Browse Items (15 total)

In this recording within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reflects upon Olive Schreiner's "From Man to Man," and his time spent with Gandhi. Each of these reflections speak to Thurman's conception of truth, namely, what happens when one is forced to reject truth. For Thurman, justice, resistance, prosperity, etc. all find themselves hubbed in a longing for the truth to be manifested.

In this recording within the We Believe series; Howard Thurman reads and reflects from his work, "The…

This sermon is the third of nine in a series of sermons given in Marsh Chapel that are titled "The Inward Journey." In this sermon, Thurman reflects upon Meister Eckhart's description of the Godhead. In his dissection of Eckhart's Godhead, Thurman wrestles with the tension between the external Godhead that exists in the world, and the internal Godhead that wrestles within the self, noting "The Godhead is trying to break through to the Godhead that is within me." Considering this sermon series'…

This sermon is the second of nine in a series of sermons given in Marsh Chapel that are titled "The Inward Journey." In this sermon, Thurman reflects upon Jacob Boehme's philosophical text "The Mystic Will." Thurman uses this text to make sense of the order that is embedded in the natural world. He notes that it is a natural inclination for humans to make sense of the order of their life by means of external resources; however, with the help of Boehme's writing, Thurman emphasizes that one must…

Thurman discusses the complex relationship between self-awareness, the observer within, and the notion of God, touching on the tension between Eastern and Western mystical traditions. He also explore the role of the state and its power over individuals, questioning whether true ethical responsibility can exist within a system that seeks to maintain control.

Thurman explores the concept of religious experience as moments when individuals are temporarily lifted out of their ordinary sense of self, often through an overwhelming or profound event. These experiences challenge personal boundaries, revealing a greater connection to the universe, but they are fleeting, requiring the individual to return to their familiar state, and sometimes struggle with the ambiguity of life and existence.

Thurman reflects on the struggle to bend the will of God to personal urgency, expressing a desire to find a way to pull God into their life. He contrasts two types of mysticism: one where an individual feels they can compel God's presence through purification, and another that emphasizes waiting for God's arrival, understanding that the power to control divine will is beyond human capacity.

Thurman explores the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, focusing on the idea that an individual’s true identity is guarded by an inner "angel with a flaming sword" that only allows what aligns with one's true will. He discusses the tension between self-awareness, external influences, and the quest for power, highlighting the importance of inner authority, the risk of idolatry, and the necessity of confronting one’s own vulnerabilities in the search for divine understanding.

This recording is a part of a wider series of conversations from September to October of 1980 where Howard Thurman met with a variety of young men and women who were discerning their calling to ministry. Thurman poses the intent of this group as an opportunity to "open up for one's self the moving, vital, creative push of God, while God is still disguised in the movement of God's self." In this recording, Thurman reflects upon the significance of a robust inner life, noting, "The deeper I go…

This recording is a part of a wider series of conversations from September to October of 1980 where Howard Thurman met with a variety of young men and women who were discerning their calling to ministry. Thurman poses the intent of this group as an opportunity to "open up for one's self the moving, vital, creative push of God, while God is still disguised in the movement of God's self." In this recording, Howard Thurman reflects with the participants what it means to live into one's calling as…

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.