The Origins of Christian Mysticism



Overview

Come and discover the origins of Christian mystical theology.  Explore 'the seeing that consists in not seeing' (Gregory of Nyssa), the state of mind 'resembling sapphire' (Evagrius of Pontus), and 'the brilliant darkness of a hidden silence' (Dionysius).

The early Christian mystics we will be studying, such as Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, Evagrius of Pontus and Pseudo-Dionysius, drew on deep roots in both Jewish and Greek traditions as they struggled for words with which to describe the indescribable.  We will examine their interpretations of such biblical passages as Moses' entry into the darkness, the elders' viewing of the divine sapphire pavement, and Ezekiel's chariot vision; along with their dependence on apocalyptic descriptions of heavenly ascent and Platonic notions of the soul.  We will consider the influence of the desert fathers' and mothers' experiments in ascetic Christian living. 

The emphasis throughout will be on reading primary sources together - translations will be provided.  And there will be plenty of time for discussion.

Programme details

Courses starts: 23 Apr 2024

Week 1: Introduction to mystical theology

Week 2: From the Bible to the apocalypses

Week 3: Platonism and Philo

Week 4: Clement of Alexandria

Week 5: Origen

Week 6: Gregory of Nyssa

Week 7: The desert hermits

Week 8: Evagrius of Pontus

Week 9: Macarius

Week 10: Pseudo-Dionysius

Certification

Students who register for CATS points will receive a Record of CATS points on successful completion of their course assessment.

To earn credit (CATS points) you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Coursework is an integral part of all weekly classes and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework in order to benefit fully from the course. Only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard.

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process can either register for CATS points prior to the start of their course or retrospectively from the January 1st after the current full academic year has been completed. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £257.00
Take this course for CATS points £10.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Ann Conway-Jones

Dr Ann Conway-Jones is an honorary research fellow at The University of Birmingham, specialising in biblical interpretation, early Jewish-Christian relations, and the origins of mystical theology.  She combines her scholarship with over 20 years’ experience of teaching adults.

Course aims

To explore how Christian mystical theology developed from its twin roots in Jewish apocalypticism and Platonic philosophy.

Course objectives:

  • To present prominent early Christian mystics.
  • To examine how key biblical passages influenced the development of mystical theology.
  • To trace the use of heavenly ascent as a metaphor for the inner journey of the soul.

Teaching methods

The teaching will be participatory and interactive.  Use will be made of online materials, including brief videos.  Students will be given short extracts from key texts (in translation) to read before each session, and asked to come prepared to discuss them.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

  • read extracts from early Christian mystics with confidence;
  • identify the biblical passages which influenced the development of mystical theology;
  • understand the way in which heavenly ascent traditions were turned into metaphors for the inner journey of the soul. 

Assessment methods

One essay of 1500 words.  A selection of titles will be provided.

Students must submit a completed Declaration of Authorship form at the end of term when submitting your final piece of work. CATS points cannot be awarded without the aforementioned form - Declaration of Authorship form

Application

To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).

Level and demands

The course is open to all. No background knowledge is required.

Most of the Department's weekly classes have 10 or 20 CATS points assigned to them. 10 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of ten 2-hour sessions. 20 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of twenty 2-hour sessions. It is expected that, for every 2 hours of tuition you are given, you will engage in eight hours of private study.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support