A Quaker mystic and social activist, Rufus Jones won a Nobel Prize as co-founder of the American Friends Service Committee. Widely considered one of the most significant religious voices in America at the time of his death in 1948, his writings impart an Emersonian vision of the ever-present reality of God in our souls and in our world. Indeed, his quintessentially American "affirmative mysticism" infuses all contemporary spirituality and offers an uplifting, positive, and powerful message today.

Sundar Singh (1889-1929), an Indian holy man, was raised in a wealthy Sikh family. At sixteen he left his home to live as a sadhu, or wandering holy man. His beggar-like existence, his intense devotion, his mystical encounters with Jesus, and his simple parables became the stuff of legends. His parables and meditations probed the essence of the gospel, calling listeners to awareness and compassion. When he disappeared during a journey to Tibet, millions mourned his passing.

Caryll Houselander (1901-54) an English Catholic laywoman, artist, and visionary was driven by a strong identification with the poor that enabled her to, in fresh and insightful ways, proclaim the "Christing of the World." Wright interweaves texts and images into an intimate encounter with a fascinating woman, a "divine eccentric," and a gifted reader of souls.

Howard Thurman (1900-1981), minister, philosopher, civil rights activist, has been called "one of the greatest spiritual resources of this nation." His encounters with Gandhi in India helped instill his commitment to nonviolence. His identification of Jesus as one of the disinherited helped shape the thinking of Martin Luther King, Jr. His embrace of wisdom from other religious traditions emboldened interfaith cooperation and understanding.

In mid-life, Leo Tolstoy underwent a deep moral and spiritual crisis that led him back to the gospels in an effort to conform his life to the spirit of Christ. This book focuses on his spiritual writings: autobiographical reflections on his journey of faith; commentaries on the gospels; and, essays on the essence of Christianity.

Through this selection from his many books, journals, poems, and homilies, a chronicle of Fr. Berrigan's life and work unfolds from the early steps in his vocation, to his decision to cross the line and go to prison, his ongoing witness for peace, and his extraordinary commentaries on scripture and the life of radical discipleship.

Etty Hillesum (1914-1943), a young Dutch Jewish woman, died in Auschwitz at the age of 29. This volume, drawn from her letters and diaries, lays out the themes of her distinctive and inspiring spiritual vision.