Ian J Mobsby
@ianjmobsby.bsky.social
Lefty-european, contemplative, christian, dr in theology, writer, speaker, anglican, missioner, Brit in Canada
For those who consider themselves as spiritual seekers or SBNR spiritual but not religious, then this post is for you particularly if you are curious of the contemplative spiritual traditions.
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When the Surface Isn’t Enough: Discovering the Depth of Christian Contemplative Wisdom
A personal reflection of those who consider themselves 'Spiritual But Not Religious' or spiritual seekers or explorers by Ian J Mobsby
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December 12, 2025 at 1:37 PM
For those who consider themselves as spiritual seekers or SBNR spiritual but not religious, then this post is for you particularly if you are curious of the contemplative spiritual traditions.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Today’s posting is about advent - about spiritual joy in times of great uncertainty when we are called to be part of Gods kin-dom where we can take inspiration from Mary & John the Baptist. Yes advent is a time of lament but it is also a time of resilient hope.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Awaiting Light in the Ruins: A Hopeful Contemplative Advent for a Collapsing World
A personal reflection on the season of Advent as a time of darkness and difficulty and the call to hopeful resilience.
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December 11, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Today’s posting is about advent - about spiritual joy in times of great uncertainty when we are called to be part of Gods kin-dom where we can take inspiration from Mary & John the Baptist. Yes advent is a time of lament but it is also a time of resilient hope.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Here is my reflection on the gospel text for the 3rd Sunday of Advent for spiritual engagement but also for those who have to speak or preach. See the below from a particularly contemplative perspective.
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Advent 3: The Quiet Light of Joy, A contemplative reflection on John 1:6–8, 19–28 for Advent 3
A reflection on the Gospel text for the 3rd Sunday of the season of Advent and Proper 3 by Ian J Mobsby
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December 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Here is my reflection on the gospel text for the 3rd Sunday of Advent for spiritual engagement but also for those who have to speak or preach. See the below from a particularly contemplative perspective.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
So here is the audio contemplative reflection I created for the second week of advent to be used when you have time to reflect on the significance of this week.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Advent 2: Contemplative Reflection
An audio reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent by Ian J Mobsby
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December 6, 2025 at 4:37 PM
So here is the audio contemplative reflection I created for the second week of advent to be used when you have time to reflect on the significance of this week.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
I have been thinking a lot about the pain of unforgiveness and how this can deeply wounding for both parties which has spiritual and contemplative implications, which seems important for the season of Advent.
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Ian J Mobsby (@ianjmobsby)
I have been thinking a lot about the pain of unforgiveness and how this can deeply wounding for both parties which has spiritual and contemplative implications, which seems important for the season of...
substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:56 AM
I have been thinking a lot about the pain of unforgiveness and how this can deeply wounding for both parties which has spiritual and contemplative implications, which seems important for the season of Advent.
substack.com/profile/3036...
substack.com/profile/3036...
Continuing in preparation for advent 2 (please see resources for Advent 1 already posted) this post explores the contemplative themes of the 2nd Sunday of advent of the lectionary gospel text. Hope this helps the many who have to prepare to speak to this text.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Advent 2: Mary and the Inner Preparation for the becoming of God Incarnate
A Contemplative reflection on The Gospel of Mark 1:1-8 For the 2nd Sunday of Advent and Proper 2.
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December 3, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Continuing in preparation for advent 2 (please see resources for Advent 1 already posted) this post explores the contemplative themes of the 2nd Sunday of advent of the lectionary gospel text. Hope this helps the many who have to prepare to speak to this text.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
For those wanting a contemplative practice for each of the weeks of Advent, I will be uploading and audio and text for a contemplative reflection you can use daily or occasionally as you are led. So here is the first audio and text for the first week of Advent.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Advent 1: Contemplative Reflection
An Audio reflection for the first week of Advent by Ian J Mobsby
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November 29, 2025 at 12:47 PM
For those wanting a contemplative practice for each of the weeks of Advent, I will be uploading and audio and text for a contemplative reflection you can use daily or occasionally as you are led. So here is the first audio and text for the first week of Advent.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
A personal reflection on recent decisions in the CofE concerning inclusion.
