Browse Items (14 total)

In this sixth lecture on "The Men Who've Walked with God," Thurman examines St. Augustine as a source of mystical insight. Thurman describes Augustine's search for God through the senses, the mind, the feelings, until finally finding "that which is" inside the soul. Thurman says that this is a union with God that is beyond thought, analysis, and spelled-out feelings. This mystical experience releases energy for the undertakings of life in which we might deal with our various difficulties and…

In this eighth lecture on "The Men Who've Walked with God," Thurman illustrates the mystical life of St. Francis of Assisi. Thurman describes St. Francis as an "uncomplicated mystic," not so much interested in metaphysics and theological problems. Rather, all that St. Francis knows is that there is a song in his heart which is an expression of the love of God. With the love of God, St. Francis is able to live from a place of harmony and satisfaction in God. Ultimately, we must be careful to not…

In this final sermon on "The Men Who've Walked With God," Thurman talks about the dynamics of human values. We are each born with a fundamental sense of values, however our values might be put towards destructive ends. It is easy to lie and mislabel our values, whether it be by ignorance or for the sake of convenience. Thurman says that power and knowledge tends to have a particular corrosive effect on our sense of values and responsibility. The answer to this is humility – measuring ourselves…

Thurman's 13th sermon on "The Men Who've Walked With God" examines "The Imitations of Christ" written by Thomas à Kempis. Thurman says that there is a part of our personalities that wants to give over control; we want to relate to something ultimate and reliable in which we can find stability and guidance. This authority, Thurman says, must be found deep within; therein lies our freedom, for without this inner authority, we will bow to the symbols of authority in our lives. Uncovering this…