This document discusses challenges facing Western Christianity and spirituality in the modern world. It addresses 6 main challenges: 1) modernity and the relevance of God, 2) a paternalistic view of God that is biased against women, 3) an inadequate view of ecology and the environment, 4) other major faith traditions, particularly Eastern traditions, 5) dualism versus non-duality, and 6) rationality versus mysticism. It argues that Celtic spirituality can help address these challenges through its emphasis on immanence, non-dualism, respect for women and nature, and openness to mystery.
This document provides an outline and introductory information for a course on theology of work for STEM professions. It discusses defining STEM fields and the gap between these fields and Christian attitudes. It also examines definitions of theology and ministry. The course aims to establish a new theological paradigm that rejects dualisms between sacred and secular work, and equips all Christians for meaningful work. It argues that God values all work and wants to redeem the world through various professions, including STEM fields.
This document provides an overview of Catholic teachings regarding Mary and the saints. It discusses that Catholics honor but do not worship Mary and the saints. It outlines Mary's role in salvation history and several dogmas regarding Mary, such as her Immaculate Conception and Assumption. Several approved Marian apparitions are summarized, including Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima. The document also briefly discusses the canonization process and provides examples of patron saints.
1. The document discusses a meeting focused on the National Directory for Catechesis and adolescent catechesis. Various speakers presented on topics related to evangelization, inculturation, authentic presentation of faith, and adolescent discipleship.
2. The final discussion involved implications for diocesan youth ministry directors and using the National Directory for Catechesis to guide adolescent catechesis.
This document contains a message from the Superior General about liturgy and several articles on the topic of liturgy from various Viatorian authors. It also recognizes anniversaries of religious commitments and provides news briefs. The articles discuss liturgy as a constitutive element of the Viatorian charism, the relationship between liturgy and history, how to engage youth in liturgy, and how liturgy can serve as a moment of catechesis. The overall document focuses on reflections from Viatorians on the importance and meaning of liturgy.
The pastoral letter calls for the Catholic laity in the Philippines to wake up from passivity and share responsibility for the Church with priests. It recommends cultivating a fresh sense of co-responsibility between clergy and laity, with priests being more open to sharing responsibilities and exploring ways for clergy and laity to work together respectfully. The laity are urged to no longer remain tied just to tasks within the Church, but to apply Gospel values to transforming society in areas like politics and business that require systemic renewal.
Dealing with dilemmas feminism in a patriarchal church Jan 2017Tim Curtis
This document discusses the complex issues around gender, religion, and feminism from an Orthodox Christian perspective. It acknowledges the accusations of misogyny leveled at Christianity historically but argues that early Christian teachings greatly elevated the status of women compared to pagan Roman society. While Orthodox tradition reserves the priesthood for men based on Christ choosing only male apostles, it also recognizes the many important roles women have played in the Church throughout history as saints, missionaries, teachers and more. The document explores tensions between traditional theological views of gender and modern feminist theories, but maintains that within Orthodox spirituality both men and women can achieve equality through transcending earthly identities.
This document discusses the role of the church and work. It argues that the church is not just a building or institution, but rather the collective body of believers called by God. The church often fails to engage the world because it does not see value in work outside the church. However, the Bible shows God using people from all walks of life, including those in STEM fields, to transform the world. As the body of Christ, believers are called to extend God's kingdom through their vocations wherever they are placed.
This document discusses finding balance between work and rest for STEM professionals from a theological perspective. It explores the meaning of the Sabbath and how it relates to work, leisure, busyness and calling. The Sabbath is meant as a time for play, peacemaking and prayer rather than cessation of activity. Discerning one's calling involves understanding their passions, skills and how they can contribute to God's kingdom. Both work and leisure are gifts from God when practiced appropriately.
This document provides an outline and introductory information for a course on theology of work for STEM professions. It discusses defining STEM fields and the gap between these fields and Christian attitudes. It also examines definitions of theology and ministry. The course aims to establish a new theological paradigm that rejects dualisms between sacred and secular work, and equips all Christians for meaningful work. It argues that God values all work and wants to redeem the world through various professions, including STEM fields.
