Studies in Philosophy at Mepkin

For some time we have been hoping to provide an opportunity for the men in formation at Mepkin to study philosophy.  Pursuing different avenues we felt we had not yet found the right fit.  Then in February, Jonathan Scruggs came and spent a month with us as a monastic guest.  In applying, he explained that he was studying for his doctorate in philosophy at Duquesne and wanted to come apart for a time of prayer and reflection with us.  He fully shared in our life of prayer, study, work and community.  After he left, the light bulb went off.  Jonathan teaches classes in philosophy to undergraduates at Duquesne, he knew our community and grasped our efforts to prepare men for living this life including study of cistercian authors and their theological writings.  Our need for someone to provide classes to introduce these men to philosophy and make them aware of ancient teachings that could be of help in their study of the writings of our cistercian writers, all came together.  Jonathan has been staying with us for the summer, again, sharing in our life, while offering classes to Brother Ambrose and Brother Clement in ancient philosophy as well as offering insights from his work with undergraduate students in learning critical thinking.  It has been a fortuitous meeting of mutual benefit.  When Jonathan returns to Duquesne in late August, he will continue to teach these men via computer.