THEO 3010 Christian Mysticism and Contemplation

The course introduces students to a sampling of various contemplative and mystical writings within the Christian tradition across ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary eras. Engagement with these contemplative and mystical sources will not only illuminate foundational Christian doctrines but expand and deepen our thinking about selfhood, prayer, and the intimacy of divine presence. While the course explores a broad range of contemplative disciplines, it will give special attention to the practices of silence and stillness that offer a refuge from the noise and chaos of the world and open modes of knowing beyond the limits of ordinary reasoning.