Units timetabled for 2013 and 2014 are provisional only, and details of semester and time will change. The official timetable for each year is released on 1 September of the prior year.

Archived unit descriptions for 2011 are available here.

Mystical Theology

Unit Code: 
CT/DS400
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Unit Value: 
15 points

This seminar explores the relationship between mystical experience and the transformation of all things in Christ. It draws on the works of mystical theology, in particular the writings of William Johnston to throw light on the way in which personal transformative experiences are integral to recentering the person on Christ as God in and for the world. This unit will be run as a seminar with both input and active participation.

This unit is taught alternately at the United Faculty of Theology and Yarra Theological Union.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Christian mystical tradition
  2. Collaborate in the doing of theology, through enhanced communication skills
  3. Recognise the major symbolic expressions of mystical experience
  4. Demonstrate sophisticated knowledge of the writings of William Johnston
  5. Appreciate the value of applying these skills to their own experience
Lecturer/s: 
Maryanne Confoy
Timetabling
Semester: 
Semester 1
Day: 
Tuesday
Time: 
5:00 - 8:00
Location: 
Yarra Theological Union
Unit Frequency: 
Biennial
Years Offered: 
2010
Years Offered: 
2011
Years Offered: 
2013
Unit Fields
Courses: 
Master of Arts (Theology)
Courses: 
Master of Theological Studies
Courses: 
Postgraduate
Field: 
Field C Christian Thought and History
Field: 
Field D Theology: Mission and Ministry
Disciplines: 
Spirituality
Disciplines: 
Systematic Theology
Department Name: 
Department of Moral and Practical Theology
Prerequisites: 

Completion of a Bachelor of Theology, Graduate Diploma of Theology, or equivalent.

Mode of Teaching: 
Semester
Teaching Methods: 

12 x 3 hour seminars

Workload
Number of timetabled hours per week: 
3
Expected personal study hours per week: 
9
Total workload hours per week: 
12
Total workload hours for unit: 
144
Assessment
Assessment TypeWeightingLearning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment Type: 

1 x 6000 word essay

Weighting: 
100%
Recommended reading: 

* = set texts recommended for purchase

  • Johnston, W. Still Point: Reflections on Zen and Christian Mysticism. New York: Fordham University Press, 1986.
  • Johnston, W., trans. The Cloud of Unknowing and the Book of Privy Counseling. New York: Image Books, 1996.
  • Johnston, W. Mystical Theology: The Science of Love. London and New York: Harper Collins, 1996.
  • Johnston, W. The Inner Eye of Love: Mysticism and Religion. New York: Fordham University Press, 1997.
  • Johnston, W. Silent Music: The Science of Meditation. New York: Fordham University Press, 1997.
  • Johnston, W. The Wounded Stag: Christian Mysticism Today. New York: Fordham University Press, 1998.
  • Johnston, W. Arise, My Love: Mysticism for a New Era. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2000.
  • Johnston, W. and M. Thomas. The Mysticism of the Cloud of Unknowing. New York: Fordham University Press, 2000.
  • Kavanaugh, K. and O. Rodrigues, trans. The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila. 2 vols. Washington DC: ICS Publications, 1987-88.

Kavanaugh, K. and O. Rodrigues, trans. The Collected Works of St John of the Cross. Washington DC: ICD Publications, 1973. 

© United Faculty of Theology, 2008-2012.