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When Silence Wounds: How the Church of England’s Failure on Sexuality Creates Harm - and Why the Contemplative Path Matters
A personal contemplative and theological reflection by Ian J Mobsby
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November 27, 2025 at 12:02 PM
A personal reflection on recent decisions in the CofE concerning inclusion.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
For those who are preparing to speak on Advent Sunday - here is a contemplative reflection on the gospel text.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Advent 1: Mary and the Courage to Awaken Hope in the Dark
Contemplative reflection on the Gospel text of Mark 13:24–37 for the 1st Sunday of Advent and Proper 1 by Ian J Mobsby
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November 26, 2025 at 11:43 AM
For those who are preparing to speak on Advent Sunday - here is a contemplative reflection on the gospel text.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Some traditions of Christianity over focus on the need for a transaction of receiving God emotionally. This creates a conditional relationship with God that avoids the apophatic - the absence of God - as much as the cataphatic. So I offer this reflection.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Learning to Pray in the Fullness of God: Returning to the Trinity Beyond Feeling and Fear
Getting beyond just a Cataphatic Understanding of Contemplation
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November 22, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Some traditions of Christianity over focus on the need for a transaction of receiving God emotionally. This creates a conditional relationship with God that avoids the apophatic - the absence of God - as much as the cataphatic. So I offer this reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Some traditions of Christianity for me over focus on the need for a transaction of receiving God emotionally.This creates a conditional relationship with God that avoids the apophatic - the absence of God - as much as the cataphatic. So I offer this reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Seeing Beyond Either/Or: Non-Dualistic Contemplation in a Fragmented World
How the Contemplative Path Calls Us to Resist Polarisation, Honour Humanity, and Practice the Mystery of God’s Presence by Ian J Mobsby
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November 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Some traditions of Christianity for me over focus on the need for a transaction of receiving God emotionally.This creates a conditional relationship with God that avoids the apophatic - the absence of God - as much as the cataphatic. So I offer this reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Trust in a higher power or God is the beginning of the spiritual journey to healing & spiritual freedom. But not trusting has become a way of life. This reflection draws on personal experience to explore the concept of trusting in God contemplatively.
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Trust as the Beginning of the Contemplative Spiritual Path
A personal reflection by Ian J Mobsby
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November 14, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Trust in a higher power or God is the beginning of the spiritual journey to healing & spiritual freedom. But not trusting has become a way of life. This reflection draws on personal experience to explore the concept of trusting in God contemplatively.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Reflecting on how awakening spiritually is still quite a rare thing in our materialistic market society where many don’t face and do the inner work. Thanks Martin Saunders for the conversation that inspired this post…
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The Cost of Awakening: The Holy Discomfort of No Longer Fitting In
A personal reflection on the spiritual and contemplative pilgrimage of Awakening, Purgation, Illumination & Union by Ian J Mobsby
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November 13, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Reflecting on how awakening spiritually is still quite a rare thing in our materialistic market society where many don’t face and do the inner work. Thanks Martin Saunders for the conversation that inspired this post…
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The biblical text for Sunday has deep implications and speaks directly into the polycrisis & post secular culture we find ourselves facing today. This reflection unpacks a contemplative interpretation and response to the call for resilience in an age of crises.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
In Stillness and Storm: A Contemplative Reflection on Gospel of Luke 21:5-19
A reflection on the gospel lectionary text on 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, 22nd Sunday after Trinity and Proper 33 by Ian J Mobsby
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November 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The biblical text for Sunday has deep implications and speaks directly into the polycrisis & post secular culture we find ourselves facing today. This reflection unpacks a contemplative interpretation and response to the call for resilience in an age of crises.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Theresa of Ávila drawing on her contemplative writing on the interior castle is core to Carmelite spirituality. Drawing on her writing I have created a contemplative practice to go deep with the God who speaks from within. I hope you will find this practice helpful
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Contemplative Resourcing 13: Teresa of Ávila and the Interior Castle Prayer Practice
Contemplative Practice Inspired by the writings of Teresa of Avila by Ian J Mobsby
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November 8, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Theresa of Ávila drawing on her contemplative writing on the interior castle is core to Carmelite spirituality. Drawing on her writing I have created a contemplative practice to go deep with the God who speaks from within. I hope you will find this practice helpful
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
I explore the key missional focus on a 'mixed ecology' here as a metapho, seeking the cultivated and semi-wild together.
Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
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Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
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Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
A personal reflection by Ian J Mobsby
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November 8, 2025 at 2:18 AM
I explore the key missional focus on a 'mixed ecology' here as a metapho, seeking the cultivated and semi-wild together.
Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
A further reflection on the Beatitudes because its depth in teaching is so important. Loving the ongoing conversation that is deepening my writing.
