Leading Christian Resource for Avid Readers, Support New Schools with Every Purchase.

The Only Mind Worth Having

Hardcover |English |1498230245 | 9781498230247

The Only Mind Worth Having

Hardcover |English |1498230245 | 9781498230247
Overview

In The Only Mind Worth Having, Fiona Gardner takes Thomas Merton's belief that the child mind is ""the only mind worth having"" and explores it in the context of Jesus' challenging, paradoxical, and enigmatic command to become like small children. She demonstrates how Merton's belief and Jesus's command can be understood as part of contemporary spirituality and spiritual practice. To follow Christ's command requires a great leap of the imagination. Gardner examines what it might mean to make this leap when one is an adult without it becoming sentimental and mawkish, or regressive and pathological. Using both psychological and spiritual insights, and drawing on the experiences of Thomas Merton and others, Gardner suggests that in some mysterious and paradoxical way recovering a sense of childhood spirituality is the path toward spiritual maturity. The move from childhood spirituality to adulthood and on to a spiritual maturity through the child mind is a move from innocence to experience to organized innocence, or from dependence to independence to a state of being in-dependence with God. ""In this insightful, profoundly helpful, compelling book, Fiona Gardner draws upon her skills as a psychotherapist and theologian to explore Jesus' invitation to become as little children. This innovative book, so helpfully exemplified at every turn by reference to the story and writings of Thomas Merton, puts before us the vital necessity of finding again the spirit of the child--the child mind--as the path of spiritual maturity is pursued."" --John Moses, Dean Emeritus of St Paul's Cathedral, London ""In this age dominated by utilitarian and technological reason, where the spiritual lives of children and adults are too often stunted by neglect and trauma, The Only Mind Worth Having is a beautiful summons to the way of greater freedom, creativity, spontaneity, and love. With sophistication, balance, and gentle insight, Gardner uncovers the spirit of the child who hides in each of us, the 'infant at the heart of Christianity.'"" --Chris Pramuk, Associate Professor of Theology, Xavier University ""The Only Mind Worth Having presents an eloquent and comprehensive exploration of the concept of the child mind in the life and thought of Thomas Merton . . . Gardner's excellent study brings fresh insight to Merton's concept of the true and false self."" --Paul M. Pearson, Director, Thomas Merton Center ""In this beautifully written, richly textured, and carefully nuanced study, Fiona Gardner plumbs the meaning of an important, yet long-neglected, theme in Thomas Merton's writings: the child mind. . . . This book will enrich your understanding of Merton, deepen your appreciation of the spiritual traditions that helped form him, and, perhaps, even cause the child mind within you to awaken."" --Christine M. Bochen, Professor of Religious Studies, William H. Shannon Chair in Catholic Studies, Nazareth College Fiona Gardner is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, spiritual director, and writer living in the UK. She is the author of Journeying Home (2004), The Four Steps of Love (2007), and Precious Thoughts (2011) as well as psychoanalytic books and articles. Formerly chair of the Thomas Merton Society of Great Britain and Ireland (2004-8) and coeditor of The Merton Journal (2008-14), she is on the board of the International Thomas Merton Society and was awarded a ""Louie"" in 2015 at the ITMS Centenary Conference.
ISBN: 1498230245
ISBN13: 9781498230247
Author: Fiona Gardner
Publisher: Wipf and Stock
Format: Hardcover
PublicationDate: 2015-11-06
Language: English
PageCount: 244
Dimensions: 5.98 x 0.69 x 9.02 inches
Weight: 18.08 ounces

