Western Roots

In this group we will explore the ancient origins of Christian spirituality beginning with Jesus' teachings as recoded both inside and outside the biblical canon. Then we will trace two interrelated streams of western spirituality: 

1. from the Desert Fathers and Mothers to Benedictine, Celtic and Orthodox monasticism, and the monastic

2. , from ancient Greek philosophy and Neoplatonism to the early Christian mystics who honed the divine vision.the mystical

The books selected are primary sources translated into English. The first and last books are exceptions, however. They are explorations by modern authors who have particular expertise. Neil Douglas-Klotz uses the original language Jesus spoke to gain a deeper insight into his teachings recorded in the cononical gospels. Bernard McGinn, perhaps the foremost contemporary scholar of mysticism, and Patricia Ferris McGinn offer brief portraits of twelve early mystics who made distinctive contributions to the broader tradition. 

Our group's exploration is intended to deepen…