Dear Engaged Spirit Family,
The next Engaged Spirituality is
Sunday October 22
10:30 AM-PT, 11:30 AM-MT, 12:30 PM-CT, 1:30 PM ET
We will begin discussion of the book Walking with God: The Sermon Series of Howard Thurman Volume 2 The Way of the Mystics. Edited by Peter Eisenstadt and Walter Earl Fluker. You can order here.
We will have a discussion of:
1. The 2 introductions to the book:
a. The editors’ introduction Pages xiii – xxii
b. Howard Thurman’s introduction 1-9
You can also listen to the audio of Howard Thurman’s introduction to this book, pages 1-9 at: https://thurman.pitts.emory.edu/items/show/598
2. Mysticism
Background Article and Audio
a. Related Article by Carl McColman: Mysticism and Contemplation: What’s the Difference?
b. Mysticism and Social Change - 1978 October 13
c. Mysticism and Social Change, continued – 1978 October 13
d. Mysticism and Social Action, Part 1 - 1978 October 14
e. Mysticism and Social Action, Part 2 – 1978 October 14
Ellen Murphy will be co-hosting this ES discussion and has provided these questions:
1. What is your understanding of what 'mysticism' means?
2. What is your perception of ‘mystic. ‘What does it mean to be a 'mystic'?
3. Have you known any mystics personally and how did you know they were mystics?
4. What does Howard Thurman say about mysticism from the Introduction sermon?
5. How do you think his teachings on mysticism helped or hurt Howard Thurman’s ministry?
6. How do you think his teachings on mysticism helped or hurt Howard Thurman’s theology?
7. How do you think his teachings on mysticism helped or hurt Howard Thurman’s professorships?
8. What are some elements of mysticism noted in the intro chapters of the book?
· A way to God
· Realization of unity and wholeness as the real experience
· Primary contact with God, first-hand experience
· Response to personal encounter with God
· Fluid experience of the divine
· Transcends outward creedal affiliations
· Unity with God enhances mystic’s personality and presence, not dissolve identity
· Has moments of vision and under the obligation to achieve the good which in some profound sense is given in the moment of vision
· Surrounded by an all-pervasive Spirit of God which Spirit is in me, and in personal terms can make direct contact with that Spirit without going outside myself.
· All-pervasive Spirit, time-transcendent, space-transcendent, that gathers up into itself the total gamut of human experience.
Here is the Zoom Link info:
Meeting ID: 885 4530 7238
Passcode: 529842
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Hope you can make it!
Take care,
Eileen