The Contemplative Tradition

Why did Frank Carver study John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila?

For the last decades of his life Carver read the Christian mystics — John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila — asking what the Wesleyan quest for holiness could learn from the 'darkness of God.'

Sermons 2

Sermon

Chapter 15: Medieval, Reformation and Evangelical Christology

A sermon or lecture transcript exploring the development of Christological thought from the patristic period through the Reformation and into the modern era. The author argues that the apostolic Gospel serves as the foundational hermeneutic for all subsequent theological contextualization, including the Trinitarian Creeds and the Chalcedonian Definition. The text examines the shift in Western theology toward an individualistic and anthropocentric focus under the influence of Augustine, contrasting it with the more Christocentric approach of the Eastern Church. The document further discusses the Reformation's recovery of the 'euangelion' and traces the development of Kenoticism, specifically addressing debates regarding the sinlessness of Christ's human nature and the implications of the 'fallen humanity' concept in the Scottish Calvinist tradition.

Romans 1:1-3

Sermon

Sun City 2 Cor Theology

A sermon transcript titled 'The Easter Witness of 2 Corinthians' delivered by Frank G. Carver. The document discusses the theological themes of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, specifically focusing on Christology as the lens through which Paul views God, the gospel, and ministry. Carver draws parallels between the theological dynamics of 2 Corinthians and the spiritual life of Mother Teresa, particularly regarding the connection between suffering and Christ's passion. The text explores the concept of the 'God who raises the dead' and the 'glory of God' revealed in the face of Christ, as well as the nature of the gospel as being centered on Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:9 · 2 Corinthians 1:20 · 2 Corinthians 2:12

Bible Studies 3

Bible Study

Ezra-Nehemiah 2--The Stirrings of God--Part One

A lecture or study notes focusing on Ezra 1:1-11, examining the theme of divine intervention through the 'stirring' of spirits. The text analyzes the historical and biblical significance of King Cyrus II of Persia, his edict allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, and the connection between this event and the prophecies in Isaiah 40-55. The document includes historical details regarding the Persian Empire, Cyrus's lineage, the conquest of Babylon, and the transition of power from Nabonidus to Cyrus.

Ezra 1:1-11 · Ezra 6:3-5 · Isaiah 45:13

Bible Study

Isaiah 7-12

A lecture or study guide titled 'Children, Signs of God’s Presence (7:1—9:7),' focusing on the theme of trust in the face of political instability. The document examines the historical context of King Ahaz of Judah, Israel, and Syria during the expansion of the Assyrian Empire. The author explores the theological significance of children mentioned in the text (Shear-jasub, Immanuel, Maher-shal-hash-baz) as signs of God's presence and as a divine perspective contrasting with human political scheming. The text includes references to the Messianic prophecies in Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6, and draws parallels to the Sermon on the Mount regarding worry and trust.

Isaiah 7:1-9 · Isaiah 7:14 · Isaiah 8:3

Bible Study

T-Evelyn Underhill Veni, Sancte Spiritus 10-2-05

A study guide or lecture notes prepared by Frank G. Carver for a session dated October 2, 2005, focusing on Evelyn Underhill's book, 'The Golden Sequence.' The document examines the section of the book titled 'Spiritual Life,' which Underhill structures around the 13th-century Latin hymn 'Veni, Sanctum Spiritus.' The text includes selected quotations from Underhill regarding the nature of the created spirit, the tension between human natural and supernatural natures, the capacity for God within humanity, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the soul's development. Carver includes Latin excerpts from the hymn and notes his own reflections on specific passages.

Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Devotionals 3

Devotional

Grou--The Hidden Life of the Soul

A collection of excerpts from H. L. Sidney Lear's presentation of the writings of Jean Nicolas Grou (1731-1803) regarding the interior life. The text includes a biographical preface of Père Grou, detailing his Jesuit education, his exile in England during the French Revolution, and his approach to spiritual writing. The document outlines theological principles for spiritual growth, specifically addressing the importance of a 'childlike spirit,' the dangers of refined self-love, and the definition of true devotion as a fixed habit of mind rather than passing emotion. It further provides practical methods for attaining holiness, including the use of a daily rule, the recollection of God's presence, and the practice of mental prayer.

Romans 11:35 · Romans 11:29

Devotional 2000

T Burning Heart Outline

An outline for a devotional presentation titled 'The Burning Heart: The Devotional Experience,' prepared by Frank G. Carver on January 8, 2000. The document explores the nature of the 'burning heart' as a remembering and renewing experience, centered on the biblical narrative of the road to Emmaus. Carver outlines methods for cultivating this experience through the study of Scripture (utilizing various translations), the reading of spiritual classics (including works by Augustine, Thomas à Kempis, Brother Lawrence, and others), and the practice of spiritual disciplines. The outline includes a detailed 'Rule of Devotion' structured in three movements: moving from the world to the Word through solitude and surrender; moving from the mind to the heart through meditation and contemplation; and moving from the inward to the outward journey through intercession and praise. The text cites various theologians and spiritual writers, including Henri Nouwen, Thomas Keating, and Thomas Merton.

Luke 24:26 · Proverbs 4:23 · Luke 11:13

Devotional

Tom Phillips Prayers

A preface and introductory section to a collection of prayers titled 'God Heard That! 31 Prayers that the Lord Heard and I Overheard' by Thomas E. Phillips. The author discusses the challenges of establishing a consistent prayer life, particularly among young Christians, and posits that learning to pray often occurs through 'overhearing' the prayers of others. The text includes a table of contents categorizing prayers by theme (e.g., Daily Life, Repentance, Guidance, Intercession, Praise, Strength, and the Unspeakable), a preface detailing the author's motivation and the use of various biblical translations, and the inclusion of 'The Lord’s Prayer' (Matthew 6:9-13) as a foundational model. The document concludes with advice on maintaining a prayer life and an invitation for readers to submit their own written prayers.

Matthew 6:9-13