Benedictine Spirituality: Traditions of Christian Spirituality (Session 2) course
Traditions of Christian Spirituality Series
in association with
The Rule of St Benedict has had enormous influence over Western theology, spirituality, Church life and culture. With its famous focus on ora et labora (‘prayer and work’), the Rule has provided, for over a thousand years, a foundation of the spiritual and daily lives of Benedictine monks, and other religious. It also provides a rich tool for spirituality today. This session will explore the context and formation of the Rule and then consider its utility for spirituality today.
About the Tutor
Dr Rowan Williams has taught theology in a number of contexts nationally and internationally, as well as serving as Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012.
Among his many books on theology, spirituality, and literature are: A Century of Poetry: 100 poems for searching the heart (2022); The Way of St Benedict (2020); The City is My Monastery: A contemporary rule of life (2019); Being Human: Bodies, Minds, Persons (2018).
About the Series
This is the second session in a five-part series on five major strands of the Christian spiritual tradition: Desert, Benedictine, Franciscan, Ignatian and Quaker spiritualities.
Each session will be led by an expert on that form of Christian spirituality and will consider the foundation of the tradition and how it can speak to Christian spirituality today. Each session will include time for discussion.
The first session considers various questions such as: Who are the desert ascetics? When and where did they emerge? How did they impact the early Christian movement? And what is ‘desert spirituality’? What might the ascetics and the desert tradition have to say to us today? Desert Spirituality course listing.
The third session will consider the spirituality present in the writings by and about Francis of Assisi and his early followers and consider how their teachings may be of use today.
In the fourth session, we will examine Ignatian Spirituality which is well known for its dynamic and practical applications. In this course we will explore the variety of ways that Ignatian spirituality encourages a deepening relationship with the incarnate God who is continually creating possibilities.
The fifth and final session will provide a short introduction to the faith and practice of Quakers, exploring their history, development, theological vision and contemporary spirituality.
This series is presented in association with the Church Times.
The Church House Bookshop is offering a 10% discount on books related to the series
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