‘Great Books’ Course
Explore Life’s Big Questions.
Learn from the Wisdom of the Past. Seek Insight for Living in the Present.
For further information about the course and to register, contact Fr Chris D’Angelo at: stdavids.standrews@gmail.com
The goal of the ‘Great Books’ Course is to encourage spiritual growth, intellectual exploration, and community building through the reading of a selection of ‘Great Books’ from the Christian Tradition. This program is a grassroots, community-based initiative offered through the Anglican parish of St David’s Donlands & St Andrew’s Japanese Congregation in the East York neighbourhood of Toronto.
The course will allow participants to become familiar with six classic texts written by six different men and women (Augustine, Boethius, Dante, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton) who speak to us from contexts as diverse as 4th century North Africa to 16th Century Spain to 20th century America. These writings have been chosen for the course because they are all, in their own unique way, about the personal struggle to seek after God in the midst of the tensions, dilemmas and inner-conflicts that are an unavoidable part of our lived, human experience. What could be more helpful for us, as we grapple with the questions and challenges of our own personal situation, than to encounter those from throughout the centuries who show us examples of lives transformed by divine grace?
If you have a desire to learn from the wisdom of the past to acquire a deeper foundation for living with insight, meaning and purpose in the present, this program could be the right next step for you.
Participants are not required to have any particular academic background in theology, philosophy, history or literature, or any previous connection to, or even a desire to join, the Anglican church.
All that is required is an open mind and an open heart and the determination to work through the reading list.
Reading List
Augustine (350-430), Confessions.
Boethius, (480-524), The Consolation of Philosophy.
Dante (1265-1321), The Divine Comedy.
Julian of Norwich (1343-1416), Revelations of Divine Love.
Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), The Life of St Teresa of Avila by Herself.
Thomas Merton (1915-1968), The Seven Storey Mountain.
A list of recommended editions will be provided to those who express interest in registering for the course.
Two Registration Options:
Option 1: Self-directed, move at your own pace. Read books at your own speed. Meet with the course facilitator for discussion after reading each book from the list. Start any time.
Option 2: Follow the reading schedule and meet for group conversation with other program participants approximately once per month/every six weeks.
Cost
The only cost associated with the program will be the cost of books.
Books are all available in relatively inexpensive popular versions. The total cost for hard copies of all the books will end up being approximately $150 (e-books will be even less expensive).
Books can also be borrowed free of charge through the Toronto Public Library.
About the Facilitator of the Program: Fr Chris D’Angelo
I have been the Priest-In-Charge of the Anglican parish of St David’s, Donlands & St Andrew’s Japanese Congregation since July 2022. My wife and I live in the neighbourhood and have three small children.
Ordained in 2015, I previously served at St James’ Cathedral, St George’s-on-the-Hill and St Thomas’s Huron Street with a focus on adult Christian education in each parish.
I have constantly found new inspiration and encouragement from reading ‘old’ books. I am very excited about the opportunity to help others do the same.
I have some formal background in philosophy and theology but, as facilitator, my primary role will be to organize the program and accompany participants as they engage with the assigned texts for their own personal enrichment.
Should you decide to sign up, I look forward to joining you in the work of learning from those who have come before us and growing in wisdom together. Please be in touch if you are interested in the course or have any questions at: stdavids.standrews@gmail.com.
Fr Chris D’Angelo+