This document provides an overview of Catholic teachings regarding Mary and the saints. It discusses that Catholics honor but do not worship Mary and the saints. It outlines Mary's role in salvation history and several dogmas regarding Mary, such as her Immaculate Conception and Assumption. Several approved Marian apparitions are summarized, including Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima. The document also briefly discusses the canonization process and provides examples of patron saints.
1. The document discusses a meeting focused on the National Directory for Catechesis and adolescent catechesis. Various speakers presented on topics related to evangelization, inculturation, authentic presentation of faith, and adolescent discipleship.
2. The final discussion involved implications for diocesan youth ministry directors and using the National Directory for Catechesis to guide adolescent catechesis.
This document contains a message from the Superior General about liturgy and several articles on the topic of liturgy from various Viatorian authors. It also recognizes anniversaries of religious commitments and provides news briefs. The articles discuss liturgy as a constitutive element of the Viatorian charism, the relationship between liturgy and history, how to engage youth in liturgy, and how liturgy can serve as a moment of catechesis. The overall document focuses on reflections from Viatorians on the importance and meaning of liturgy.
The pastoral letter calls for the Catholic laity in the Philippines to wake up from passivity and share responsibility for the Church with priests. It recommends cultivating a fresh sense of co-responsibility between clergy and laity, with priests being more open to sharing responsibilities and exploring ways for clergy and laity to work together respectfully. The laity are urged to no longer remain tied just to tasks within the Church, but to apply Gospel values to transforming society in areas like politics and business that require systemic renewal.
Dealing with dilemmas feminism in a patriarchal church Jan 2017Tim Curtis
This document discusses the complex issues around gender, religion, and feminism from an Orthodox Christian perspective. It acknowledges the accusations of misogyny leveled at Christianity historically but argues that early Christian teachings greatly elevated the status of women compared to pagan Roman society. While Orthodox tradition reserves the priesthood for men based on Christ choosing only male apostles, it also recognizes the many important roles women have played in the Church throughout history as saints, missionaries, teachers and more. The document explores tensions between traditional theological views of gender and modern feminist theories, but maintains that within Orthodox spirituality both men and women can achieve equality through transcending earthly identities.
This document discusses the role of the church and work. It argues that the church is not just a building or institution, but rather the collective body of believers called by God. The church often fails to engage the world because it does not see value in work outside the church. However, the Bible shows God using people from all walks of life, including those in STEM fields, to transform the world. As the body of Christ, believers are called to extend God's kingdom through their vocations wherever they are placed.
This document discusses finding balance between work and rest for STEM professionals from a theological perspective. It explores the meaning of the Sabbath and how it relates to work, leisure, busyness and calling. The Sabbath is meant as a time for play, peacemaking and prayer rather than cessation of activity. Discerning one's calling involves understanding their passions, skills and how they can contribute to God's kingdom. Both work and leisure are gifts from God when practiced appropriately.
The document discusses the significance of marriage as a practice within Christianity. It describes the key components of a Christian marriage ceremony, including vows, readings from scripture, and symbols like rings that express the faith's beliefs about marriage as a lifelong, sacred union. It analyzes how the ceremony marks an important transition for individuals and also strengthens community bonds by reinforcing Christian teachings on relationships and family.
1. The document summarizes the key themes and orientations from the Fifth General Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopacy held in Aparecida, Brazil in 2007.
2. It emphasizes that the central theme was a missionary spirituality - being disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ so that people have life in him. This involves facilitating an encounter with Christ and building his Kingdom of life.
3. The belief that all are called to be disciples and missionaries provided the theme of serving life and promoting a full life for everyone through evangelization in conjunction with serving the poor. Grassroots church communities were also affirmed.
The document discusses the changing contexts and models needed for evangelism. It notes that as cultures have moved from pre-modern to modern and now postmodern worlds, the church's structures for evangelism and discipleship have not changed. It calls for imagining new models and paradigms as the ground has shifted beneath our feet. A world tour is presented highlighting shifts in different regions and cultures and challenges faced in evangelism.
