Annotation
The Roots of Christian Mysticism: Text and Commentary
The seminar will rediscover the sources of Christianity, as it is found in the patristic era. It will be based on the commentated reading of a book by an Orthodox theologian Oliviér Clément, The Roots of Christian Mysticim: Texts from the Patristic Era with Commentary (New City Press, 1993). This book provide the necessary patristic sources of Christian mysticim translated into English together with Clément´s commentary. We will explore the question of the mystery and its understanding, and also the approaches to sacramental life and contemplation. There will be also a lot ofspace provided for discussion over the text itself and related issues.
Contents of the Course: 1. Introduction to theCourse plus the text: Quest, Encounter, and Decision, pp. 15-25. 2. God, Hidden and Universal,pp. 26-34. 3. TheGod-Man, pp. 35-57. 4. God: Unity and Difference, pp. 58-75. 5. The Human Vocation, pp. 76-91. 6. Ecclesia: A Place for Rebirth, pp. 95-129. 7. The Interior Combat, pp. 130-149. 8. Confidence and Humility, pp. 149-165. 9. Passions Transfigured, Thought Transcended, pp. 166- 180. 10. On Prayer, pp. 181-212. 11. The Glory of God Hidden in Creatures, pp. 213-229. 12. Enstasy- Ecstasy, pp. 230-262. 13. The Difficult Love, pp. 270-296.