Readings on Faiths: Mysticism
A Book Group Exploring the Diversity of Religion
| WHAT? | Learning Circle |
| WHEN? | January 5 – January 26, 2025 Meets weekly on Mondays 8:30 – 9:30 AM Pacific / 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern |
| WHERE? | Online Via Zoom |
| WHO? | Terry Goddard |
Readings on Faiths Around the World is a book group that reads and discusses books covering the vast diversity of world faiths. Of course, the standard seven world religions will be included but we will also explore less well-known religious/spiritual groups including Afro-Caribbean, Bahá’í, Humanist, Jain, Pagan, Zoroastrian, and more. The only prerequisite needed for this group is a desire to learn more about the world’s religious traditions.
Please come to each session having read the assigned section and be prepared to participate in the discussion with the group. Future books to be discussed, and dates will be provided here as the sessions are scheduled.
Upcoming
Mysticism by Simon Critchley is truly an “Adventure in Ideas.” The book is full of pictures, paintings and more, depicting mysticism in its varied aspects. Critchley introduces the reader to mystics beginning with Dionysius (circa 500) through modern mystics like T.S. Eliot and Annie Dillard, while discussing Julian of Norwich and Meister Eckart along the way. He provides his definition and that of others of mysticism and discusses a variety of examples.
“Why mysticism? It has been called “experience in its most intense form,” and in his new book the philosopher Simon Critchley poses a simple question to the reader: Wouldn’t you like to taste this intensity? Wouldn’t you like to be lifted up and out of yourself into a sheer feeling of aliveness, both your life and those of the creatures that surround you?” (Back Cover) Critchley suggests that mystics “bear a resemblance to one another in their themes: desert, darkness, annihilation, fire, nothingness, poverty.”
Join me for four Mondays, beginning January 5th and concluding on January 26th, at 8:30am Pacific Time and 11:30am Eastern Time.
How to Join/Access
To access the Zoom meeting information and learning circle resources you must (1) have an account, (2) be logged in, and (3) be enrolled.
If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by signing up to become a member of the P&F community. Click here to register now.
Once you have an account and are logged in, return to this page, and click on the Enroll in Group button near the top. You will be then automatically enrolled and sent an email confirmation with additional information.
Previously Read
About the Facilitator
Terry Goddard has a PhD from Chicago Theological Seminary in the history of religion. He is retired professor of history and religion. Terry writes a blog, many of which address Loren Eiseley and his thought as well as religious topics.
How to Join/Access
To access the Zoom meeting information and learning circle resources you must (1) have an account, (2) be logged in, and (3) be enrolled.
If you don’t have an account, you will need to create one by signing up to become a member of the P&F community. Click here to register now.
Once you have an account and are logged in, return to this page, and click on the Enroll in Group button near the top. You will be then automatically enrolled and sent an email confirmation with additional information.