The Gospel tells us that the disciples had no idea what ‘risen from the dead’ even meant. Do we? Wisdom from Pope Francis…and from children in an African tribe may just open our eyes in a new way so that we can better see how we are connected in our call to make all things new. And that Easter tells us that through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, love wins out over death every time and therefore nothing dies forever and that all that has died in love will be reborn into an even larger love – into the Body of Christ. Check it out…
St. Catherine Labouré was blessed with visions of Mary revealing the Miraculous Medal. She kept the secret of her visions for 46 years until her death, living a life of solitude. Her solitude allowed her to live a life of sanctity, though Mary sometimes called her to leave solitude to promote devotion, such as convincing her confessor to create the Miraculous Medal and the statue of Mary holding the globe. Though she faced struggles and ridicule, Catherine remained humble and was able to overcome a hot temper through God's grace. She worked to fulfill Mary's requests until the end of her life, knowing when it was necessary to leave her solitude to spread Marian devotion.
Saint Catherine Labouré lived a life of humility and service as a Daughter of Charity. She received supernatural visions, including apparitions of Mary in 1830 instructing her to have a medal designed and distributed. Though her confessor was initially skeptical, over two years of investigation convinced him and he had medals made. Devotion to the Miraculous Medal then spread rapidly. Catherine lived 46 more years in silence about her visions before revealing the truth on her deathbed. She consistently demonstrated humility, patience and obedience throughout her life.
The document discusses the emerging disciple-forming churches and outlines several key points:
1. It explores different ways of thinking about the church that is emerging, including as a center, fringe, stage, and range.
2. It examines the transition from old paradigms/models of church to new emerging paradigms/models, noting that we currently live in a time of late transition.
3. It outlines different levels of church from deep ecclesiology to house churches and discusses the relationship between various levels learning from one another.
God created humans in God's image with a propensity for creativity. Humans were meant to work, mirroring the creative, redemptive, and sustaining roles of the Trinity. In the Garden of Eden, humans fulfilled the creative mandate by caring for creation and adding value as God's stewards.
Dealing with dilemmas feminism in a patriarchal church 2012Tim Curtis
This document discusses the complex issues around gender, religion, and feminism from an Orthodox Christian perspective. It acknowledges that Christianity and religious structures have historically been patriarchal but argues they also raised the status of women in ancient societies. While recognizing the need for equality, it maintains the Orthodox view that only men can be priests based on the symbolic role of priests representing Christ, a male, and the biological differences in human functions related to motherhood and priesthood. It emphasizes that women have an equally important role in the church and cites examples of influential female saints. The document encourages balancing religious beliefs and practices with a commitment to equality.
The document is a summary of a parish staff retreat held on July 5, 2014 at the Parish of St. Laurence. Over the 3 day retreat, the staff discussed topics like the new evangelization, charisms, and faith applied in action with Mary as a model. The retreat aimed to help staff grow in faith and skills, model church teaching, and facilitate parish growth and mission. Attendees were encouraged to discern what God was saying to them and discuss it, and to celebrate Marian feast days to grow closer to Mary over the coming year.
- The document discusses several topics related to Pope John Paul II's teachings on marriage, family, and building a civilization of love. It provides quotes from Pope John Paul II on the beauty of marriage, the battle between good and evil, the family as the domestic church, and hope for the future.
- The document proposes making a virtual pilgrimage focused on consecrating oneself to Our Lady as an apostle for the family and new springtime, providing resources to aid in this. It also discusses sharing educational media resources with children and parishes to help the next generation.
- The conclusion encourages taking St. Joseph as a guide and protector and having small group discussions on specific steps to take the teachings into one
Jesus was not a gloomy or severe person, but rather loved joyful celebrations like weddings. Some religious people, however, bring gloom wherever they go by being suspicious of happiness. Jesus was cheerful and wanted people to feel bathed in sunshine. Making a will is an important part of Christian stewardship, as it allows Christians to continue supporting God's work after death. When making a will, Christians should consider where to direct their resources based on their faith and values. Pastors have a responsibility to counsel members on Christian stewardship, including will-making.
The document discusses the Jewish practice of marriage as a religious rite of passage. It describes the key elements of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, including standing under the chuppah, reciting blessings over wine, exchanging rings, and signing the ketubah marriage contract. It analyzes how the marriage rite expresses Jewish beliefs by establishing a family unit to continue the Jewish nation, and linking the couple to the creation story and history of Israel through symbolic rituals and blessings. The practice is significant for both individuals, as a means to fulfill religious obligations and build a relationship with God, and for the community by strengthening identification with Judaism and responsibility to Jewish teachings.
