Son of Man: The Mystical Path to Christ

by Andrew Harvey

Book Overview

"Galvanizing, beautifully written . . . a powerful expression of faith in the transforming power of Christ's love."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)Son of Man is Andrew Harvey's most basic statement on Christ, and it has already become a treasured work to readers interested in Christian mysticism. For the first time in any of his books, Harvey provides spiritual exercises--centuries-old rites previously available only to a...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874779928
• ISBN13: 9780874779929
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Revealing the Meaning of Jesus' Words...

Overall "Son of Man" is thoughtful, well-written book that attempts to reveal the true meaning of Jesus' words and way of life. THE GOOD: Part I on "The Historical Christ" explores, via various sources (New Testamnent parables, gnostic sayings, and quotes from certain Christian apologists/scholars) the meaning of Jesus' words and actions with respect to women, rich and poor, power and politics of the world, organized religion (and its hypocrisy), and true discipleship. The author convincingly portrays a picture of the authentic Jesus, who respects women, who associates with the poor or destitute, who rejects the games of power and deception played by the scribes and Pharisees. Parts II and IV provide a map for meditation and prayer based on writings and practices of Christian saints and mystics. It's a commendabe effort and worthy of study and exploration. Throughout there are examples of parables, gnostic sayings, and scholars' quotes as well. THE BAD: Yes, I agree with other reviews as to some passages being corny, as for example the introductory "A Vision" with its rambling, flowery style (I am the furnace of love you must burn away in and become one with...I am the passion...I am the Child waiting to be born..." and so on and so on; then there's Part III on invoking the sacred feminine. The "editor" in me has trouble buying these. On the other hand, these areas are heavily oriented toward what is a more "gnostic" view of our relationship with God, and that is what I think the author is trying achieve: the belief in the individual's closer spiritual relationship with God, without the use of intermediaries such as the Church. Four stars +, so I rounded the rating to five.

Great Work on Christ

This book is a very interesting book that points readers into looking at Jesus Christ as a non-dogmatic, unconditionally loving spiritual maaster and not the Christ that we here in churches...A religious leader out to propogate a religion and condemn non-believers of him. Of course, this book will not be accepted by all since it can be seen as overly liberal and unconventional. How? Since Mr. Harvey is primarily out to paint a portrait of a loving, mystical Christ that could never have even intended to be deified and who mainly wanted to teach a love based spirituality, the author uses quotes from many unconventional sources like the Gnostic Gospels (Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary, Secret Book of James, Gospel of the Savior and others). That unto itself will spark some controversy for this book.Mr. Harvey's Christ has a through-line of that of an enlightened master, say a Buddha of Nazereth, so it is with that Christ in mind that he writes and he pulls from many Christian sources to keep in line with this mystical, unconditionally loving Christ.What this adds up to is for those that are spiritual 'seeker' types who are lovers of Light and seeing spirituality through Oneness and an Eternal Truth of Unity without dogmas you'll find this book extremely fascinating. For those "fundamenalist" types, you'll either brush this book of as some kind of new age concoction or it'll make you reconsider some of your preciously held beliefs about who Jesus Christ was.There are some very well written chapters on: Jesus' Message, Jesus and family, Jesus and women, Jesus and the rich, Jesus and religion, Jesus and his Disciples and other topics. Mr. Harvey shows us through Jesus teachings how he promoted love, humility and acceptance in all these areas.Another nice bonus is that the book has some beautiful Christ based meditations.This book is unique in that the author is a scholar, well rounded spiritual teacher and poet all at the same time. The author manages to be remarkably intuitive and speak from the heart while always remaining centered and intelligent, not just "way out there". The book is rooted enough in research to deserve to be considered a serious work on Christ (although, many will disagree with me because of the uncommon philosophies put forth). The book has a heartfelt-poetic quality to it while simultanously being very scholarly which is extremely rare. Even though I consider myself to be an open minded spiritual seeker that always saw Christ as a great teacher of Unity, I never saw Christ's teachings with the depth of Mr. Harvey's book. Very enlightening.

Mystical Christ

Andrew Harvey is an excellent writer who has covered everything from outposts of Buddhism in Ladakh to transalations of the Sufi genius Rumi. In this book,which arches at being a modern version of The imitation of Christ,he puts forth of image of Jesus as THE mystic,the Alpha and Omega of existence.It succeeds much of the time.The historical Jesus presented is lacking somewhat, though the book picks up in part 2, the mystical Christ. Some people,especially those of a literal bent, wuould be slightly put off in the section Christ and the sacred feminine.The final section of the book, The Direct Path to Christ is a series of meditations and "exercises",which are worth the price of the book alone.Mr. Harvey believes that we need no intermediaries between us and God, and that Jesus shows us this way. The traditional harrangue against Christianity is softened by Mr. Harvey's genuine passionate love of Christ. There are lovely phtographs by Eryk Hanut throughout, which actually enchance the pleasure of this book. Not an easy read,{Mr. Harvey rarely is}, this is a book menat to be read and taken slowly, to draw deeply from this source. This book is quite beautiful, and is and important addition to any spiritual library. This is an important and wonder-filled book, and is hugely recommended.

Son of Man

Andrew Harveys new book Son of Man is a masterpiece, for years I have been reading books on Christ, but this book tells us all how we can live as Christ did. Written so all can understand, Harvery doesnt waste our time with words and ideas that are to far off to understand. His thoughts and ideas are very close to the Unity Church. A must read for all who know that Christ lives within all of us.

a mystical and radical masterpiece

Once again, Andrew Harvey has given us a masterpiece;His rich wisdom, incredible knowledge and practical exercises bring the path of 'the son of man' alive in an exciting new way. Harvey opens wide the centuries-old treasure house of Christian mysticism. This is one of the best books ever written on the subject;One need not agree with all of Harvey's opinion to enjoy his clear-cut, always fascinating prose and his wildly ecclectic assemblages of evidence.Andrew Harvey is the greatest mystical writer of his time.