Br Ericjon Thomas Livres

The Point of Origin investigates the evolution of religious consciousness as an integral reality in the human person. The evolution of religious consciousness is an experience found throughout human history beginning with the earliest known human species, the Cro-Magnon. In this work Br. Thomas identifies empirical data that lends itself to his theory that spirituality is not a bi-product of the human phenomena but an essential characteristic of being human. The author delves into conscious acknowledgement of the natural law as a universal norm guiding human activity in the wake of the plurality of religious expressions (Atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc.). In a crescendo effect of his work Br. Thomas illustrates how mysticism becomes the ultimate expression of religious consciousness in the human experience.

"Christian mysticism is oftentimes misunderstood in contemporary society. Br. Thomas presents a comprehensive understanding of mysticism in general and mystical darkness in particular. This is accomplished by examining the Western tradition in the perspective of Sts. Bonaventure and John of the Cross. Emphasis is given to the ‘dark night’ and how this is integral to the mystical ascent toward union with God. Br. Thomas provides the example of a contemporary mystic, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, as one whose life was the lived expression of the ‘dark night’."