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The Contemplative Gate and Depth of Makarios: Blessed Beyond Happiness
A personal reflection and prayer by Ian J Mobsby
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November 6, 2025 at 12:11 PM
A further reflection on the Beatitudes because its depth in teaching is so important. Loving the ongoing conversation that is deepening my writing.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Reposted by Ian J Mobsby
'Mobsby explodes the temptation of some sociologists and monks to dualise between religion on the one hand and spirituality on the other': Connor Hansford in his review of The Seeking Heart by @ianjmobsby.bsky.social for Modern Believing.
Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Seeking Heart A Contemplative Approach to Mission and Pioneering by Ian Mobsby - Paperback / softback - 9780334065852
Buy Seeking Heart A Contemplative Approach to Mission and Pioneering by Ian Mobsby Paperback / softback from SCM Press - ISBN: 9780334065852
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 11:23 AM
'Mobsby explodes the temptation of some sociologists and monks to dualise between religion on the one hand and spirituality on the other': Connor Hansford in his review of The Seeking Heart by @ianjmobsby.bsky.social for Modern Believing.
Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Contemplative reflection for the gospel text for Remembrance Sunday
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The God of the Living - Remembering Beyond War: A Contemplative Refection on the Lectionary Gospel Text of Luke 20:27–38.
A Contemplative Reflection for the 21st Sunday After Pentecost and 20th Sunday After Trinity on Proper 32 by Ian J Mobsby
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November 6, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Contemplative reflection for the gospel text for Remembrance Sunday
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In addition to contemplative reflections of the gospel texts for All Saints Day & the Beatitudes I add a prayer practice for All Souls Day. For those recently bereaved, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you feel the loss as a consequence of great love.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Contemplative Resources 12: A Contemplative Prayer for All Souls’ Day
For those like me that grieve the loss of loved ones and for those seeking healing by Ian J Mobsby
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November 1, 2025 at 11:07 AM
In addition to contemplative reflections of the gospel texts for All Saints Day & the Beatitudes I add a prayer practice for All Souls Day. For those recently bereaved, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you feel the loss as a consequence of great love.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
As promised this is a follow up post for everyone who feels their work or vocation is taking them to the edge of burn out. Here are some thoughts and some emergency first aid practices.
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Burnout and You - Finding Stillness in the Market Society’s Grind: A Contemplative Reflection & First Aid for the Overworked & Undervalued
A personal reflection from Ian J Mobsby
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October 30, 2025 at 10:54 AM
As promised this is a follow up post for everyone who feels their work or vocation is taking them to the edge of burn out. Here are some thoughts and some emergency first aid practices.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Additional reflection for this Sunday exploring a contemplative spiritual interpretation of the idea of All Saints Day
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The Great Communion of Love: A Reflection for All Saints Day
Personal reflection by Ian J Mobsby
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October 30, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Additional reflection for this Sunday exploring a contemplative spiritual interpretation of the idea of All Saints Day
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
This is the Gospel text for those who are not focusing on All Saints Day. The Beatitudes are a key text for Contemplative Christian’s and I offer this reflection if you are using this text for Sunday.
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The Plain of Humble Spirituality - A Contemplative Reflection on the Beatitudes of Luke 6:20–31
A reflection on the Gospel text for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost and the 4th Sunday before Advent or Proper 31 by Ian J Mobsby
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October 29, 2025 at 10:55 AM
This is the Gospel text for those who are not focusing on All Saints Day. The Beatitudes are a key text for Contemplative Christian’s and I offer this reflection if you are using this text for Sunday.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
For those speaking to the lectionary texts for Sunday - this is my contemplative reflection.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The Poverty of Spirit: A Contemplative Reading of Luke 18:9–14
A Contemplative Reflection for the Gospel Text of the 20th Sunday after Pentecost or the 19th Sunday after Trinity and Proper 30 by Ian J Mobsby
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October 22, 2025 at 9:52 PM
For those speaking to the lectionary texts for Sunday - this is my contemplative reflection.
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As a GenXer, in this writing, is exposed, so much of my own life and struggles and need for contemplation, that Coupland’s writing encapsulates. This writing for me is truth-telling in a culture that has lost its way and seeks for spirituality.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Swimming Toward the Sacred: Douglas Coupland, Generation X, and the Contemplative Cry for Meaning
How “Life After God” still speaks to a generation haunted by emptiness and longing for transcendence
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October 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
As a GenXer, in this writing, is exposed, so much of my own life and struggles and need for contemplation, that Coupland’s writing encapsulates. This writing for me is truth-telling in a culture that has lost its way and seeks for spirituality.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...