Exploring the Thought of a French Mystic
In this seminar we will explore the thought of the French philosopher, activist, and mystic Simone Weil (1909-1943). Born to secular Jewish parents, Weil led a life of spiritual questing that resulted in a profound theological engagement with Christianity. A brilliant student educated in France’s elite institutions, she maintained an unsentimental solidarity with the working class that led her to labor in factories and farms. Her radical commitment to a selfless life lived for the sake of others places her in the tradition of the great Christian mystics, while her unflinching anti-fascism in the face of the Nazis’ rise to power serves as a beacon of individual moral responsibility in dark times. We will sample the range of her major writings, from her reflections on the political conditions of community in The Need for Roots to her mystical meditations collected under the title Gravity and Grace.
Who Should Attend
| Anyone who is theologically curious – whether you are a Christian lay leader, pastor, retired pastor, or someone of little to no religious affiliation. All are welcome! We anticipate meaningful interfaith encounters and engagement across the spectrum of spiritual commitment. |
| Lovers of humanities programs and academic discussions. |
| Christian lay leaders who are considering seminary. |
| Alumni of Christian schools. |
Over four seminar sessions, you will:
- Develop theological thinking while gaining an overview of a major figure in twentieth-century philosophy and spirituality.
- Practice analyzing and summarizing theological and philosophical arguments through close reading and group discussions.
- Identify major themes in Weil’s thinking and assess their value for your own spiritual trajectory and theological position.