Theological Expeditions
Can theology be an adventure of discovery? Come and see.
We next meet on Sunday, October 6. (See below for more information.) Whether you consider yourself a believer, a spiritual seeker, or nothing in particular, your sincere interest and participation will be welcomed.
The Theological Expeditions seminar is led by Jim Alexander, Trinity Cathedral's theologian-in-residence. Please contact Jim with any questions. You can also view information about prior expeditions.
CURRENT Expedition - Refresh your browser for latest info
“Mystical” Theology in Christianity and Other Traditions: Sept.-Nov. 2024
When: Sundays at noon, beginning September 8.
Where: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 81 N. Second Street, San Jose, CA. We will meet in person in the Sunday School Room located off the Great Hall. (Directions, parking, and public transportation info.) (No online option, sorry.)
Required reading: Mystics by William Harmless, S.J. This excellent book explores the lives and theological systems of eight historically important mystics. At one chapter a week, the reading is very manageable. Mystics is available at Biblio.com and Amazon, among other booksellers. As always, let Jim know if you run into a problem obtaining a copy of the book.
Schedule of readings and discussions:
Sept. 8 -- Mystic as Fire Watcher: Thomas Merton
Harmless, pp. 19-40 (Reading the preface and the introductory chapter at pp. 3-18 is recommended but not required. To get a head start on the discussion, you can view Jim's blog post: What Makes a Person a "Mystic"?)
Sept. 15 -- Mystic as Experienced Exegete: Bernard of Clairvaux
Harmless, pp. 41-58
Sept. 22 -- NO MEETING (Deacon Bertram will offer training for Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Lay Eucharistic Visitors at noon.)
Sept. 29 -- NO MEETING (Dean Julia’s final Sunday at Trinity)
Oct. 6 -- Mystic as Multimedia Artist: Hildegard of Bingen,
and Mystic as Cartographer: Bonaventure
Harmless, pp. 59-105
Oct. 13 -- Mystic as Mystagogue: Meister Eckhart
Harmless, pp. 107-134
Oct. 20 -- Mystic as Desert Calligrapher: Evangrius Ponticus
Harmless, pp. 135-157
Oct. 27 -- Mysticism and Islam: Rumi
Harmless, pp. 159-188
Nov. 3 -- Mysticism and Zen Buddhism: Dogen
Harmless, pp. 189-223
Nov. 10 -- Interspiritual Mysticism: Hindu Advaita Vedanta in Dialogue with Christianity
Handout: Juan Mascaró, Introduction to the Upanishads and Isa Upanishad
Nov. 17 -- Reading Mystics: Text, Community, Experience
Harmless, pp. 225-269
