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Eyes to See: Turning towards God

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Home Short Courses Eyes to See: Turning towards God

Eyes to See: Turning towards God course

Metanoia, the invitation into a relationship with God that changes everything, has been accepted in ways that have truly shaped history. In this course, we will explore the trajectory of that relationship in the lives of four visionary figures: Francis and Clare of Assisi, Dorothy Day and Oscar Romero. Each of these figures had to make challenging decisions and found meaning and fulfillment with each new step toward partnership with God. We will use the book Faces of Metanoia, with its reflective prompts, to guide and shape our conferences and quiet times. We will begin with dinner and an evening conference defining metanoia and exploring what transformation looks like. On the following day, we will hold up moments of decision and change in each of these four lives, exploring how we, too, have experienced some of these moments, and considering God’s call to metanoia today. No previous knowledge required

 

Gillian Ahlgren is a church historian internationally known for her work in the Christian mystical tradition, especially with such figures as Teresa of Avila, Ignatius Loyola, Francis and Clare of Assisi, and Julian of Norwich. She is the author of ten books, including The Tenderness of God: Reclaiming Our Humanity and Faces of Metanoia. Her academic life is informed by decades of pastoral practice, providing retreats and workshops communicating practical dimensions of the mystical life today. 

Book Event

Residential ticket #2819 £205

Residential retreat which begins at 6pm Tuesday and ends 6pm Wednesday. This ticket includes single ensuite B&B as well as supper on Tuesday, lunch on Wednesday and refreshments.

Available Tickets: 8
The Residential ticket #2819 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.
Non residential ticket £135

This retreat begins at 6pm Tuesday and ends 6pm Wednesday. This ticket includes supper on Tuesday, lunch on Wednesday and refreshments.

Available Tickets: 15
The Non residential ticket ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Details

Dates & Times

21 - 22 Jul 2026
6:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tutor(s)

Dr Gillian Ahlgren

Course code

2819

Other Notes

This is an onsite 24 hour retreat held at Sarum College.

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What our students say

Riveting!

Book of Revelation course

Someone on the course said it was ‘riveting!’ This was exactly what I felt. The course was a total joy because of the tutor’s handouts, excellence and Sarum College hospitality.
Mark Oakley

Faith is an imaginative adventure

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

I admire the work and tone of Sarum College very deeply. It is a community that takes theology and spirituality seriously, not as hobbies but as pursuits into understanding, and engaging in, a complex world.

Sarum College reminds us that faith is an imaginative adventure and that it is shaped by a questioning joy.

Vibrant approach to theology

Fr Azariah France-Williams

I’ve been particularly struck by the refreshing approach to theological education here. In a world, and indeed within parts of the church, where faith can sometimes feel stagnant or out of touch, Sarum offers a vibrant and relevant alternative. The courses encourage a bold exploration of profound ideas, connecting with truths that lie beneath the surface and fostering genuine personal growth, which feels particularly significant as I approach my 50th year. This counter-cultural spirit, which embraces depth and challenges ageism and fear, is truly remarkable. Sarum is a place where individuals can be transformed by engaging with a living and breathing faith.

 

 

Well worth taking the time

Disability Theology: Theory and Practice

I took time to attend the course out of a busy working week and it was well worth taking that time. I have so many things to ponder and reflect on from this course and a helpful further reading list to keep me going for a few months! Thank you Sarum College

 

Netflix, Theology and Pastoral Practice

Peter Butchers on his MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture student experience

How do cultural tropes, like those found in Black Mirror, help bridge the gap between what academic theology espouses and what the everyday Christian believes? In his research as a student on the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture, Peter Butchers explored platonic philosophy, digital theology and eschatology, and pastoral practice around death and dying.

Read more 

Rewarding Sabbatical Stay

The Revd Greg Syler, is Rector of Ascension & St. George’s, Resurrection Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC USA, spent part of his ministry sabbatical at Sarum College in spring 2022.

His account of the experience begins: ‘I loved spending nearly three weeks of my ministry sabbatical at Sarum College earlier this year.

Not only did I rest, and rest well in the comfortable care of the Sarum College staff, I experienced very significant renewal and fresh insights.’

Read more

Tutor(s)

Dr Gillian Ahlgren

Visiting Scholar

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