The English poet, illustrator, philosopher and visionary, William Blake, has never been more loved. His social comment, creative knack and quotable verse have proven irresistible. And yet for all the fascination and adulation, he is rarely read as he hoped.  He promises to cleanse the doors of perception so that others might follow him and step into the domain he called Eternity. He provides a way to an utterly changed view of reality, deeply informed by traditions within Christianity alongside others, which his works are designed to precipitate. In this illustrated talk, Mark Vernon will  explore Blake’s precise analysis of modern ills, as well as his initiatory mythology, to foster the awakening he yearned to stir. What emerges when Eternity’s sunrise dawns in our minds?

About the tutor

Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist and writer, with a keen interest in ancient philosophy, as well as the illumination of inner life. His recent books are on spiritual intelligence, Dante’s Divine Comedy, Christianity as understood by Owen Barfield, and most recently, William Blake in “Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination”. As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, he has a private practice based in London. He also contributes to programmes on the radio and writes as a journalist, with work published by the BBC, Aeon, Church Times, and elsewhere, including The Idler, where he writes a regular column and contributes in a variety of other ways. He also leads workshops, give talks and podcast, including in a longstanding series of conversations with Rupert Sheldrake.

About the English Mystics Series

The Christian mystical tradition is vibrant and international. It brings a wide range of voices to our attention and shares insights about God (and our relationship with God) from their positions – often on the margins. Many of the key voices and texts from this tradition come from relatively far away – Francis of Assisi and his followers from Italy, Meister Eckhart from Germany, or Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross from Spain. But England also has a vibrant and rich mystical tradition. Many scholars have identified five “English mystics” all from the 14th century. In this series we will consider three of these figures and then two later mystics from England.

Each session will consist of an introductory lecture by an expert on the English mystic in question. After a short break we will then have a Q&A session with the speaker.

This series is jointly organised by Sarum College and the Church Times, and a list of discounted books from Church House Bookshop will be made available relevant to each webinar. The webinars will be recorded and made available to view after the live webinar for 30 days.

Schedule and speakers

26th January — Margery Kempe with Hetta Howes

23rd February — Richard Rolle with Tim Glover

30th March — The Cloud of Unknowing with Becky Field

27th April — William Blake with Mark Vernon

25th May — Evelyn Underhill with Jane Shaw