Christian Mysticism: The Transforming Journey to God

S. Mary Forman, OSB, Ph.D.

While the term mysticism is a modern one (17th century), it has a rich cultural history beginning with the Greek mystery cults. Besides Christian Scripture, mysticism is also associated with the sacraments of initiation and a way to live the Paschal mystery of Christ within a community of believers. Only over time did mysticism come to be associated with spiritual experience of God and the senses related to the divine indwelling of the Trinity. The journey will be distinguished from phenomena (visions, locutions, extra-sensory perceptions, etc.), often associated with being "mystical," by examining excerpts from some of the major and minor mystics. Several "languages" of mysticism will be offered as insightful to a relationship with God that is always under divine initiative.

 

Mary Forman

 

S. Mary Forman, OSB, is Associate Professor of Theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint
John's University and Chair of the Department of Theology. S. Mary teaches Monastic Studies in the
School of Theology·Seminary also. As a member of the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood,
Idaho, she has earned her Master's from Saint John's School of Theology·Seminary and the Centre
for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto, Canada. She also completed her doctorate at the
Centre for Medieval Studies University of Toronto in 1995.


Dates & Locations

  • Friday, Jan. 25 - 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Emmaus Hall, Saint John's University
  • Thursday, Jan. 31 - 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis


A typical Theology Day consists of registration and refreshments, followed by a period of conversation/presentation/lecture. The conversation then continues as participants are given a chance to continue their discussions with one another. Morning presentations are followed by a complimentary lunch for all participants, and most evening sessions also include a meal.

There is no fee for Theology Day, but registration is required.  Free-will offerings and gifts to support the mission of the School of Theology·Seminary are gratefully accepted.

For more information, contact our Development Office at 320-363-3570 or [email protected].

Register now!