Mystical Theology: An Approach

UFT Code: 
CT/DS400
Unit Credit Points: 
15
Timetabling
Semester: 
First Semester
Day: 
Tuesday
Time: 
5:00 - 8:00
Lecturer Profile: 
Maryanne Confoy
Location: 
Jesuit Theological College
Years Offered: 
2010

This seminar explores the relationship between mystical experience and the transformation of all things in Christ. It draws on the works of mystical theology, in particular the writings of William Johnston to throw light on the way in which personal transformative experiences are integral to recentering the person on Christ as God in and for the world. This unit will be run as a seminar with both input and active participation.
 
This unit is taught alternately at the United Faculty of Theology and Yarra Theological Union.
  

Description
Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Christian mystical tradition
  2. Collaborate in the doing of theology, through enhanced communication skills
  3. Recognise the major symbolic expressions of mystical experience
  4. Demonstrate sophisticated knowledge of the writings of William Johnston
  5. Appreciate the value of applying these skills to their own experience 
Prerequisites: 
Completion of a Bachelor of Theology, Graduate Diploma of Theology, or equivalent.
Teaching Methods: 

12 x 3 hour seminars 

Contact Hours: 

36 hours

Assessment: 
  • 1 x 6000 word essay (100%)  
Mode of Teaching: 
Semester
Bibliography: 
  • Johnston, W. Still Point: Reflections on Zen and Christian Mysticism. New York: Fordham University Press, 1986.
  • Johnston, W., trans. The Cloud of Unknowing and the Book of Privy Counseling. New York: Image Books, 1996.
  • Johnston, W. Mystical Theology: The Science of Love. London and New York: Harper Collins, 1996.
  • Johnston, W. The Inner Eye of Love: Mysticism and Religion. New York: Fordham University Press, 1997.
  • Johnston, W. Silent Music: The Science of Meditation. New York: Fordham University Press, 1997.
  • Johnston, W. The Wounded Stag: Christian Mysticism Today. New York: Fordham University Press, 1998.
  • Johnston, W. Arise, My Love: Mysticism for a New Era. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2000.
  • Johnston, W. and M. Thomas. The Mysticism of the Cloud of Unknowing. New York: Fordham University Press, 2000.
  • Kavanaugh, K. and O. Rodrigues, trans. The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila. 2 vols. Washington DC: ICS Publications, 1987-88.

Kavanaugh, K. and O. Rodrigues, trans. The Collected Works of St John of the Cross. Washington DC: ICD Publications, 1973. 

Unit Fields
Course: 
MTS
Postgraduate
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Department Name: 
Department of Systematic Theology
Unit Level
MTS: 
MTS
Postgraduate: 
Postgraduate

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