On Good Friday, April 18th, Rev. Jim Quigley delivers a poignant sermon on the works of RS Thomas, an Anglican priest and poet whose writings frequently explore the presence of God through His perceived absence. Quigley delves into Thomas' concept of 'via negativa,' where God's presence is felt in His absence, and how this challenges and enriches the spiritual journey. Drawing parallels with the critiques of piety and theology from figures like Rowan Williams, the sermon invites congregants to embrace the darkness of 'the dark night of the soul' as a path to deeper faith. Through passionate reflections and the vivid metaphor of Christ's suffering, Quigley calls for an intimate, unmediated relationship with the divine, urging listeners to find holiness and love in the mystery and silence of God.
00:00 Opening Invocation
00:14 Introduction to RS Thomas
00:37 Themes in Thomas's Poetry
00:57 Thomas's Influence and Recognition
03:35 The Hidden God and Negative Theology
04:26 Thomas's Imagery and Personal Reflections
05:36 Language and Landscape in Thomas's Work
06:16 Thomas's Uncompromising Portrayal of Grief
07:16 The Empty Church 08:16 Rowan Williams on Faith and Doubt
10:03 The Dark Night of the Spirit
14:46 The Coming and Christian Belief
16:29 Conclusion and Final Reflections
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