Spirituality Conference with The Rev. Michael Battle, PhD

Sat Oct 22 2022 at 09:30 am to 03:00 pm

The Cathedral of St. Philip | Atlanta

The Cathedral of St. Philip
Publisher/HostThe Cathedral of St. Philip
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Deep Reconciliation as Christian Mysticism—Not Cheap Grace
Dr. Battle will explore Christian mysticism and the life of Desmond Tutu
About this Event

The Very Rev. Michael Battle is an Episcopal moral theologian known for his works on spirituality, reconciliation, and the thought of Desmond Tutu. His latest book is titled Desmond Tutu: A Spiritual Biography of South Africa’s Confessor (2021), which arises out of Battle’s personal experience with Tutu (who ordained Battle a priest in 1993) and his extensive study of Tutu’s works. At the conference, we will explore the three stages of Christian mysticism.

We will connect the first stage of purgation to both contemplative prayer and restorative justice. Tutu’s life, Ubuntu theology, and spiritual practices ground this talk, showing how justice and prayer fit together.

Subsequently, we will explore the second stage of illumination focusing on the confluence between contemplative prayer and social activism that can produce epic events such as South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Lastly, we will focus on the last mystical stage of union with God. Here, we will explore vestiges of union with God through restorative justice, pilgrimage and forgiveness. Caution is urged in any rush to force this last mystical stage into being, especially for Christians in powerful positions or who live in the global north. This concluding session offers space for discernment about what God might be inviting you and your community into regarding deep reconciliation.

Lunch is included, and there will be time for book signing at the end. For more information on the speaker, visit michaelbattle.com.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road Northwest, Atlanta, United States

Tickets

USD 30.00 to USD 100.00

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