The document provides a daily and weekly Lenten program with the focus of this session being on finding God in other people, particularly one's spouse. It discusses how a woman is the milieu of life through which God works, as seen in Christ's relationship with Mary and how Mary helped convert Elisabeth Leseur's atheist husband. It encourages discovering God in one's spouse through listening to the Holy Spirit speak through them, as the female brain is wired for emotional understanding and communication. The goal is to immerse one's life in God by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you through your spouse.
During this time of the pandemic, instead of focusing just on the cross that Christ died on – a death that was for us…what if we spent some time on the deaths that happen to us…to focus on our crosses and on our dying that needs to occur each day? In other words of the need to die to our egos, our strategies, our politics, and our prejudices. If not, then are we missing the point Christ was making when he called for us to carry our crosses? Check it out…
The work of Fr Norris; a mitigated St Ignatius spiritual diary that leads people to a greater understanding of yourself and your relationship with others and most importantly with God.
Saul was born into a devout Jewish family in Tarsus and grew up with a deep reverence for the Law. He was a member of the tribe of Benjamin and studied as a student of the prominent teacher Gamaliel in Jerusalem. One notable occasion was the meeting of Saul, now a persecutor of Christians, and the Christian martyr Stephen during Stephen's trial. Saul took part in Stephen's stoning and felt satisfaction but also doubt, showing the beginning of an internal conflict within him.
This document discusses the foundations of Christian community. It defines Christian community as a place where people can know God and each other through spiritual transformation. Key aspects of Christian community include unconditional love, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual activities like worship, prayer, and communion. The community should foster spiritual growth and equip people to transform the world through their mission. Individuals are transformed through their participation in the Christian community, and the community supports and sustains individuals on their spiritual journeys. Overall, the document explores how Christian community can empower people through spiritual transformation to change the world.
The document discusses the relationship between worship, culture, and the gospel. It addresses how worship leaders influence culture through songs, and the need for theological balance. While culture constantly changes, the gospel remains the same, and cannot be communicated without engaging culture. True worship transforms us, responds to God's initiative, and joins with Jesus in praising the Father through the Holy Spirit.
The document discusses the significance of marriage as a practice within Christianity. It describes the key components of a Christian marriage ceremony, including vows, readings from scripture, and symbols like rings that express the faith's beliefs about marriage as a lifelong, sacred union. It analyzes how the ceremony marks an important transition for individuals and also strengthens community bonds by reinforcing Christian teachings on relationships and family.
1. The document summarizes the key themes and orientations from the Fifth General Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopacy held in Aparecida, Brazil in 2007.
2. It emphasizes that the central theme was a missionary spirituality - being disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ so that people have life in him. This involves facilitating an encounter with Christ and building his Kingdom of life.
3. The belief that all are called to be disciples and missionaries provided the theme of serving life and promoting a full life for everyone through evangelization in conjunction with serving the poor. Grassroots church communities were also affirmed.
The document discusses the changing contexts and models needed for evangelism. It notes that as cultures have moved from pre-modern to modern and now postmodern worlds, the church's structures for evangelism and discipleship have not changed. It calls for imagining new models and paradigms as the ground has shifted beneath our feet. A world tour is presented highlighting shifts in different regions and cultures and challenges faced in evangelism.
The Gospel tells us that the disciples had no idea what ‘risen from the dead’ even meant. Do we? Wisdom from Pope Francis…and from children in an African tribe may just open our eyes in a new way so that we can better see how we are connected in our call to make all things new. And that Easter tells us that through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, love wins out over death every time and therefore nothing dies forever and that all that has died in love will be reborn into an even larger love – into the Body of Christ. Check it out…
St. Catherine Labouré was blessed with visions of Mary revealing the Miraculous Medal. She kept the secret of her visions for 46 years until her death, living a life of solitude. Her solitude allowed her to live a life of sanctity, though Mary sometimes called her to leave solitude to promote devotion, such as convincing her confessor to create the Miraculous Medal and the statue of Mary holding the globe. Though she faced struggles and ridicule, Catherine remained humble and was able to overcome a hot temper through God's grace. She worked to fulfill Mary's requests until the end of her life, knowing when it was necessary to leave her solitude to spread Marian devotion.
