Mystery as the Heart of the Church (DS9322Y)

Content

Karl Rahner is often quoted as saying that: “In the days ahead, you will either be a mystic or nothing at all.” In this unit students will explore the importance of this assertion through an investigation of mystical traditions throughout Christian history. These investigations will begin and end with attempts to define what is meant by mysticism and lead to a discussion of the contemporary importance of the mystic for the future flourishing of the Christian message and practice in the World today.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

1x foundational CH or DS unit

Pedagogy

Asynchronous and synchronous lectures, tutorials, and discussion forums

Indicative Bibliography

• Bernard of Clairvaux. Selected Works. Translated by G. R. Evans. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1987.
• Bonaventure. The Soul’s Journey to Life; The Tree of Life; The Life of St. Francis. Translated by Ewert Cousins. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1978.
• John Cassian. Conferences. Translated by Colm Luibheid. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1985.
• Meister Eckhart. The Essential Sermons. Translated by Edmund Colledge & Bernard McGinn. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1981.
• Edwards, Denis. The Natural World and God: Theological Explorations. Hindmarsh SA: ATF Press, 1999.
• Hildegard of Bingen. Scivias. Translated by Columba Hart & Jane Bishop. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1986.
• Julian of Norwich. Showings. Translated by Edmund Colledge & James Walsh. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1978.
• McGinn, Bernard. The Presence of God. Vols. 1-5. London: SCM, 1992-2012.
• Mechthild of Madgeburg. The Flowing Light of the Godhead. Translated by Frank Tobin. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1998.
• Merton, Thomas. New Seeds of Contemplation. New York: New Directions, 2007.

Assessment