A Beginner’s Guide to Christian Mysticism

Name: A Beginner’s Guide to Christian Mysticism
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Exploring the Threefold Mystical Pathway

Created byRamona Harris

Last updated 10/2023

English

What you'll learn

The Threefold path of Christian mysticism and how it can relate to one's personal spiritual growth

Course content

5 sections • 29 lectures • 1h 8m total length

Introduction to the Course4:51
Welcome to this course entitled, A Beginners’ Guide to Christian Mysticism. This course will give you insight into and an appreciation of the way of the Christian mystics. The purpose of this course is to define Christian mysticism and to help you become familiar with the classic Christian mystical pathway. This course will expound upon the process, that is, the threefold way that Christian mystics travel as they are led into a mystical union with the Absolute Mystery we call God. If you have a desire to draw closer to God, wish to intensify your spirituality and relationship with the Divine, or dive deeper into the wonder of Christian mysticism, this introductory course is for you.
Comparative Mystical Traditions1:22
You will be able to recognize that mysticism is a universal human experience
Commonalities of Mysticism in Various Religious Traditions1:28
Three major commonalities of mysticism in various religious traditions are presented in this video.
Differences of Mysticism in Various Religious Traditions2:48
Four areas of difference will be briefly examined in this lecture.
Summary of Comparative Mystical Traditions1:00
Here is a recap of the comparisons & differences of mysticism in various religious traditions.
Is There Such a Thing as Christian Mysticism?2:09
This lecture will provide rationale to affirm the concept of Christian mysticism and that it does exist not only historically but in the present times as well.
Definition of Christian Mysticism2:28
You will receive two foundational, academic definitions of Christian mysticism and will be given a working definition to use in this course and elsewhere.
Are You Called to be Mystic?2:52
We will break open the question, "Are you called to be a mystic?" by reviewing thoughts from theologians who have an expertise in Christian mysticism.
Definition of Christian Mysticism

Section 2-Approaches to Christian Mysticism0:23
What is Apophatic Mysticism?2:23
We will review the important Greek term, apophatic mysticism. You will be able to define apophatic mysticism and the mystics who are considered apophatic.
What is Kataphatic Mysticism?2:01
In this lecture, we will review the second important Greek term, kataphatic mysticism. You will be able to define kataphatic mysticism , the difference between apophatic and kataphatic mysticism and learn of the mystics who are considered kataphatic.
Summary of the Two Types of Christian Mysticism2:09
This lecture provides a summary of the two types of mysticism and demonstrates how the two types of mysticism work together.
The Two Approaches to Mysticism

The Foundations of Christian Mysticism0:31
Mysticism found in the Hebrew Scriptures2:36
The Hebrew Scriptures are foundational for Christians. Many people in the "Old Testament" had direct mystical contact and communication with God. After this lecture you will be able to provide a few examples of mysticism found in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Mysticism found in the New Testament3:20
The New Testament is replete with direct mystical experiences of the common people with Jesus and later his apostles. After this lecture, you will be able to convey a few examples of such mysticism found in the New Testament.
Mysticism found in early Christianity2:17
This lecture will briefly provide you with descriptions of mysticism in the first few centuries after Christ's death and resurrection, the time of the early church.
Foundations of Christian Mysticism

The Classical Threefold Way of Christian Mysticism0:47
Introduction to the Threefold Way of Christian Mysticism2:02
In this lecture the threefold way of Christian mysticism will be defined and the each of the three stages named and differentiated. We will also discuss the development of spiritual maturity as one progresses along this mystical path.
Awakening, a Preliminary Stage2:16
In addition to the three major stages of Christian mysticism, there is a pre-stage. This lecture will discuss that pre-stage called, "Awakening."
Stage 1: Purgation, the Purgative Way3:09
The first stage of Purgation, also known as the Purgative way will be described.
Transition Stage: Dark Night of the Senses5:05
The Dark Night of the Senses, which is a transitional phase in this stage, will be defined.
Stage 2: Illumination, the Illuminative Way2:20
In this lecture, the second stage of Illumination will be explained. The Dark Night of the Spirit which is a transitional phase in this stage will also be identified.
Transition Stage: Dark Night of the Spirit2:18
Stage 3: Union, the Unitive Way3:00
The third and ultimate stage of Union will be defined and examples of this stage will be given.
Labyrinth Reflection on the Threefold Way3:51
This is a reflection to sum up the three stages using a meditative tool called the labyrinth, to help you have a reflective "experience" with the threefold way. You may also download a copy of the reflection and labyrinth to use in the future.

Section 50:35
Tying It All Together3:28
In this lecture, we tie things together so hopefully, you will see how Christian mysticism is not only for a select few, but has something to offer all believers. By now, you will be able to articulate the stages of Christian mysticism and have a good understanding of each of these stages. There are resources for you to download that outline the major points of what this course has covered.
What’s Next?2:48
This lecture gives you some ideas on how to relate the wisdom of Christian mysticism to your own life.
Bonus Lecture - Resources2:01
In this lecture you will find meaningful resources, links and coupon codes to my other courses on Christian mystics, and websites that continue the conversation on Christian mysticism, should you be interested.

Requirements

Have an interest in Christian spirituality or Christian mysticism

Description

If you are a seeker of Christian wisdom, wish to grow your spirituality and connection with the Divine, or simply learn more about the wonder of Christian mysticism, this foundational course is for you.

In this course you will:

notice key differences between Christian mysticism and the mysticism of various other religious traditions
gain a working definition of Christian mysticism
learn about the two approaches to Christian mysticism
briefly review the foundations of Christian mysticism
explore the heart of the mystical process: the threefold way and the dark night of the soul.
and see how the 3-fold mystical process can enrich your own spiritual growth.

There are reflection activities for you to engage with so you can better integrate the information you receive here into your personal life, should you like to participate.

If you want to dive deeper into the life & teachings of the Christian mystics, please join me in other courses I offer for a nominal fee on this platform. You can learn about the famous 14th century English mystic, Julian of Norwich, the 16th century arrogant soldier turned saint, Ignatius of Loyola, or the extraordinary Women Doctors of the Catholic Church: Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, Therese of Lisieux and Hildegard of Bingen, and more classes will be coming.

Thank you for your interest.

Who this course is for:

Those who desire to learn about Christian mysticism, its mystical path, and/or a desire to pursue spiritual development

A Beginner’s Guide to Christian Mysticism

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Overview of Christian Mysticism8 lectures • 19min

Approaches to Christian Mysticism: Apophatic and Kataphatic4 lectures • 7min

The Foundations of Christian Mysticism, Abridged Version4 lectures • 9min

The Classical Threefold Way of Christian Mysticism9 lectures • 25min

The Wrap Up4 lectures • 9min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: