Herman Adrian Spruit Research Centre • Department of Theological Research & Hermeneutics
An advanced study-focused curriculum designed for theologians, mystics, clergy, authors, and scholars seeking a profound academic and contemplative understanding of our spiritual tradition. Explore the "why" of our charism, covering the deep history of the Independent Sacramental Movement, Antiochian lineages, comparative Christian mysticism, and esoteric hermeneutics.
Conferred upon curriculum completion and thesis defence
Ideal for authors, independent clergy, researchers, and religious philosophers.
The Licentiate of Metaphysical Theology (L.Mphy.Th.) is intended for the theologian, mystic, clergy, or seeker who seeks a profound academic and contemplative understanding of the wisdom and context of our spiritual tradition. While our practical programs emphasize ministerial mechanics and practitioner arts, this track investigates the theoretical and historical "why" behind the Independent Sacramental Movement.
It is particularly suited for authors, writers, teachers, and those focused on self-development who wish to gain a deep conceptual grasp of our heritage. The curriculum encompasses Antiochian succession history, comparative Christian mysticism, early Gnostic and Hermetic roots, and the groundbreaking meta-Catholic universalism of Patriarch Herman Adrian Spruit.
This program is earned by completing a curriculum of required reading, submitting analytical spiritual-theological essays, and producing a final research dissertation that demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of one's spiritual theology.
Students engage sacred scriptures, church history, and mystical philosophy with academic freedom, intellectual honesty, and deep contemplative respect.
Upon earning the L.Mphy.Th. credential, the graduate will be able to:
Examine the historical genesis, catholicity, and apostolic lines of the Independent Sacramental Movement with scholarly authority.
Analyze the unique theological synthesis of Patriarch Herman Adrian Spruit and Archbishop Frank Bugge within twentieth-century non-papal Catholicism.
Deconstruct biblical texts through both contemporary historical exegesis and ancient allegorical/esoteric hermeneutics.
Situate Antiochian mysticism within the broader continuum of Christian mysticism, apophatic theology, and perennial philosophy.
Articulate an integrative, non-creedal spiritual theology addressing contemporary ethical and interfaith dilemmas.
Produce an original theological dissertation demonstrating rigorous research methodology in APA 7th style.
Organized across 4 core research clusters (36 Credits), a spiritual-theological essay portfolio (18 Credits), and a final research dissertation (18 Credits).
Candidates submit three (3) peer-reviewed academic essays (3,000 words each, 6 credits each) exploring the theological foundation and practical charism of the tradition:
The culminating requirement is a formal academic research thesis (12,000 to 18,000 words) demonstrating a comprehensive and original grasp of one's spiritual theology.
The dissertation represents the candidate's formal contribution to the scholarly and theological corpus of the Independent Sacramental Movement. The thesis must present an original, well-researched argument exploring theological history, sacramental philosophy, or esoteric Christian hermeneutics.
Prior accredited graduate studies in religion or published works in ecclesiastical history may be considered for up to 30% Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) transfer credits.
Authors, mystics, clergy, and spiritual writers are warmly invited to submit their curriculum vitae and proposed research interest for candidacy review.