BUY AT-ONE-MENT
DESCRIPTION
At the heart of the gospel is a radical message of hope: we are capable of unlimited development, of becoming even as Christ is. But what does this path of transformation look like and feel like in practice? For centuries, so much of Christianity has focused on what to believe. Thomas McConkie redirects this conversation to the simple but potent practices we can engage in body, heart, mind and spirit—awakening us to a greater measure of the Sacred right here and now. “At-one-ment” becomes a spiritual reality in which we can all participate, not just a historical event in which a select few believe.
In a clear and elegant sequence, McConkie describes ancient and modern approaches to awakening the mind, purifying the heart and healing the body, as well as common challenges that come up along the way. Whatever the reader’s personal beliefs, this book is intended to complement their worldview and provide practical, actionable steps toward realizing a greater fullness of all that they are meant to become.
EARLY PRAISE
“In this personal yet universal book, Thomas McConkie is a spiritual guide to timeless practices that bring union and transcendence across traditions. With an eye on human development and through his own lived experience as a long-time practitioner of meditation, Thomas illustrates how it’s possible for all people to find their inner compass on the spiritual path. This is a work of deep humanity and wisdom.” -Lisa Miller, PhD Columbia University Professor and Author of The Awakened Brain; The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life.
Across religious traditions, many people are dropping out. Thomas McConkie was one of them, leaving his home in the Latter-day Saint community and launching a spiritual search that took him deep into developmental psychology, Buddhism, and other fields of study. Along the way, he found resources that helped him discover the deep treasure hidden at the heart of the tradition he left. Thomas is a consummate teacher, a delightful writer, and a trustworthy guide who will help you get to the heart of things. -Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian?
“I loved this beautifully written book! McConkie teaches us rich spiritual concepts in an elegant and accessible way. He offers a rich, personal understanding of the relationship of faith, sin, repentance, and embodiment to the divinity within and around us. He gives us a glimpse of what spiritual aliveness is and what it offers our souls in the struggle of everyday mortality. I haven’t read a better articulation of what we are reaching towards in a fallen world than this.” –Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, Sex and Relationship Educator and Therapist
“My soul hungers. Thomas McConkie’s book is food. It clarifies, it testifies, it exemplifies. It confirms my hope in Christ that it’s possible—here and now, for you and me—to be born again. And again.” -Adam S. Miller, author of Original Grace: An Experiment in Restoration Thinking
“If a primary purpose of the Restoration is to “gather together in one all things in Christ” (Eph. 1:10), then Thomas McConkie is one of the more profound practitioners of this outward-looking, inward-embracing work. Drawing upon his deep knowledge of spiritual development and his rich experience in meditative practice, he invites contemplation into the process of the ongoing restoration, gently guiding readers into principles and practices that powerfully illustrate what it means to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). To anyone looking to build their faith, calm their mind, and reach at-one-ment at deeper, more soul-expanding levels, please read this book.” –Jared Halverson, Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University, host of Unshaken
“Thomas McConkie is a fellow traveler, walking some paths I know, and others I do not. This book is born of struggle and of grace, but there’s nothing stodgy about the wisdom you’ll find on offer in these pages: it is warm, welcoming, and humorous. Thomas’ simple, beautiful prose invites readers to take the first, or the next, step on their own paths of self-knowledge and self-transformation, with hearts set ablaze for “at-one-ment.” –Charles Stang, Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard Divinity School
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thomas Wirthlin McConkie is an author, developmental researcher and meditation teacher. As a teenager, he met his first teacher and has been practicing for over 25 years under masters in the traditions of Sufism, Buddhism and Christian contemplation, among others. Thomas is the founder of Lower Lights School of Wisdom, a nonprofit organization committed to sharing ancient and modern teachings from the world’s Wisdom traditions. He is currently researching and writing on the topic of transformative spiritual practice at Harvard Divinity School. He lives with his wife, two kids, and rescue dog.