Analytic Spirituality: Philosophy, practice, and the knowledge of God
Sally Baldwin Buildings, Campus West, University of York (Map)
Event details
White Rose University Press event
How can analytic philosophy help us to understand spirituality and spiritual practices?
While the past two decades have seen significant advances in the engagement between philosophers and theologians on issues of religious belief and doctrine, much less attention has been given to questions of practice and spirituality. This free, hybrid session, dedicated to the memory of the late Revd Dr David Efird, will explore the emerging topic of “analytic spirituality” and how it brings new philosophical insight to Christian practice and experience.
It will explore themes from the upcoming volume Analytic Spirituality: Essays in Spiritual Practice, Religious Experience, and the Knowledge of God. This volume, edited by Dr David Worsley and Revd Dr Joshua Cockayne and published through White Rose University Press, celebrates themes from the work of Revd Dr Efird. You can also sign up to receive a notification when the book is published.
Contributors discuss how contemporary analytic philosophy might help to explore questions of divine presence and absence, petitionary prayer, sacramental life, and what it might mean to “know God personally”; they also reflect on how analytic spirituality might renew our understanding of what it is to know and love God in this life and the next, and on the enduring significance of Efird’s contribution to these ongoing conversations.
Beginning at 4.00pm, the session will open with an introduction from Dr Worsley, followed by a keynote from Revd Dr Cockayne focusing on the work and legacy of David Efird. There will follow a panel discussion, moderated by Prof Tom Stoneham and featuring contributors to Analytic Spirituality. The panel will then open the floor for a Q&A session with the audience.
The event will conclude with an opportunity to continue the conversation informally over drinks and nibbles, coming to a close at 6.00pm. We hope to see you there!
Places for the event are limited, so please book now to secure your attendance. If you cannot attend in person, or if the event reaches capacity, please register to attend virtually.