In The Only Mind Worth Having, Fiona Gardner takes Thomas Merton's belief that the child mind is ""the only mind worth having"" and explores it in the context of Jesus' challenging, paradoxical, and enigmatic command to become like small children. She demonstrates how Merton's belief and Jesus's command can be understood as part of contemporary spirituality and spiritual practice. To follow Christ's command requires a great leap of the imagination. Gardner examines what it might mean to make this leap when one is an adult without it becoming sentimental and mawkish, or regressive and pathological. Using both psychological and spiritual insights, and drawing on the experiences of Thomas Merton and others, Gardner suggests that in some mysterious and paradoxical way recovering a sense of childhood spirituality is the path toward spiritual maturity. The move from childhood spirituality to adulthood and on to a spiritual maturity through the child mind is a move from innocence to experience to organized innocence, or from dependence to independence to a state of being in-dependence with God. ""In this insightful, profoundly helpful, compelling book, Fiona Gardner draws upon her skills as a psychotherapist and theologian to explore Jesus' invitation to become as little children. This innovative book, so helpfully exemplified at every turn by reference to the story and writings of Thomas Merton, puts before us the vital necessity of finding again the spirit of the child--the child mind--as the path of spiritual maturity is pursued."" --John Moses, Dean Emeritus of St Paul's Cathedral, London ""In this age dominated by utilitarian and technological reason, where the spiritual lives of children and adults are too often stunted by neglect and trauma, The Only Mind Worth Having is a beautiful summons to the way of greater freedom, creativity, spontaneity, and love. With sophistication, balance, and gentle insight, Gardner uncovers the spirit of the child who hides in each of us, the 'infant at the heart of Christianity.'"" --Chris Pramuk, Associate Professor of Theology, Xavier University ""The Only Mind Worth Having presents an eloquent and comprehensive exploration of the concept of the child mind in the life and thought of Thomas Merton . . . Gardner's excellent study brings fresh insight to Merton's concept of the true and false self."" --Paul M. Pearson, Director, Thomas Merton Center ""In this beautifully written, richly textured, and carefully nuanced study, Fiona Gardner plumbs the meaning of an important, yet long-neglected, theme in Thomas Merton's writings: the child mind. . . . This book will enrich your understanding of Merton, deepen your appreciation of the spiritual traditions that helped form him, and, perhaps, even cause the child mind within you to awaken."" --Christine M. Bochen, Professor of Religious Studies, William H. Shannon Chair in Catholic Studies, Nazareth College Fiona Gardner is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, spiritual director, and writer living in the UK. She is the author of Journeying Home (2004), The Four Steps of Love (2007), and Precious Thoughts (2011) as well as psychoanalytic books and articles. Formerly chair of the Thomas Merton Society of Great Britain and Ireland (2004-8) and coeditor of The Merton Journal (2008-14), she is on the board of the International Thomas Merton Society and was awarded a ""Louie"" in 2015 at the ITMS Centenary Conference.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

$61.12

    Condition

Arrives: -
In Stock

Overview

In The Only Mind Worth Having, Fiona Gardner takes Thomas Merton's belief that the child mind is ""the only mind worth having"" and explores it in the context of Jesus' challenging, paradoxical, and enigmatic command to become like small children. She demonstrates how Merton's belief and Jesus's command can be understood as part of contemporary spirituality and spiritual practice. To follow Christ's command requires a great leap of the imagination. Gardner examines what it might mean to make this leap when one is an adult without it becoming sentimental and mawkish, or regressive and pathological. Using both psychological and spiritual insights, and drawing on the experiences of Thomas Merton and others, Gardner suggests that in some mysterious and paradoxical way recovering a sense of childhood spirituality is the path toward spiritual maturity. The move from childhood spirituality to adulthood and on to a spiritual maturity through the child mind is a move from innocence to experience to organized innocence, or from dependence to independence to a state of being in-dependence with God. ""In this insightful, profoundly helpful, compelling book, Fiona Gardner draws upon her skills as a psychotherapist and theologian to explore Jesus' invitation to become as little children. This innovative book, so helpfully exemplified at every turn by reference to the story and writings of Thomas Merton, puts before us the vital necessity of finding again the spirit of the child--the child mind--as the path of spiritual maturity is pursued."" --John Moses, Dean Emeritus of St Paul's Cathedral, London ""In this age dominated by utilitarian and technological reason, where the spiritual lives of children and adults are too often stunted by neglect and trauma, The Only Mind Worth Having is a beautiful summons to the way of greater freedom, creativity, spontaneity, and love. With sophistication, balance, and gentle insight, Gardner uncovers the spirit of the child who hides in each of us, the 'infant at the heart of Christianity.'"" --Chris Pramuk, Associate Professor of Theology, Xavier University ""The Only Mind Worth Having presents an eloquent and comprehensive exploration of the concept of the child mind in the life and thought of Thomas Merton . . . Gardner's excellent study brings fresh insight to Merton's concept of the true and false self."" --Paul M. Pearson, Director, Thomas Merton Center ""In this beautifully written, richly textured, and carefully nuanced study, Fiona Gardner plumbs the meaning of an important, yet long-neglected, theme in Thomas Merton's writings: the child mind. . . . This book will enrich your understanding of Merton, deepen your appreciation of the spiritual traditions that helped form him, and, perhaps, even cause the child mind within you to awaken."" --Christine M. Bochen, Professor of Religious Studies, William H. Shannon Chair in Catholic Studies, Nazareth College Fiona Gardner is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, spiritual director, and writer living in the UK. She is the author of Journeying Home (2004), The Four Steps of Love (2007), and Precious Thoughts (2011) as well as psychoanalytic books and articles. Formerly chair of the Thomas Merton Society of Great Britain and Ireland (2004-8) and coeditor of The Merton Journal (2008-14), she is on the board of the International Thomas Merton Society and was awarded a ""Louie"" in 2015 at the ITMS Centenary Conference.
ISBN: 1498230245
ISBN13: 9781498230247
Author: Fiona Gardner
Publisher: Wipf and Stock
Format: Hardcover
PublicationDate: 2015-11-06
Language: English
PageCount: 244
Dimensions: 5.98 x 0.69 x 9.02 inches
Weight: 18.08 ounces

