Exploring Global Mysticism
Through a Process Lens
Part 1
Probing Four Mystics and their Practices with a Process Spirit to Discover God's Presence and Action
This four-week course explores four mystics in the spirit of process theology, their sense of God’s global and personal presence, and practices that can enable one to more fully experience the divine in their lives.
Course Description
Process-relational thought is inherently mystical. God is present in all things, and all things live in relationship with God. Deep down, we are all mystics. We can experience the Divine when we open the “doors of perception” and experience both the intimacy and infinity of God and our fellow creatures.
In this four-week course, we will explore four mystics in the spirit of process theology, experiencing their sense of God’s global as well as personal presence and discovering practices that can enable us to more fully experience the divine in our lives, relationships, and citizenship.
Dr. Epperly will draw from his book, The Mystic in You: Discovering a God-Filled World, so students may want to purchase the text in advance.
Course Outline
- Session 1: The Spirit of Mysticism for Just Such a Time as Now – Howard Thurman
- Session 2: Prophetic Mysticism – Hildegard of Bingen
- Session 3: Moment by Moment Mysticism – Brother Lawrence
- Session 4: Mysticism in a Time of War – Etty Hillesum
“Throughout history, mystics are transformed by their experiences of the Holy and then share their experiences with their communities. Touched by the divine and awakened to their own inner divinity, mystics embody Mary Oliver's counsel, ‘Pay attention. Be Astonished. Tell about it.’ The great mystics remind us of our relationship to the Holy: we are all mystics and there is a mystic in you.”
-Bruce Epperly
Who Should Attend?
This course is for anyone curious about early historical and later mystics (in Christianity and beyond) and interested in exploring their insights through a process-relational lens. Whether you've experienced mystical encounters or are simply seeking deeper understanding, you are welcome.
About the Instructor
Bruce Epperly, Ph.D., has spent over forty years in the varied vocations of seminary and university professor, university chaplain, congregational pastor, and seminary administrator. He is the author of over sixty books in theology, spirituality, health and healing, scripture, politics, and ministerial excellence and wellbeing, including The Elephant is Running: Process and Open and Relational Theologies and Religious Pluralism; Process Theology: Embracing Adventure with God; Mystics in Action: Twelve Saints for Today; Prophetic Healing: Howard Thurman's Vision of Contemplative Activism; and Francis of Assisi: From Privilege to Activism. His comments for this event are inspired by his Process Theology and Politics. Follow his work at Patheos: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/livingaholyadventure/.
Price
- Lifetime access to session recordings
- Receive early notification of future courses
- Watch live or follow your own schedule
- Interact with class members via private discussion forum
- * If you are experiencing financial hardship, contribute whatever you can afford to help support this and other programs like it.
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