CIL Events
CIL builds understanding and community through an exchange of learning among diverse groups and individuals. See upcoming events below as well as past events for an idea of their breadth and quality.
CIL Farewell Celebration
"Mystics & Mysticism"
with Gene Thompson, PhD and CIL Founding Director and Co-Founder
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
7-9 PM EST - In Person
Westminster Presbyterian Church Chapel
1502 W 13th St, Wilmington, DE 19806
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing our world is the growing and dangerous gap between exponential growth of technology and the very slow growth of collective human maturity.
We invent new things faster than we grow wisdom to handle them, Think AI.
The small but important community of mystics are catalysts for human growth.
Come learn what defines a mystic and what they offer our world. And learn that most or even all of us have experiences of a mystical flavor.
Gene retired from DuPont in 1992 as a research manager. He was trained as a chemist (Ph.D.), but says he would starve today practicing chemistry as his interests have turned to philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and poetry. He loves reading, learning, and teaching, especially the works of philosopher-mystic Ken Wilber. He is an active member of First and Central Presbyterian church.
No fee event, registration required, email: [email protected]
Past Events and Speakers
David Whyte
Noted Poet & Author.
“The Frontier of our Lives: Courageous Steps & Radical Simplifications” (2002)
View his website here.
Ysaye Barnwell
Ysaye Maria Barnwell is an American singer and composer. Barnwell was a member of the African American a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock from 1979 to 2013.
Dr. James Finley
Student of Thomas Merton and clinical psychologist, Dr. James Finley teaches how connecting to our Divine indwelling can transcend fear and shame and awaken to our True Self. A faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation, he is the author of "Merton’s Palace of Nowhere" and "The Contemplative Heart", and the host of CAC’s podcast Turning to the Mystics.
Dr. Alan Fox
Alan Fox is an awarded Professor of Asian and Comparative Philosophy and Religion in the Philosophy Department at the University of Delaware.
Thomas Moore
Best-selling author, Therapist, Speaker
"Care of the Soul" and "A Religion of One's Own" (2014)
View his website here.
Christian Wiman
Noted Poet, translator, editor, and essayist. “Hammer Is Prayer” (2016)
View his website here.
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault
Principal Teacher and Advisor to the Contemplative Society.
"The Wisdom Way of Knowing" (2006)
View her website here.
John Phillip Newel
John Philip Newell, PhD, is a Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being.
View his website here.
Jeremy Taylor
Jeremy Taylor, sometimes called the “Johnny Appleseed of Dreamwork,” He was an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and had worked with dreams for over sixty years.
View his website here.
Carrie Newcomer
Carrie Newcomer is an American singer, songwriter and author. She has produced 19 solo CDs and has received numerous awards for her music and related charitable activities.
View her website here.
Dr. Marcus Borg
Leading historical Jesus scholar
"New Insights into the Nature of God" (2003
"God, Faith, Transformation: A New Way of Looking at our Religious Traditions" (2005),
"Being Christian in the 21st Century" (October 2012)
View his website here.
Sam Keen
Author and co-producer of an award winning PBS documentary, "Faces of the Enemy". His work was the subject of a PBS special "Your Mythic Journey with Sam Keen.
A Spirited Life in a Secular Age" (2011)
View his website here.
Matthew Fox
Matthew Fox is a spiritual theologian, an Episcopal priest and an activist for gender justice and eco-justice. He has written 37 books including "Original Blessing". Fox is the founder of the University of Creation Spirituality in California.
View his website here.
Roger Housden
"Love Language: Writing Your Heart Out
Author, Speaker, Writing Guide"
View his website here.
Jim Wallis
Jim Wallis is the Director of Center on Faith and Justice and inaugural chair in Faith and Justice at the McCourt School of Public Policy.
View his website here.
Monica Wikman
Pregnant Darkness: Alchemy and the Rebirth of Consciousness was published by Nicolas-Hayes in 2005
View his website here.
Brian McClaren
Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for "a new kind of Christianity"
View his website here.
Charles Eisenstein
Charles Eisenstein is the author of numerous essays and books, including "Sacred Economics", "Climate—A New Story", and "The More Beautiful World our Hearts Know is Possible".
View his website here.