In The Only Mind Worth Having, Fiona Gardner takes Thomas Merton's belief that the child mind is ""the only mind worth having"" and explores it in the context of Jesus' challenging, paradoxical, and enigmatic command to become like small children. She demonstrates how Merton's belief and Jesus's command can be understood as part of contemporary spirituality and spiritual practice. To follow Christ's command requires a great leap of the imagination. Gardner examines what it might mean to make this leap when one is an adult without it becoming sentimental and mawkish, or regressive and pathological. Using both psychological and spiritual insights, and drawing on the experiences of Thomas Merton and others, Gardner suggests that in some mysterious and paradoxical way recovering a sense of childhood spirituality is the path toward spiritual maturity. The move from childhood spirituality to adulthood and on to a spiritual maturity through the child mind is a move from innocence to experience to organized innocence, or from dependence to independence to a state of being in-dependence with God. ""In this insightful, profoundly helpful, compelling book, Fiona Gardner draws upon her skills as a psychotherapist and theologian to explore Jesus' invitation to become as little children. This innovative book, so helpfully exemplified at every turn by reference to the story and writings of Thomas Merton, puts before us the vital necessity of finding again the spirit of the child--the child mind--as the path of spiritual maturity is pursued."" --John Moses, Dean Emeritus of St Paul's Cathedral, London ""In this age dominated by utilitarian and technological reason, where the spiritual lives of children and adults are too often stunted by neglect and trauma, The Only Mind Worth Having is a beautiful summons to the way of greater freedom, creativity, spontaneity, and love. With sophistication, balance, and gentle insight, Gardner uncovers the spirit of the child who hides in each of us, the 'infant at the heart of Christianity.'"" --Chris Pramuk, Associate Professor of Theology, Xavier University ""The Only Mind Worth Having presents an eloquent and comprehensive exploration of the concept of the child mind in the life and thought of Thomas Merton . . . Gardner's excellent study brings fresh insight to Merton's concept of the true and false self."" --Paul M. Pearson, Director, Thomas Merton Center ""In this beautifully written, richly textured, and carefully nuanced study, Fiona Gardner plumbs the meaning of an important, yet long-neglected, theme in Thomas Merton's writings: the child mind. . . . This book will enrich your understanding of Merton, deepen your appreciation of the spiritual traditions that helped form him, and, perhaps, even cause the child mind within you to awaken."" --Christine M. Bochen, Professor of Religious Studies, William H. Shannon Chair in Catholic Studies, Nazareth College Fiona Gardner is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, spiritual director, and writer living in the UK. She is the author of Journeying Home (2004), The Four Steps of Love (2007), and Precious Thoughts (2011) as well as psychoanalytic books and articles. Formerly chair of the Thomas Merton Society of Great Britain and Ireland (2004-8) and coeditor of The Merton Journal (2008-14), she is on the board of the International Thomas Merton Society and was awarded a ""Louie"" in 2015 at the ITMS Centenary Conference.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

Categories
X

Oops!

Sorry, it looks like some products are not available in selected quantity.

OK

Sign up to the Stevens Books Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more

By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit. our Privacy Policy.