Love is Stronger than Death: The Mystical Union of Two Souls

I am very grateful for the opportunity to read about the special bond between two souls described in Love is Stronger Than Death. This book is the story of the "mystical union" that developed between Episcopalian priest, author and teacher Cynthia Bourgeault and an older man, a Benedictine monk named Rafe, who was living as a hermit connected to a Benedictine monastery when they met. It is the unusual love story of two very human people, one of whom is committed to his vow of chastity. Their physical intimacy goes no farther than a hug--and a scuffle during a fight. Two people who have suffered difficulty in previous relationships, they have normal human fears and defenses against intimacy. They also have a mutual commitment to spiritual growth and to the Christian contemplative path.They fall in love. They discuss prayer, books, contemplative practices. They exchange gifts and cards. They have wonderful times together, and they have fights. During periods of separation, they feel a growing spiritual bond--a subtle mystical union. Their unusual relationship does not end when Rafe dies. A commitment bond betweeth their souls has been fored that allows an intimate soul union to continue, for the benefit of both of them and also for the benefit of Cynthia Bougeault's ongoing ministry of teaching and writing.Chapters that tell the story of the relationship between these two people are interspersed with chapters giving Cynthia Bourgeault's theology and esoteric speculations on the particular nature of their soul bond, which she sees as rare and requiring certain particular soul commitments before the death of one partner. She takes pains to show how this union fits within the understood parameters of orthodox Christianity.It is not necessary to agree with all of Bourgeault's theology and esoteric speculations in order to appreciate the great spiritual learning that is shared in this book. I read this book while my former sweetheart was dying. I was drawn to read it because I knew we had a strong and special soul connection and I wondered what might happen after his death. My sweetheart and I did not make quite the same commitments to each other, not the exclusive sort that Bourgeault describes, yet I experienced a strong sense of continuing soul communication and communion with him after his death, a communion that increasingly became a mutual love in Christ. Many who read this book may find encouragement to trust more fully in the soul connection they experience with loved ones who have died. What happens when we enter the divine Mystery at the end of life cannot be explained with precise doctrine or theology. It is wonderful, however, to read about the actual experience of those who are commited to the spiritual life. It helps us embrace more fully the Mystery in which we live and move and have our being.Even if you are not particularly wondering about life after death or the nature of a connection between souls, there are many other good reasons to read this book. Rafe's lessons in spiritual growth are reason enough to spend time with this special book. This is also a powerful story of two people seeking to support each other in growing beyond the limits of their fears. In the unusual but very human case described in Love is Stronger Than Death, the two continue to support each other even beyond the limits of death, even into a union that makes them one.Another of Cynthia Bourgealt's books I particularly recommend is Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening.  Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening  It is a wonderfully helpful guide not only to Centering Prayer, but to the journey of the spiritual life. I also appreciated the way it described the subtle but powerful way that Centering Prayer is different from Buddhist meditation practices and most forms of meditation that involve a mantra.

I have had TWO amazing soulmates of 18/23 years of marriage die on the same day, 23 years apart. Same day, same hour.Cynthia’s understanding of this intimate, eternal connection is perfect. I am so encouraged by the publication of this book to explain what I experience daily with two beautiful souls.

Having been a long-time devotee of Cynthia Bourgeault's writing, I am now in my second "read" of "Love is Stronger than Death". My introduction to her writing was through centering prayer, when I read her excellent discussion of this practice, "Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening". Although I've read virtually all of Fr. Keating's writing on this subject, I found Bourgeault's discussion especially helpful in that it comes from a uniquely feminine perspective.I attended a retreat led by Cynthia at the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA, and it was at that time I was introduced to much of her other writing. I was especially moved by this book at that time, so much so that I gave my personal copy to a dear friend who lives in another city. Thus, when I decided I needed to re-read it, I needed to purchase a new copy, which I recently obtained via Amazon.There is one thing that is extremely valuable to me about this book. It reinforces a strong conviction I have that we MUST rediscover the divine dimension of erotic love. A number of other books that I've reviewed for Amazon, including Kittredge Cherry's "Jesus in Love" and "At the Cross" novels and John McNeill's "Sex as God Intended", are also powerful testimonies to the vital concept that not only does God not consider eroticism evil, but that humans are intended to respond to the creative forces of the universe at all levels, including -- perhaps most especially -- through the power of erotic love.

Excellent condition and on time delivery.

Having read all of Cynthia's books, I was least interested in a story that I perceived as a love romance, which - bizarrely, it seemed - continued after the death of her partner. However, in retrospect, I understand how much of what she has written about Jesus and the spiritual life emerged from her own relationship with her hermit lover Rafe, as recounted in this one-of-a-kind spiritual romance. The story that is told is incredibly frank in its emotional detail, as grounded as their unforgettable wrestling match only weeks before Rafe's death, yet at the same time strikingly sublime in its spiritual reflection on the meaning of life, death, love, sacrifice, and the afterlife. There is so much wisdom in this stranger-than-fiction account. Apart from the rich content, Cynthia's writing is by turns eloquent and erudite throughout the tale.

I applaud Cynthia's gutsy portrayal of vulnerabilities----took courage to write parts of this book. I have experienced much of what she is writing about. When we met the realities of metastatic cancer, my wife began writing a "Joy Journal" to record instances of joyful events and joyful memories, so she could read them when the tough times came about. One of her final entries: "I have learned to follow my heart---I cherish my life." And in another place, "John,...Laugh out loud when you remember our times together.....and I will be so happy." I really resonate to Cynthia's cry from her depths, "If I can love you across the space of a mile, I can love you across the space of Eternity." I believe this to be true.

Este libro es sobre la experiencia de una unión mística entre dos personas. Se experimenta la Presencia de Dios entremedio de ellos. Es un amor que va más allá de la relación física. Nos eleva a confirmar la existencia del Amor sobrenatural. Te deja con gran paz!

It is a healing

Very moving and honest account of author's relationship with her hermit monk during their time together and after his death. Not sure I buy all her conclusions about ongoing contact with our beloveds after death but her relationship was clearly extraordinary; she is a gifted and brilliant person and I don't doubt her sincerity.

Fascinating book about the possibility that spiritual friendship can continue to benefit one's spiritual progress even after the death of the body. Cynthia Bourgeault is a beacon of light for those of us on the contemplative path. I love everything that she gives us!

I read the book, re-read it straight away and am now reading a third time. I have never done that before.That should say something in itself. It's a fascinating read. There are some parts that I still don't understand but those are the theoretical/ theological parts.\i am now reading another of her books -Centering prayer" An excellent writer.

I have read this book four times it is an amazing book. It has helped me so much since my husbands death.

An interesting take on spirituality.