Early Christian Mystics I

On the first and third Mondays each month beginning May 6 at 7:00 pm, we will explore the wisdom of Christianity's greatest spiritual teachers. In this first of two small groups on the Early Christian Mystics we explore six of the earliest spiritual teachers of the church and their practices for finding God.

Our discussions will be sparked by questions. It will be both personal and academic, involve personal experience as well as understanding, heart as well as head.

We will read about and discuss the six mystics corresponding to the first section of Bernard and Patricia McGinn's book, Early Christian Mystics. 

1. May 6: Origin - Uplifting Reading of Scripture
2. May 20: Evagrius Ponticus - Ascetical Practice and Contemplative Life
3. June 3: John Cassian - Prayer and Purity of Heart
4. June 17: Gregory the Great - Compunction
5. July 1: Hildegard of Bingen - Vision and Authority
6. July 15: Richard of St. Victor - Modes of Contemplation

In all our small groups, we use Socratic dialogue to unravel hidden meanings and new understandings. We will share personal insights and experiences. Always, our discussions will be respectful, opening our minds and hearts to each other and perennial truths at the heart of the world's spiritual traditions.

We will meet on Zoom at 7:00 pm for about an hour and 15 minutes.  You will also be added to a discussion group on our website, hartsne.org, to discuss topics between sessions.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Groups are open to new members up until the first session.
• Registration is by donation on a sliding scale.
• The groups are limited to 15 people.
• We must have a minimum of five people to run a group.
• Friends of the Oratory may join groups for free if they register when signed into their accounts on this website.