Jesus in Christian and Islamic Mysticism
Kursus den 3. og 4. oktober 2026 i Skanderborg, hvor foreningen har inviteret David Nieuwejaers-Roef, som også underviser på vores sommerkursus i Belgien, til Danmark. Vi bad ham holde et kursus om ligheder og forskelle i den kristne og islamiske mystik, og han har valgt at tage udgangspunkt i mødet med Jesus i de to traditioner. David taler et tydeligt og letforståeligt engelsk, og er en dygtig formidler. Her er hans eget oplæg til kurset:
comparative mystical reflection? Drawing on a wide range of visionary texts and contemplative writings, this course explores how Christian and Islamic mystics encounter Jesus (ʿĪsā) as the Word and Spirit of God, as a humble servant, and as the Beloved who embodies intimate closeness to the Divine.Alongside Christian voices such as Meister Eckhart and Sufi figures like Ibn ʿArabī, the co
urse also incorporates the lesser-known Ismaili perspective—a distinct branch of Shia Islam—in which Jesus is closely associated with esoteric wisdom and inner transformation. Over the centuries, Ismailis developed an elaborate mystical interpretation of the Qurʾan that includes unique reflections on the life, spiritual role, and crucifixion of Jesus. These Ismaili perspectives open further pathways for understanding and dialogue between Christianity and Islam.Besides the lectures with PP-presentations, the programme will consist of common sessions of reading and contemplation on some enlightening texts by both Christian and Muslim mystics, inviting participants to reflect thoughtfully on both the deep resonances and profound differences between the two traditions.
David Nieuwejaers-Roef was born in Belgium and lives in Maastricht, the Netherlands, where he works at the university as a professor of criminal law and neuroscience. Alongside his academic work, he is also a lay theologian with a lifelong interest in Western mysticism and comparative religious thought. Drawing on this inspiration, he regularly gives lectures and courses. He is also a co-founder and member of the Fellowship of St Michael the Archangel (Belgium), a community of monks and lay people whose aim is to create space for contemplative life in dialogue with the spiritual search of contemporary humanity.
Tid: 3. og 4. oktober 2026, begge dage kl. 10 – 16
Sted: Audonicon, Grønnedalsvej 14, 8660 Skanderborg
Pris: 800 kr for begge dage inkl en lettere vegetarisk frokost.
Tilmelding og betaling: Tilmelding på mail tilmelding@nuks.dk. Tilmeldingsfristen er i første omgang den 30.juni, men tilmelding og betaling kan ske løbende. Man er sikret plads, når man efter at have fået tilsagn om en plads, har indbetalt det fulde beløb til foreningens bankkonto: 6112-9042789666 (Sparekassen Kronjylland). Max. 20 deltagere.
Yderligere information: ved henvendelse til Tove Vejlgaard: tove.vejlgaard@gmail.com
Illustrationer:
Øverst: Maryam and Isa (Mary and Jesus) in an old Persian miniature
Nederst: traditional Islamic representation of the Ascent of the Prophet Isa (Jesus) from the manuscript “Zubdat al-Tawarikh” (Cream of all Histories, 1583)