Theological Expeditions
Can theology be an adventure of discovery? Come and see.
Scroll down for information about our current expedition. Whether you consider yourself a believer, a spiritual seeker, or none of the above, your sincere interest and participation always will be welcomed.
In the meantime, you can see where prior expeditions have taken us.
The Theological Expeditions seminar is led by Jim Alexander, Trinity Cathedral's theologian-in-residence. Please contact Jim with any questions.
cURRENT EXPEDITION -- REFRESH BROWSER FOR THE LATEST INFO
Modern Mysticism, Silence, and Pilgrimage: March-May 2025
When: Sundays, noon to 1pm
Where: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 81 N. Second Street, San Jose, CA. We meet in person in the Sunday School Room, which is just off the Great Hall. (Directions, parking, and public transportation info.) No online option, sorry.
Required reading: Aflame: Learning from Silence by Pico Iyer (Riverhead Books 2025). In this timely new book, a bestselling author reflects on the power of silence and contemplation amid personal losses caused by California wildfires. He draws on his experiences from over three decades of retreats with monks and mystics at a Benedictine hermitage in the mountains of Big Sur. The book is available at Amazon and your favorite bookseller. As always, let Jim know if you run into a problem obtaining a copy of the book.
Schedule of readings:
Mar. 2 – Introductions and the “Into the Silence”
- Aflame, Chapter I
Mar. 9 – “Into the World”
- Aflame, Chapter II
- Short handout: Reflections on the psalms from the New Camaldoli Hermitage (Fisher, Sevensky)
Mar. 16 – “Into the Heart”
- Aflame, Chapter III
Mar. 23 – NO MEETING
(Please consider attending the presentation by PACT at this time.)
Mar. 30 – “Into the Boiler Room"
- Aflame, Chapter IV
Apr. 6 – “Into the Mystery"
- Aflame, Chapter V
May 4 – Wrap-up session with a very special guest: the author himself, Pico Iyer, joining us virtually! Due to an unavoidable conflict on April 13, we have rescheduled this session to May 4, from noon to 1pm.
