Carmelite online conference draws leading experts to discuss search for meaning in life
The search for meaning in life is one of the most profound and difficult challenges that a Christian can confront. From terrible events in nature to acts of inexplicable human cruelty, the quest to discover what purpose God has defined for us in this world has preoccupied philosophers, theologians and people of faith for centuries, and the answers are many and varied.
So too the human experiences of joy, pain, sorrow have unveiled a renewed interest in the question of life and its meaning. If Life is a gift, then many have argued that the primary motivation appears not to be pleasure but the pursuit of what we find meaningful. But how exactly do we define and act out this call from God to be pilgrims of purpose in our daily lives?
For those who follow the Carmelite path of spirituality, questions such as these are not only central to the creation of a meaningful life, but exploring and confronting the difficult problems of human experience are what makes life purposeful and reveal God’s greater purpose for us all.
From 9th-11th May, the Carmelites of Oxford are holding a powerful online conference exploring these themes, through the writings and thoughts of some of history’s most influential and important Carmelite voices.
The conference – Search for Meaning: Philosophy, Theology, Psychology, and the Carmelite Quest for Meaning – will attempt to unpack the human search for meaning while proffering lessons for survival in the midst of suffering and pain; joy and happiness; darkness and gloom; confusion and uncertainty.
Several renowned philosophical and theological speakers will approach this all-important reflection while offering a Carmelite perspective of contemplative prayer to discovering meaning in life. They include Pastoral Theologian Prof. Peter Tyler; Carmelite priest Fr Matt Blacke, OCD; ethicist Dr Mark Gerard Murphy; psychologist and Jungian analyst Dr Julienne McLean; Carmelite spirituality tutor Dr Heather Ward, OCDS; Deacon Tom Berrie; academic Tim Burton, OCDS; Methodist minister Pauline Warner and philosopher and psychotherapist Wanyoung Kim-Murphy.
The Conference arises out of shared interest in Philosophy, Theology and Psychology, inspired, in particular, by the life and thought of Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), the 20th century Philosopher, Psychologist, Theologian, and Carmelite Nun, who perished in Auschwitz during WWII as both Christian martyr and Jewish victim of the Holocaust.
Edith’s sacred story highlights the truth that God is part of human history and he never deserts his people even in the face of difficulties: “I told our Lord that I knew it was His cross that was now being placed upon the Jewish people: that most of them did not understand this, but that those who did would have to take it up willingly in the name of all. I would do that. At the end of the service, I was certain that I had been heard. But what this carrying of the cross was to consist in, that I did not yet know”.
“The Talks which will be given are designed to be at a suitable level both for those with some “specialist” interest as well as any members of the general public who are curious to know more,” says Fr Alex Ezechukwu, OCD, the Prior of the Carmelite community at Boars Hill, Oxford.
“We very much welcome anyone who has ever contemplated or thought about the fundamentally important question of why life unfolds as it does,” said Fr Alex.
Places for this important and informative Conference are still available by registering online at:
https://www.carmelite.uk.net/conferences-and-events/conference-2025/
