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The Christian Mysticism of WIlliam Blake course

Dr Mark Vernon follows the golden string that William Blake said he places in our hands and which leads to heaven’s gate, built in Jerusalem’s wall.

Blake is one of the most important post-reformation mystics, as well as a figure with a penetrating mind who enjoyed everyday encounters with spiritual beings like angels. His vivid writings, arresting artworks and fascinating life lead us to what he called Jesus the imagination and pathways to Eternity – a worldview formed in a tumultuous era of war, discontent, rapid technological change, and human estrangement from nature.

But what can be made of Blake today? What is his spiritual analysis of our times? The day will include extensive engagement with Blake’s imagery and poetry, as well as discussion and reflection. No previous knowledge of Blake will be assumed.

Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, teacher, podcaster and writer of journalistic articles as well as books. He has a PhD in ancient Greek philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His books include “A Secret History of Christianity: Jesus, the Last Inkling and the Evolution of Consciousness”; “Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Guide for the Spiritual Journey” and most recently “Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination”. For more information see Mark’s website: https://www.markvernon.com/

Book Event

Early bird ticket #2842 £65

In person early bird discount ticket This is a discounted early bird ticket offering the course for £65 rather than £70. This offer expires 60 days prior to the event and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. This course will be held onsite at Sarum College. The course fee includes lunch and refreshments.

Available Tickets: 10

The Early bird ticket #2842 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Standard ticket #2842 £70

This course will be held onsite at Sarum College. The course fee includes lunch and refreshments.

Available Tickets: 35

The Standard ticket #2842 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Details

Dates & Times

06 Nov 2026

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Course code

2842

Other Notes

This course is being held onsite at Sarum College

If you wish to stay with us please contact our hospitality team to book your accommodation on 01722 424800

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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.

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.’

The Christian Mysticism of WIlliam Blake