Wisdom of the Christian Mystics

April 11-14, 2024

Course Description: Christian mystics are seekers of every generation who enjoyed a profound sense of God’s presence—even “union” with God—in their lives. The first Christian mystics appear in the New Testament (John the Evangelist) and the most recent ones lived in our own time (Howard Thurman, Simone Weil). Over the centuries, the mystics have included women and men, clergy and lay, Catholic and Protestant, rich and poor, educated and ordinary. What they share in common is their love of God and whole-hearted approach to living the Gospel in their daily lives.  What can we learn from these heroes of the faith? What do the great mystics have to say to us today?

Our program draws from the wisdom of some of the greatest Christian mystics, from renowned figures like Teresa of Ávila and Julian of Norwich, to lesser known (but important) individuals like Evelyn Underhill and John Ruusbroec. We’ll look at some of their key ideas, reflect on the major themes and principles of Christian mysticism, explore how their teachings on prayer can be applied in our lives today, and seek ways to apply their wisdom to Christian discipleship here in the third millennium. While this course will introduce you to the great mystics of the past, our emphasis will be on their timeless wisdom, fascinating stories and lessons we can take from them to apply to our present time.

This course is open to everyone. Credit towards the Certificate in Spiritual Formation program will be given to those who participate fully and complete and post course writing assignments.

Location: Montreat Conference Center

With: Carl McColman is the author of several books, including The Big Book of Christian Mysticism and Befriending Silence. He is a lay associate of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia.

Schedule: The course will begin at 5:30 PM on Thursday, April 11 and conclude Sunday April 14 at noon. The schedule includes morning and evening prayers, small group conversations and free time to enjoy the beauty of Montreat.

Program Fee: Early registration of $380 before December 20, 2023. Full program fee of $410.

Housing: Register for housing directly through Montreat (HERE).

Meals and Housing: Meals are included in your Montreat housing registration. Individual meals may be purchased with an advance reservation. For meals reservation, please contact the front desk of Assembly Inn at 828-419-9844. 

Additional Information:

Readings:

The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism by Carl McColman (required)

Christian Mystics: Their Lives and Legacies Throughout the Ages by Ursula King (optional)

Contact: lifelonglearning@ctsnet.edu