The Mystical Way: Spirituality in the Gospel of John

Certificate in The Mystical Way: Spirituality in the Gospel of John

Description

Near the end of the Fourth Gospel, the author writes that "these things have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name" (Jn. 20:31). Here is a clear and unambiguous statement of purpose regarding what is at stake in reading and interpreting this Gospel: it has been written to inspire belief and to lead believers into a more abundant life in God. This is a fundamentally mystical vision of Christian life, inviting believers into full participation in the divine life.

This course will examine the mystical way as it is reflected in the Fourth Gospel and in dialogue with the subsequent Christian mystical tradition. Particular attention will be given to what it means to live into what the gospel calls “abiding love.”

Please contact the center at CRS@lmu.edu or call us at 310.338.2799, for additional information.

Course Objectives

• To learn to read and reflect on the Fourth Gospel as a rich, transformative sacred text.
• To consider the complex social, historical, literary and theological influences that helped to shape the Fourth Gospel.
• To understand the distinctive literary-theological character of the Fourth Gospel.
• To consider how a deeper awareness of the transforming power of this Gospel can impact ordinary spiritual practice.

Topics to Be Covered

• The origins of Christian spirituality in the Gospel tradition.
• The relationship between scripture and spirituality.
• The mean of faith in the fourth Gospel as “believing into”—that is, a deeply immersive experience of faith.
• The centrality of Christ as God incarnate to Johannine spirituality.

Who Should Participate

This course is open to anyone who wishes to learn how to read and reflect upon the Fourth Gospel as a transformative spiritual text.

General Information

Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials. Click here to review all policies prior to enrollment. For additional information, contact the Center at (310) 338-2799 or crs@lmu.edu.