Religion and Spirituality

The Origins of Christianity (Jan. 2008) A brief essay on the spectrum of
theories about the origins of Christianity.

"Teresa of Avila on Reaching the Seventh Dwelling Place." Spiritual Life, vol.
52, no. 2 (Summer 2006), pp. 74-85. Examines Teresa's advice on spiritual
growth toward 'union with God.'

Adyashanti and the Westernization of Zen (Nov. 2005, postscript May 2007)
Compares the teachings of the contemporary Zen teacher Adyashanti to those
of three exemplars of the Zen Buddhist tradition.

Christian Mysticism (Oct. 2005) Explains what mysticism is, gives a brief
history of Christian mysticism, and calls for the revitalization of the Christian
mystical tradition through the encounter with Eastern spiritual traditions.

The Development of Christian Zen (Oct. 2005; published in Christian Yoga
Magazine in 2008 & 2009) A history of the Buddhist lineage behind a number of
Christian Zen teachers, with a reflection on the relation between religious
experience and the forms of religion.

Meditation in Christianity (Aug. 2005) Shows the deep roots of meditation in
the Christian tradition, and compares Christian meditation techniques to those
of other spiritual traditions.

"Beyond Meditation." Spiritual Life, vol. 26, no. 1 (Spring 1980) An
autobiographical essay on Alan's early experiences with meditation and the
Christian contemplative tradition, written when he was a young man.