This unit explores how the writings of Christian mystics and monastics can inform and enrich the practice of spiritual direction. Students will engage with the meaning of mysticism, its place within Christian spirituality, and the lives and writings of selected mystics from both historical and contemporary contexts. Through critical reflection and experiential engagement, students will consider the nature of mystical experience and the wisdom it offers for spiritual direction. This unit provides the opportunity to undertake a focused study of classical texts such as The Cloud of Unknowing or works by the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Meister Eckhart, Margaret Kempe and Evelyn Underhill. Students will explore how to integrate insights into their contemplative accompaniment of others in spiritual direction.
Unit code: DD8434Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Spiritual Direction
Proposing College: St Francis College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Critique key concepts including mystic, Christian mysticism, mystical experience, and contemplation in relation to spiritual direction and personal formation. |
| 2. | Integrate insights from mystical texts into personal spiritual practice and the contemplative accompaniment of others. |
| 3. | Evaluate the spiritual and theological insights of selected mystics as resources for the practice of spiritual direction. |
| 4. | Design a spiritual reflection exercise based on the work of Christian mystics. |
Prerequistes: DD8411Z, DD8412Z, DD8421Z, and DD8422Z
Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials
Bourgeault, Cynthia. The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice. Shambhala, 2016.
Johnston, William. The Inner Eye of Love: Mysticism and Religion. Fordham University Press, 1997.
Bourgeault, Cynthia. The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming an Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart. John Wiley & Sons, 2003.
Cleverly, Charlie. The Cloud, the Night, the Fire and the Song: With the Mystics in the School of Prayer. Westminster John Knox Press, 2025.
Epperly, Bruce G. The Mystic in You: Discovering a God-Filled World. Upper Room Books, 2017.
Fanning, Steven. Mystics of the Christian Tradition. Routledge, 2001.
Johnston, William. Arise, My Love: Mysticism for a New Era. Orbis Books, 2000.
Johnston, William. The Mysticism of the Cloud of Unknowing. Fordham University Press, 2005.
McColman, Carl. The Big Book of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality. Hampton Roads Publishing Company, 2010.
Nelstrop, Louise, with Kevin Magill and Bradley B. Onishi. Christian Mysticism: An Introduction to Contemporary Theoretical Approaches. Ashgate, 2009.
Rohr, Richard. The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See. Crossroad Publishing Company, 2009.
Ruffing, Janet K., ed. Mysticism and Social Transformation. Syracuse University Press, 2001.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 0 | 100.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 15 Apr, 2026
Unit record last updated: 2026-04-15 09:35:59 +1000