Early Christian Mystics II

On the second and fourth Mondays each month beginning September 9 at 7:30 pm, we will explore the wisdom of Christianity's greatest spiritual teachers. In this second 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. Sept 9: Gregory of Nyssa- Endless Pursuit
2. Sept 23: Augustine of Hippo - The Body of Christ
3. Oct 14: Dionysius - Unknowing Knowing
4. Oct 28: John the Scot - Cosmic Unification
5. Nov 11: Bernard of Clairvaux - Spousal Love
6. Nov 25: William of St. Thierry - Living the Trinity

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.