Saint Catherine Labouré lived a life of humility and service as a Daughter of Charity. She received supernatural visions, including apparitions of Mary in 1830 instructing her to have a medal designed and distributed. Though her confessor was initially skeptical, over two years of investigation convinced him and he had medals made. Devotion to the Miraculous Medal then spread rapidly. Catherine lived 46 more years in silence about her visions before revealing the truth on her deathbed. She consistently demonstrated humility, patience and obedience throughout her life.
The document discusses the emerging disciple-forming churches and outlines several key points:
1. It explores different ways of thinking about the church that is emerging, including as a center, fringe, stage, and range.
2. It examines the transition from old paradigms/models of church to new emerging paradigms/models, noting that we currently live in a time of late transition.
3. It outlines different levels of church from deep ecclesiology to house churches and discusses the relationship between various levels learning from one another.
God created humans in God's image with a propensity for creativity. Humans were meant to work, mirroring the creative, redemptive, and sustaining roles of the Trinity. In the Garden of Eden, humans fulfilled the creative mandate by caring for creation and adding value as God's stewards.
Dealing with dilemmas feminism in a patriarchal church 2012Tim Curtis
This document discusses the complex issues around gender, religion, and feminism from an Orthodox Christian perspective. It acknowledges that Christianity and religious structures have historically been patriarchal but argues they also raised the status of women in ancient societies. While recognizing the need for equality, it maintains the Orthodox view that only men can be priests based on the symbolic role of priests representing Christ, a male, and the biological differences in human functions related to motherhood and priesthood. It emphasizes that women have an equally important role in the church and cites examples of influential female saints. The document encourages balancing religious beliefs and practices with a commitment to equality.
The document is a summary of a parish staff retreat held on July 5, 2014 at the Parish of St. Laurence. Over the 3 day retreat, the staff discussed topics like the new evangelization, charisms, and faith applied in action with Mary as a model. The retreat aimed to help staff grow in faith and skills, model church teaching, and facilitate parish growth and mission. Attendees were encouraged to discern what God was saying to them and discuss it, and to celebrate Marian feast days to grow closer to Mary over the coming year.
- The document discusses several topics related to Pope John Paul II's teachings on marriage, family, and building a civilization of love. It provides quotes from Pope John Paul II on the beauty of marriage, the battle between good and evil, the family as the domestic church, and hope for the future.
- The document proposes making a virtual pilgrimage focused on consecrating oneself to Our Lady as an apostle for the family and new springtime, providing resources to aid in this. It also discusses sharing educational media resources with children and parishes to help the next generation.
- The conclusion encourages taking St. Joseph as a guide and protector and having small group discussions on specific steps to take the teachings into one
Jesus was not a gloomy or severe person, but rather loved joyful celebrations like weddings. Some religious people, however, bring gloom wherever they go by being suspicious of happiness. Jesus was cheerful and wanted people to feel bathed in sunshine. Making a will is an important part of Christian stewardship, as it allows Christians to continue supporting God's work after death. When making a will, Christians should consider where to direct their resources based on their faith and values. Pastors have a responsibility to counsel members on Christian stewardship, including will-making.
The document discusses the Jewish practice of marriage as a religious rite of passage. It describes the key elements of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, including standing under the chuppah, reciting blessings over wine, exchanging rings, and signing the ketubah marriage contract. It analyzes how the marriage rite expresses Jewish beliefs by establishing a family unit to continue the Jewish nation, and linking the couple to the creation story and history of Israel through symbolic rituals and blessings. The practice is significant for both individuals, as a means to fulfill religious obligations and build a relationship with God, and for the community by strengthening identification with Judaism and responsibility to Jewish teachings.
The document provides a daily and weekly Lenten program with the focus of this session being on finding God in other people, particularly one's spouse. It discusses how a woman is the milieu of life through which God works, as seen in Christ's relationship with Mary and how Mary helped convert Elisabeth Leseur's atheist husband. It encourages discovering God in one's spouse through listening to the Holy Spirit speak through them, as the female brain is wired for emotional understanding and communication. The goal is to immerse one's life in God by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you through your spouse.
