Reflections on the Unknowable
Thomas Keating's final book emerges from decades of teaching contemplative prayer and leading the Centering Prayer movement within contemporary Catholicism. Written in his eighties after a lifetime of monastic practice and spiritual direction, this work represents Keating's mature reflection on the deepest questions of mystical theology. The book arose from his conviction that Western Christianity had largely lost touch with its own contemplative tradition, particularly the understanding that God ultimately transcends all concepts and images.
Keating explores the paradox at the heart of Christian mysticism: that knowing God requires a radical unknowing, a release of all mental constructs about the divine. He draws extensively on the apophatic tradition, particularly Pseudo-Dionysius and The Cloud of Unknowing, while integrating insights from contemporary psychology and interfaith dialogue. The work examines how contemplative practice leads practitioners beyond concepts, emotions, and even religious experiences toward what Keating calls "the Ultimate Mystery." He addresses the stages of this journey, the purifications required, and the transformation of consciousness that occurs when one moves from knowing about God to resting in God's presence beyond all knowing.
This book stands as Keating's theological testament, synthesizing themes from his earlier works while pushing deeper into mystical territory. It has served contemplatives seeking to understand the more advanced stages of prayer and spiritual directors working with those called to apophatic spirituality. The work bridges academic mystical theology and practical contemplative instruction in ways that few contemporary authors achieve.
Who should read this: Experienced contemplatives ready to explore the furthest reaches of mystical theology, and spiritual directors guiding others in advanced contemplative prayer. This is not an introductory work and assumes familiarity with both contemplative practice and basic mystical theology.