Candler welcomes systematic theologian and philosopher of religion Sarah Coakley as the 2025-2026 Alonzo L. McDonald Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Life and Teachings of Jesus and Their Impact on Culture. In two public lectures set for October, Coakley will explore why “mysticism” still fascinates many, both inside and outside the churches. She will also address the 20th century’s development of several influential theories of mysticism that distorted the goals of classic Christian “mystical theology” while simultaneously adding new insights which endure.

In this second of the two McDonald lectures, Coakley will probe the origins of “Mystical Theology” in the patristic period and beyond, and compare its demanding ascetical vision with current perceptions of mysticism in the churches and wider culture. She will argue that classic apophatic contemplation has, today, a very particular challenge and application to our current political world circumstances.

Click here to learn more about this McDonald Lecture Series.

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