Browse Items (351 total)

In Part 5 of this lecture series on crisis, Thurman examines the tension between the private life and the transcendent experience. We have boundless freedom and responsibility over our own lives, but we may come to a point where we identify, not just with our individual destiny, but the destiny of humankind as a whole. Thurman suggests that it is through this expanded sense that the spirit of the living God can operate. On one side, we are drawn into transcendent goals bigger than ourselves; on…

In this final installment of Moment of Crisis, Thurman is discussing the response of religious communities to the marginalized in society. The salvation of foreigners in Isaiah 56 is discussed as the unnamed prophet referenced in this text was compelled to take a position against those other prophets and devout believers, who insisted on the utter exclusiveness, cultural exclusiveness, religious exclusiveness, of the Judites. This critical moment points out one of the central paradoxes of the…

Thurman discusses the idea of brotherhood. He talks about the exclusiveness that is associated with brotherhood and the difference in how Jesus and Paul view it. Paul says that you have to be a follower of Christ to be part of the brotherhood, and Jesus says you just have to be born to be a brother. The basis of the Jesus doctrine of brotherhood is that God is the creator, so everyone is a part of God, and therefore all are brothers because of that virtue. God never discriminated, so neither…

In this commentary and conversation on Jesus and the Disinherited, Thurman states that to be part of the brotherhood of man one has to be a believer of Christ, which a person becomes once they believe. Christians have a way to clean themselves of impurities, or in other words, have a permanently saved soul. Thurman speaks to Jesus’ definition of brotherhood and the fact that it will destroy civilizations because it’s different from the natural brotherhood that human societies have created…

This recording is a continuation of the Q&A discussion on Mysticism and Social Action. Thurman begins by fielding a question about the relationship between innocence and knowledge, and the tension that one feels between inner reality and outer reality. Thurman also gives his thoughts on death as an experience of life, saying that death is not the final extinguishment of life, but rather an event that is a part of life. Thurman insists that there is a life-continuity rhythm just as there is a…

This section of the Mysticism and Social Action collection contains a brief talk by Thurman followed by Q&A discussion. Thurman grounds the discussion in the paradox of religion: How does one keep their inner life uncluttered whilst not using the inner life as an escape from involvement in the world? Thurman insists that these two rhythms are actually part of one pulse beat. One questioner asks Thurman about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and how this might reflect the dynamics of…

In this final installment of Mysticism and Social Change, Thurman gives a final word to the relationship between the inner life and social action in response to a questioner who wonders if mysticism is a luxury for the comfortable and the elite. Thurman begins by saying that he has little hope for institutions to change the social order of things, rather each person must choose where they stand and live out their dream for the world they want to live in. Thurman says that he chose the church to…

This continuation of Thurman's talk on mysticism and social action finds him illustrating the ultimate principles of the mystic. For the mystic, social action is not an end in itself, but rather is the process by which the mystics removes obstacles blocking the altar in their own heart. The mystic is one who has undergone a journey of self into their central core where God dwells, where the forgiveness of God is found. But what the mystic discovers is not just for themselves, but for all people.…

This first part of Thurman’s sermon on mysticism addresses different definitions and experiences of mysticism and how they relate to social change. He begins by talking about his place in a radically depersonalizing Western society, and how refusal to accept assigned categories in that society results in lifelong struggle. He elaborates on his first experiences with mysticism, being alone on a Florida beach as a child and feeling the vast rhythm of life as he looked up at the sky. It is the…

In part 1 of this lecture, Thurman emphasizes the necessity of rest for both the mind and spirit, suggesting that true rest involves a rhythm of holding and releasing, allowing for deep contemplation and connection with God. Thurman underscores that mystical experiences can lead to profound love and understanding, not only within oneself but also in interactions with others, advocating for empathy and the importance of helping others find their own grounding in the divine presence.