In 2024, the 'Call to Be' group at Aquinas Academy in Sydney is pleased to present two insightful lecture series. The first, titled 'Blind to Being Blind: St John’s Gospel and the Revelation of Self-Deception,' delivered by Dr. Robert Tilley, explores the theme of self-deception as presented in the Gospel of John, highlighting the dangers of hypocrisy and the subtleties of being blind to one’s own blindness. This series, scheduled for February 7, 14, and 21, delves into how self-deception manifests in personal, political, and spiritual realms. The second series, 'Develop your own Spirituality III,' led by Fr Michael Whelan and Sr Marie Biddle, questions the adage 'Forgive and forget' and examines the interplay of the past and future in shaping human life, the role of imagination in thought processes, the importance of integrating feelings for a fulfilling life, and the significance of images, symbols, and rituals. This series runs on Thursdays, February 29, March 7, 14, and 21. Both series are held at the Crypt of St Patrick's Church, The Rocks, with registration available online below.
Blind to Being Blind: St John’s Gospel and the Revelation of Self-Deception
Lecturer: Dr Robert Tilley
In the Gospels Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of the corrupt religious authorities in Jerusalem, and as He does so He warns the Apostles of the danger of falling into the same corruption. It is John’s Gospel that more is revealed as to the nature of hypocrisy, namely a blindness to being blind. A blindness that is, in fact, intended. Deeper still, this intention is itself conveniently intended to be covered up, conveniently forgotten. Herein lies the power of self-deception, the self-serving lies we tell ourselves in order to justify being ‘double’. ‘Hypocrisy’ is not the same thing as failing to live up to our morals, we all fail, hence the need for Confession. Rather it is the intention to be double; to be one thing in one’s heart, and another in one’s speech. By way of an engagement with the Gospel of John we will explore the theme of self-deception, how it operates in the personal, the political, and in matters spiritual.
We often hear the advice: “Forgive and forgetâ€. Why might this be very bad advice? What is the relationship between the past and the future in shaping the human journey? What place do images, symbols and rituals have in human thriving? Can we think well without imagination being a crucial part of the process? What part do feelings play in our becoming fully alive? What happens when we do not integrate our feelings into our daily living?
