Wisdom of the Christian Mystics

Wisdom of the Christian Mystics (Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
Starting: 2/16/2012
Ending: 2/19/2012
From John the Evangelist and Paul the Apostle to Thomas Merton and Evelyn Underhill, Christianity has been blessed by
a variety of men and women, clergy and laypersons, Catholics and Protestants, known as mystics - persons who have
had profound and life-changing experiences of the presence of God, and even of union with God. But do the great
mystics have anything to say to us today?
This program will introduce you to some of the greatest Christian mystics, from well-known figures like Francis of Assisi
and Julian of Norwich to lesser known (but important) individuals like John Cassian and Jan Ruusbroec. We'll look at
some of their key writings, reflect on the major themes and principles of Christian mysticism, explore how their teachings
on prayer can be applied in our lives today, and discuss how we can apply their wisdom to Christian discipleship here in
the third millennium. Our schedule will include presentations, small group discussion, shared silence and prayer, and time
for journaling and personal reflection.
Instructor Carl McColman is the author of The Big Book of Christian Mysticism and The Lion, the Mouse and the Dawn
Treader. He is a lay associate of Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers, Georgia. He blogs about Christian spirituality at
www.anamchara.com.