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Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle: Journeying Towards Eastertide course

In the Interior Castle, Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) outlines seven stages of growth toward union with God–a union that is not so much a state as a way of living into active partnership with God. As we learn to avail ourselves of God, rid ourselves of frivolous or self-defeating habits, and integrate all that life with God offers us, we journey through all that Christianity celebrates about the life of Christ, particularly the mystery of new life found as we move beyond the smallness of self toward the goodness and majesty of God. Using the book, Palace Within: Exploring Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, we will move through the material in the first five dwelling places of Teresa of Avila’s classic mystical text, discovering for ourselves the possibilities that life-with-God opens up for us and for our hurting world. This course will be primarily lecture, with time for reflection on insights gained through the weeks in between class meetings.

Gillian Ahlgren is Professor Emerita of Theology at Xavier University and has been teaching the Christian mystical tradition for 35 years. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, and published her first book on Teresa of Avila (Teresa of Avila and the Politics of Sanctity) in 1995. Since then, she has lectured widely on Teresa, particularly her Interior Castle, providing retreats and workshops for practical approaches to the text. For more information see https://www.gillianahlgren.com/

Details

Dates & Times

24 Mar 2026

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

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.

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.

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.’

Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle: Journeying Towards Eastertide