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Mystical Theology: The Ecstasy of God (CT3012Z / CT9002Z)

This unit builds upon prior theological study by engaging students with texts and figures at the limits of theological knowledge and experience. It explores a diverse range of mysticisms, including those within authorized theological traditions, as well as experiential and bodily mysticisms that challenge official theological discourses and practices. The relationship between mysticism and various forms of life in the world—including politics, ecclesiology, and the arts—will be examined in depth.

Subject Details

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Second semester

Core/Elective

Elective

Delivery Mode

Mixed Mode - onsite or online

Prerequisites

This unit requires students to complete two Undergraduate Foundation level units in Systematic Theology.

Prescribed Texts

  • Franke, William. On What Cannot Be Said, 2 vols., Notre Dame, 2007.

  • Hollywood, Amy. Sensible Ecstasy: Mysticism, Sexual Difference, and the Demands of History. University of Chicago, 2002.

  • McIntosh, Mark. Mystical Theology: The Integrity of Spirituality and Theology. Blackwell, 1998.

  • Sell, Michael. Mystical Languages of Unsaying. University of Chicago Press, 1994.

  • Steenbuch, Johannes Aakjær. Negative Theology: A Short Introduction. Cascade Books, 2022.

  • Prevot, Andrew. 2023. The Mysticism of Ordinary Life: theology, philosophy, and feminism. Oxford.

  • Richard Boothby, Embracing the Void: Rethinking the Origin of the Sacred. Northwestern University Press, 2023.

  • Denys Turner, The Darkness of God: Negativity in Christian Mysticism. Cambridge University Press, 1995.

  • Cambridge Companion to Christian Mysticism edited by Amy Hollywood. Cambridge University Press, 2012.

  • Marika Rose, A Theology of Failure: Žižek Against Christian Innocence. Fordham University Press, 2019.

  • Virginia Burrus, Mark D. Jordan and Karmen MacKendrick, Seducing Augustine: Bodies, Desires, Confessions. Fordham University Press, 2010.

Assessments

  1. Oral presentation based on written reflection (1750 words); Weighting 35%

  2. Argumentative essay or creative project (3250 words); Weighting 65%

Teaching and Learning Plan

This subject will involve:

  • Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials

Learning Outcomes

Students completing this unit will:  

  1. Critique the historical development of mystical theology by analyzing the contributions and influence of key figures and concepts within broader theological and philosophical frameworks.

  2. Synthesise theological concepts by integrating historical discourses with contemporary contexts.

  3. Demonstrate peer to peer learning through student directed classroom discussions.

  4. Explore and evaluate the intersection between mystical theology and other disciplines (e.g. philosophy, psychology, etc.)


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