During this time of the pandemic, instead of focusing just on the cross that Christ died on – a death that was for us…what if we spent some time on the deaths that happen to us…to focus on our crosses and on our dying that needs to occur each day? In other words of the need to die to our egos, our strategies, our politics, and our prejudices. If not, then are we missing the point Christ was making when he called for us to carry our crosses? Check it out…
The work of Fr Norris; a mitigated St Ignatius spiritual diary that leads people to a greater understanding of yourself and your relationship with others and most importantly with God.
Saul was born into a devout Jewish family in Tarsus and grew up with a deep reverence for the Law. He was a member of the tribe of Benjamin and studied as a student of the prominent teacher Gamaliel in Jerusalem. One notable occasion was the meeting of Saul, now a persecutor of Christians, and the Christian martyr Stephen during Stephen's trial. Saul took part in Stephen's stoning and felt satisfaction but also doubt, showing the beginning of an internal conflict within him.
This document discusses the foundations of Christian community. It defines Christian community as a place where people can know God and each other through spiritual transformation. Key aspects of Christian community include unconditional love, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual activities like worship, prayer, and communion. The community should foster spiritual growth and equip people to transform the world through their mission. Individuals are transformed through their participation in the Christian community, and the community supports and sustains individuals on their spiritual journeys. Overall, the document explores how Christian community can empower people through spiritual transformation to change the world.
The document discusses the relationship between worship, culture, and the gospel. It addresses how worship leaders influence culture through songs, and the need for theological balance. While culture constantly changes, the gospel remains the same, and cannot be communicated without engaging culture. True worship transforms us, responds to God's initiative, and joins with Jesus in praising the Father through the Holy Spirit.
In order to understand the story of Scripture and read the world from the Bible’s perspective, we must “play the game” on the Bible’s field and follow the Bible’s
rules.
Instead of a pagan view of time and eternity (primarily based on Plato and Greek philosophy), the Bible presents time linearly. A simple timeline can be used to describe redemptive history in a two-age manner (“this age” and “the age to come”), separated by a climactic day called the Day of the LORD.
The document discusses the challenges of writing an essay about one's mother, noting that it requires introspection to explore the complex relationship and balance authentic feelings without cliches while capturing the depth of a mother's influence. It acknowledges the potential emotional hurdles of writing about a loved one and stirring up feelings of gratitude, love, nostalgia but also perhaps conflict or regret. In conclusion, the document states that an essay on this topic demands introspection, emotional resilience, and appreciation for the complex mother-child relationship, but can also be immensely rewarding.
Echoes of-creation-pt4 - saints and pilgrimagePeter Creagh
This document discusses Celtic spirituality and the importance of pilgrimage and saints. It begins with an opening prayer and the lighting of candles. It then provides background on pilgrimage in Celtic tradition, noting that for many Celts it meant leaving Ireland by boat. It shares a story from Thomas Merton about the "Great Way" being the way that leads to God. Finally, it introduces the topic of the importance of pilgrimage and saints in Celtic spirituality, recognizing that Celtic Christianity was not organized and focused on immanence rather than institutionalism.
This document discusses different approaches to understanding Jesus Christ through history. It begins with an overview of biblical, conciliar, and contemporary Christology. It then contrasts Christology "from above," which focuses on Jesus' divinity, and Christology "from below," which focuses on his humanity. While both are important, the latter approach helps appreciate Jesus' full humanity and inspires discipleship. The document also examines biblical sources for Jesus' life, the nature of the gospels, key aspects of his teachings and ministry, his death and resurrection, and ecumenical councils that defined the orthodox understanding of Christ's dual nature. It concludes with some current Christological issues.
This document discusses the doctrine of creation and how it has evolved over time in response to scientific advances. It addresses 5 challenges to the traditional doctrine from evolution, cosmology, physics, ecology, and neuroscience. The key points are:
1) The doctrine of creation was never intended as a scientific account but about God's relationship with creation.
2) In response to new understandings, the doctrine has expanded to include ideas like continuous creation and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.
3) Christian teachings have constantly adapted to new knowledge through history while maintaining core beliefs, showing doctrines are not fixed tests of orthodoxy.
