Teilhard de Chardin's Cosmic Christology and Christian Cosmology

by Donald Goergen

Publisher's Summary
Journey through the life, thought, and works of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

One of the most celebrated spiritual minds of the 20th century, Teilhard de Chardin was both a respected scientist and a Jesuit priest. He combined an evolutionary worldview with his commitment to his Christian tradition and Catholic faith. A pioneer in the dialogue between religion and science, he remains a widely influential mystical voice.

Now, this new program guides you through Teilhard's timeless thought. Under the guidance of Teilhard expert Fr. Donald Goergen, you will explore Teilhard's works, including the essay collection Writings in Time of War, the spiritual classic The Divine Milieu, and the groundbreaking The Human Phenomenon. In doing so, you will examine such powerful themes as cosmology, Christology, Catholic spirituality, the mystery of suffering, and our understanding of God.

A restless spiritual seeker, Teilhard emphasized that the universe is unfinished, always on the move - and God, the Alpha and the Omega, is at its center. Teilhard will challenge you to think through the implications of God's creative action being made manifest in evolutionary terms. As you will discover, within this cosmic vision lies a new mysticism - the ability to see God in Christ and in all things.

With a remarkable capacity for synthesis, Teilhard invites you into his powerful, compelling vision of the universe. Join him on this mystical journey today.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2014 Now You Know Media Inc. (P)2014 Now You Know Media Inc.

Audiobook

Published August 10, 2017

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chardin sounds interesting, but somehow these lectures didn't harmonize with me. Obviously, if Christ is to be concieved as God/Son of God (whatever that means), the significance has to be cosmical, and every earthly narrative too close-minded/small. Modernity has grand cosmogonies, and comparatively speaking the traditional telling of Christ is silly in its tininess. Hence, if Christianity is to compete with such grandeur, Christ's significance has to be radically upscaled - somehow. I would agree with that premise. I would also agree with Chardin's focus on the importance of interiority, and it's essentially as an incomprehensible mystery that connects each being with one another. Interiority is famously where objective science cannot reach, consequently where religion begins (well, it was antecedent to science and also its womb..).Thinking along such lines seems to be highly generative, Georgen just doesn't pull it off.. It feels like he just inserts Christ and/or God where other words (nature, being, soul) would serve as a synonym. If a Cosmic Christology is to be concieved, it has to include Christ's essentially, not just his name. If that makes sense.. Maybe I'll go to the source and check out Chardin.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I realize Fr. Goergen is an expert in Teilhard, yet very little of this maverick Jesuit's life is covered, and I can't shake the sense that both seemed to be wishing TdC's mystic desire was true, rather than accounting for its likelihood. I know it's based on faith like any Catholic, or for that matter Cosmic Christian meets new age of Aquarius, schematic model. Yet its scientific surmises have long since been shown as irrational, a feature that's elided. It makes for a visionary spectacle, but not as proof. P.S. Without disrespect to the friar narrator himself, his voice and delivery aren't up to this medium.

[Steven Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book and enjoyed learning more about Teilhard de Chardin. I’m also reading The Phenomenon of Man and hope to understanding his reconciliation with Christ and evolution. As a Catholic I have the opportunity to see his point-of-view from the inside of the the faith. I think it is far easier to throw rocks from outside, without attempting to do what Teilhard has done by influencing growth from within the Catholic faith. We all need to be open to the possibilities for growth and understanding and this is the quintessential Jesuit philosophy. Example, inclusion, multiplicity (seeing God in everything), obedience and individuality, which is the Jesuits charism.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to, and overview of, the work of Teilhard de Chardin. I really enjoyed this.