FAITHFUL GENERATIONS: EFFECTIVE MINISTRY ACROSS GENERATIONAL LINES
(Ministry; Morehouse Publishing, 2013)
One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to ministry. Although much work has been done researching generational differences by social scientists, few people have applied this knowledge to religious life and ministry. In this book, John Mabry looks at the various generations alive today: the G.I.’s (born 1901-1924), the Silents (1925-1942), the Boomers (1943-1960), Xers (1961-1981), and Generation Y (1982-2001). He looks at the formative events shaping the consciousness of each generation, providing a glimpse into their inner worlds, and supplemented by extensive quotes from interviews with people belonging to these generations. He then turns to the distinctiveness of each generation’s spirituality, providing clear advice for understanding, empathy, and effective ministry. An ideal guide for pastors, spiritual directors, chaplains, and others providing spiritual care to people of various ages.
GROWING INTO GOD: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM
(Spirituality; Quest Books, 2012)
When people hear the word “mysticism” they often think of arcane secrets and occult knowledge, but true mysticism isn’t sinister or even a secret. In fact, however, mysticism is at the heart of an authentic Christian life. Mysticism is nothing more and nothing less than the pursuit of—or enjoyment of—union with God, which is the goal of all Christian spirituality. In Growing Into God, Mabry “de-mystifys” mysticism, offering a user-friendly introduction for beginners. Along the way he explores the classic three-fold mystical journey—Purgation, Illumination, and Union—and relates the stories of many Christian mystics (such as Julian of Norwich, John of the Cross, and many others), offering practices that will assist beginners and veterans alike obtain a closer connection with God.
SALVATION OF THE TRUE ROCK: THE SUFI POETRY OF NAJAT OZKAYA
(Poetry; Apocryphile Press, 2012)
Najat Ozkaya was born in Konya, Turkey, in the 14th century CE. His father was a Sufi teacher, and Najat assumed his mantle upon his death.
Najat's poetry is similar to the Sufi poetry of Rumi or Hafiz, centered on the relationship of the soul with its Beloved, Allah. Najat's writings were thought to be lost to the world,
until religion scholar John Mabry discovered a hand-copied manuscript in the Bu Bir Şaka mosque. Translating in the free, contemporary style of
Coleman Barks’ Rumi or Daniel Ladinsky’s renderings of Hafiz, Mabry has brought Najat back to life, restoring his challenging yet oddly comforting poetry to the world.
(NOTE: This is played straight, but is actually a hoax, a joke; John is the author, not a "translator")
THE KINGDOM: A BERKELEY BLACKFRIARS NOVEL
(Fiction; Apocryphile Press, 2010)
The Berkeley Blackfriars are not your standard-brand priests—they swear like longshoremen and aren’t above the occasional spliff or one-night stand—
but if you’ve got a nasty demon on your ass, they’re exactly the guys you want in your corner. A thrill ride from beginning to end, THE KINGDOM combines
suspense, tragedy, whimsy and horror in almost equal measure. Its world is peopled with characters that are poignant, complicated and maddeningly human.
Laced with a rich mythology worthy of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the smart religious iconoclasm of Garth Ennis’ Preacher comic book series,
THE KINGDOM is an utterly unique adventure.