This document discusses interpreting the Bible as one grand narrative rather than isolated verses and principles. It argues that living in the Story means seeing our lives as part of God's redemptive plan unfolding throughout Scripture, rather than extracting bits to apply to modern life. Breaking the Bible down loses the overarching meaning and purpose that guides how we should engage culture and the world as God's people.
The document discusses how Christology still matters today and outlines several key points. It examines the Council of Nicaea and the debates between Arius and Athanasius over the nature of Christ. It then addresses why right Christology is important for concepts like salvation, God-talk, and preventing injustice. The document argues that Christology should shape how we live and act in the world. It poses questions about who Jesus is for us today and how we can make a difference through living like Christ in areas like social justice, creation care, helping the poor, and bringing hope.
The Celts once covered much of Europe and developed a unique style of Christianity distinct from Roman Catholicism. Some key aspects of Celtic Christianity included an emphasis on community, contemplation, sacred spaces, pilgrimages as spiritual journeys, and seeing God's presence in nature. Their circular artwork symbolized beliefs about the eternal nature of God and life. Modern churches can draw from their example by being inclusive communities that provide spiritual healing and compassion.
The document provides an introduction to Celtic spirituality, with a focus on prayer and protection. It discusses how Celtic spirituality emphasizes the indwelling presence of God and divine protection. It explores Celtic prayers such as Saint Patrick's Breastplate that call upon divine protection. The document contrasts Celtic spirituality with Western Christianity, noting the Celtic emphasis on the immanence of a Trinitarian God and their vibrant tradition of everyday prayers.
1Table of Contents Title PageCopyright Page.docxaulasnilda
This document is the table of contents and introduction for a book titled "Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit" by Clark Pinnock. The introduction discusses how theology of the Holy Spirit has been neglected compared to other doctrines. It aims to provide a comprehensive theology of the Spirit by exploring the Spirit's role in the Trinity, creation, Christology, the church, salvation, universality, and doctrinal development. The introduction emphasizes the need for both scholarly study and contemplative prayer in understanding the mysterious yet profound reality of the Holy Spirit.
Developing emotional resilience pt 1 the evolutionary brainPeter Creagh
This document discusses the evolution of the brain and models for understanding it. It describes:
1. Paul MacLean's triune brain model which views the brain as having 3 parts - the reptilian brain for survival, limbic system for emotion, and neocortex for thinking.
2. A proposed 5 brain model adding the prefrontal cortex and heart.
3. How the triune brain and concept of the "window of tolerance" can help understand emotional resilience and managing stress responses like fight, flight, or freeze.
This document provides instructions for practicing pranayama, a yogic breathing technique used to control the breath. It outlines a basic introductory practice of pranayama involving conscious breathing in and out through alternating nostrils. The practice is described in 19 steps, beginning with relaxed awareness of breathing and progressing to closing one nostril at a time while breathing slowly through the other. Regular pranayama practice is recommended to bring calmness to the body and psyche.
The document discusses the practice of pranayama, which is the regulation or control of breath. Pranayama is an ancient yogic practice that aims to still the mind by controlling the breath. It provides a basic 15-step pranayama practice that begins with conscious breathing in a relaxing environment and progresses to deeper breathing by imagining filling lungs like balloons on the inhale. The practice concludes by taking three focused breaths to bring in fresh air and release toxins on the exhale. Regular pranayama practice can aid meditation.
Essentials of the Solution Focused Approach to HelpingPeter Creagh
The document outlines seven key principles of Solution Focused Approaches (SFA) to helping. SFA focuses on solutions rather than problems and looks for evidence of clients' previous successes and strengths. It emphasizes developing solution language and focusing questions on the present and preferred future. Scaling questions are used to relate aspects of clients' lives to a 0-10 scale. The overall goal of SFA is to assist clients in envisioning and working towards their preferred future through small, experimental steps.
Formation before transformation Questions for the Spiritual TravellerPeter Creagh
Reflections on Spirituality with reference to two Masters, Jesus the Christ and Gautama the Buddha.
