This seminar explores the devotional poetry of George Herbert. Through a close reading of a selection of Herbert’s poems we will see how his poetry investigates the subtle interplay of the human and the divine.

George Herbert (1593–1633) was an English poet of the metaphysical school. He was born in Wales and educated at the University of Cambridge. He was made a fellow of the university in 1616, and was later ordained in the Church of England, spending the rest of his life as rector of Bremerton, near Salisbury Cathedral. Many of Herbert’s poems reveal his own spiritual struggles and the solace he found in the priesthood. He also wrote A Priest to the Temple, a book of guidance for rural clergy.

The Choir of St James’ Concert of music by George Frideric Handel follows at 5pm (tickets for the concert must be purchased separately).

Dr Ben Myers is director of the Millis Institute, a liberal arts program at Christian Heritage College in Brisbane. Previously he taught theology at Charles Sturt University and was a research fellow at the University of Queensland. His books include Christ the Stranger: The Theology of Rowan Williams, Milton’s Theology of Freedom, and The Apostles’ Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism.