hilton, not as disinterested observers, but as apprentices of the Spirit. Goodrich invites readers to intentionally make their life a pilgrimage, learning from the wisdom of a trusted guide, whose teachings reflect not only his own education and experience, but the venerable tradition of medieval English spirituality.

The Greatest Desire distills some of the wisest spiritual insight and guidance of the fourteenth-century mystic Walter Hilton into short readings that may be used to deepen your prayer life and to bring you into closer relationship with God. Walter Hilton was widely read in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, offering profound spiritual wisdom in works such as The Scale of Perfection, from which these readings are taken (translated into modern English). Today, Hilton is less celebrated than his near contemporaries Julian of Norwich, Richard Rolle and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, yet through his writings we can learn of life in the Spirit long forgotten. The Greatest Desire offers an ideal way to rediscover the words of this important mystic. This collection is edited by Rev. Dr. Kevin Goodrich, O. P., author of Mystic Bonfires: Walter Hilton and the Development of Practical Spiritual Theology.

For centuries, people have been drawn to the Christian mystics--women and men who have known God in powerful and experiential ways. Mystic Bonfires is for students, scholars, and practitioners of ministry, theology, and spiritual formation. It explores theology and theory and shares insights for practice and prayer. Readers will encounter classical concepts about the spiritual life and how to apply these concepts to their ministries in faithful and creative ways. Mystic Bonfires includes questions for students in academic and formation settings as well as project ideas for congregations. Mystic Bonfires explores the intersection of spiritual theology and practical theology. Walter Hilton, a 14th century English mystic and a contemporary of Julian of Norwich serves as a case study for the intersection of these fields called practical spiritual theology.

For centuries, people have been drawn to the Christian mystics--women and men who have known God in powerful and experiential ways. Mystic Bonfires is for students, scholars, and practitioners of ministry, theology, and spiritual formation. It explores theology and theory and shares insights for practice and prayer. Readers will encounter classical concepts about the spiritual life and how to apply these concepts to their ministries in faithful and creative ways. Mystic Bonfires includes questions for students in academic and formation settings as well as project ideas for congregations. Mystic Bonfires explores the intersection of spiritual theology and practical theology. Walter Hilton, a 14th century English mystic and a contemporary of Julian of Norwich serves as a case study for the intersection of these fields called practical spiritual theology.