Focusiing on the importance of Formation and being rooted before one becomes transformed
Based on the importance of Advaita - Non-Duality instead of the Western and Paternalistic tendency towards duality i.e,. an Eithert : Or view of lidfe
Bowlby - An Introduction to Attachment TheoryPeter Creagh
The document summarizes John Bowlby's attachment theory, which proposes that people form attachments to other individuals who provide a sense of security. It notes that attachment behaviors are strongest in childhood but continue throughout life. The theory is relevant to understanding family and relationship dynamics. Specifically, early attachment experiences with caregivers shape how people interact in adult relationships. Issues like fear of intimacy or separation, anxious or avoidant attachment styles, may stem from unreliable or absent caregivers as children. The document ends by outlining how an understanding of attachment theory can help counselors in working with couples.
Balancing twin needs ; - Companionship and SolitudePeter Creagh
This document summarizes talks given at an International Satsang Association meeting on balancing twin needs of belongingness and solitude, and cultivating compassion. It discusses finding balance between these needs and maintaining awareness of ancient spiritual practices like meditation, breathwork and Zen tea ceremonies that help access the "still center" within. It emphasizes developing deep compassion for others by understanding their experiences beyond just sympathy, to build a universal vision of breaking down barriers between all people.
The document discusses transpersonal approaches to therapy and personal development. It outlines four essential truths and choices that guide this approach: 1) attachment versus happiness, 2) ego versus spirit, 3) fear versus love, and 4) separation versus unity. For each truth, the document discusses recognizing the truth, encouraging engagement with its implications, and realizing it in life experience. These three stages of reflection can help therapists and clients process the four truths and choices.
This document summarizes talks given at an International Satsang Association meeting on balancing twin needs of belongingness and solitude, and cultivating compassion. It discusses finding balance between these needs and maintaining awareness of ancient spiritual practices like meditation, breathwork and Zen tea ceremonies that help access the "still center" within. It emphasizes developing deep compassion for others by understanding their experiences beyond just sympathy, to build a universal vision of breaking down barriers between all people.
The document provides an introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It discusses that CBT combines cognitive therapy, behavior modification therapy, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. CBT is based on the assumption that unwanted thoughts and behaviors are learned and can be unlearned. The goal of CBT is to identify problematic thoughts and replace them with more positive thoughts to change feelings and behaviors. CBT uses cognitive and behavioral techniques like challenging negative thoughts and gradual exposure to change patterns of thinking and acting. Research shows CBT is effective for treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and other issues.
Echoes of-creation-pt2- holiness of placePeter Creagh
Celtic spirituality places great importance on the concept of "thin places," where the veil between the Creator and creation is thin, allowing God's presence to be more readily felt. Key thin places for Celts included hilltops, forests, wells, and other natural areas. The document discusses the Celtic cross as a symbol used to mark thin places. It describes the evolution of the Celtic cross from pre-Christian symbols incorporating the circle and cross, to the Christian Celtic cross with the four directions representing the four Gospels. The holiness of places and thin places is a core part of Celtic spirituality's emphasis on God's indwelling presence in all of creation.
Echoes of-creation-pt1;- reflections on celtic spiritualityPeter Creagh
This document provides an introduction to Celtic spirituality, which was influenced by both pre-Christian Celtic traditions and Christianity. It discusses four key themes of Celtic spirituality: a powerful presence, thin places, protection and prayer, and pilgrimage. Celtic spirituality emphasized experiencing the divine presence in all of creation and seeing God as immanent in the world. It was passed down over centuries in remote places like the Skellig Islands off Ireland. The document explores examples of the Celtic sense of an intoxicating divine presence through an ancient Celtic prayer and a traditional Celtic Christian prayer of creation.
The document discusses countertransference in spiritual direction relationships. It defines two main types of countertransference: helper activated, which stems from the helper's own past; and helper reactivated, which is the helper's response to the directee's transference. Helper reactivated countertransference can take the form of objective, concordant, or complementary countertransference. The document provides examples of each and emphasizes that recognizing and addressing countertransference is important for the relationship and can provide insights if explored properly. It concludes that countertransference is inevitable in close relationships and helpers must develop self-awareness and use supervision to best help directees.
The document discusses the growing tendency for people and societies to close their doors and minds to others who are different. It highlights how fear, ignorance, and lack of understanding often drive this closed-mindedness. The document advocates for open-mindedness, compassion, and interconnection as ways to counteract these tendencies and build trust between all people. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue across differences and reflects on the role that organizations like the International Satsang Association could play in opening doors between peoples.