Carl Jung reminds us, “It is to the mystics we owe what is best of humanity.” In times of challenge and uncertainty we are called to rediscover and embody the best of humanity. Each of us is invited to embrace the path of the mystic—to be lovers of life, beauty, and goodness, saying “Yes” to them wherever they arise.

This is necessary also in order to develop the prophet or spiritual warrior within us who says “No” to injustice and folly and has been defined as “the mystic in action.”

In this course, guided by Matthew Fox, a renowned theologian and spiritual teacher whose work has deeply influenced contemporary Christian mysticism, we will explore some of the richest and most incredible mystic-prophets in the Christian lineage including Hildegard of Bingen, Thomas Aquinas, Mechtild of Magdeburg, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich.

While the world faces many challenges today—from the harm done to Mother Earth to threats against democracy—we have the opportunity to respond with wisdom, courage, and compassion. Poet, farmer and prophet Wendell Berry says, “one must fight the worst with the best.” We will explore what is best within us by calling on the mystics who came before us and thereby call for the best in ourselves for what lies ahead.

In their creativity and their love of life, each of these mystics offers their own understanding and language and concepts that guide us to our deeper presence in the world, our capacity for “reading the signs of our times” and responding to the news whether it be good or disturbing. Each of these mystics were engaged in struggles of their day and were committed to awakening others to the sacredness of the Earth and the empowerment that comes with claiming one’s creativity, and the responsibility that comes with following the way of Compassion, Celebration, Healing and Justice.

We will explore their teachings and practices that light the fire of spirituality in us, the “spark of the soul” (Eckhart) that culminates in a fire of the divine image burning in us all.