Module 11 -Christianity

1/27/2018

In the U.S., the top three most practiced religions include Evangelical Christianity, Roman Catholic Christianity, and Mormonism. It is no surprise to any of us how conflicting some of the “Christian” messages are in our cultural and political milieu today.

In this module, we begin to explore what practicing spiritual guidance with Christians looks like, as well as what Christian spiritual guidance looks like. We will be introduced to a range of Christian denominations and become aware of our responses as we interact with the various voices.

And, as we consider practicing spiritual guidance with Christians, we recognize that you may have a history that includes some hurt from Christians. We also acknowledge that you may have grief and anger that come from people and/or experiences labeled Christian. Please give yourself some space to grieve and heal any self/judgment or spiritual abuse that you may have experienced in your life.

In our listening practices, we’ll explore the process of asking “good questions” within the SG session. Our webinar on Jan. 30 will be invaluable for this!

Download and print out the Module 11 requirements here:
http://www.awakenedliving.com/SGTI/Module11.pdf

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Once you leave a comment or question, be sure to put a check mark in the box that says you wish to be notified of responses. When someone comments on the module, you will receive notification of their response in your e-mail inbox. We will be checking in regularly to address comments.

Please try to post module-based questions here, rather than sending us a separate e-mail. It will be easier to keep Q & A in one place, so everyone benefits. Of course, if you have a question of a more personal nature, please e-mail us.

We hope you will check in once each week to let us know how you are doing and to connect with your classmates.

Let the conversation begin! We welcome your thoughts and look forward to chatting it up with you!

"A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
Jesus Christ

13 Comments

Rebecca Rosher

2/10/2018 10:48:28 am

RE: Christianity: RQ in no particular order:

How is your understanding of Christianity enhanced by the perspective presented by Huston Smith? o What did you notice interiorly as you read the articles in Mabry's and Vest's text? o What role does SG play in the life of a Christian? Does it seem different than the role it plays in other spiritual/religious/ethical traditions?

Huston Smith continues to present world religions, specifically the Christian tradition, in a beautiful, broad stroked manner. He provides an overarching view from the balcony of the tradition, while attending to the details of individual sects of Christianity. He focuses on the affect of Jesus, the understanding of power and majesty of the Divine, and the impact on varying interpretations of the divine. The authors brings to light the mystical and the practical side of the Christian tradition.

As I read, I was struck by the bigness of the views of the authors. There is a sense that something is larger than the churches I was familiar with. Instead of focusing on the individual dogmatic viewpoints that are often associated with the Christian tradition, there is a sense of love, and justice that has the opportunity to be lived out.

In addition to others, one of the primary reasons that the Christian tradition is unique regarding spiritual direction, is because it is the one I am most familiar with. This adds a level of personal health and wounding. I think this is also the difference between this and the other traditional we have looked at. As I am new to many of the traditions, the level of comfort of navigating, understanding, and listening can be done with a level of comfort. With that, there is the danger of projecting my own view points of the Christian tradition on the companion, making listening and self checking especially important.

RQ: Issues:
As I looked through and read the articles provided, I was struck by the issues facing Christianity, and how they seem very aligned to past issues. For example, social justice issues, such as slavery were prominent areas of debate from the 1600's on. Slavery, in alternative and less visible formats is still prevalent and a potential topic of debate in the Christian tradition. In the same vein, the lack equality and the segregation that exists and is experienced by People of Color both within and outside of the Christian church is an issue that continues remain an issue.
Also, in a similar category, the issue of women roles in the church, as well as the awareness of GLBTQ inclusion can be included in the social justice movement that has potential to be championed by Christians.

When considering working with someone of the Christian tradition, I don't always know the answer to "what are the keys to working with…" However, I do think with the correct questions and the ability to listen well, someone who is versed and/or immersed in the Christian tradition will tell you of their wounds of the church. They will inform the guide of what they appreciate and cling to as well. These will come out in their conversations, and the avenues that they bring to the table. It will be discussed as they explain their everyday life and values that contribute. I think the key is to listen actively.

RQ: Video
In spiritual direction, it might be relevant to determine the type of celebration and worship was expressed in their own community. This might help the guide, and the seeker, to determine their expression of god, their understanding or appreciation level for community. Also, since there is a deep understanding, based on the videos, that we each bring individual gifts, it might be valid to ask the companion about their perceived gifts, how they prefer to use them and how they might manifest themselves in their daily life and individual communities.

Podcast:
I was thrilled for many reasons when we were assigned a podcast with Boyd, Colson, and Claiborne. First, I love Onbeing. It's a fav. I also am familiar with and appreciate the rich dialogue that I have experienced with Boyd. While I don't particularly agree with all of his stances, I am intrigued by his thinking and have a deep respect for his ability to respond in a non-dualistic manner. Claiborne is a favorite, as his views are intriguing and revolutionary. Additionally, he is an activist and has provided a way for actions to accompany a belief.
Overarching, there was a sense of kindness, compassion, and lovingness that came with this interview. Having that stance, as a guide is a good place to begin. Again, not to beat a dead horse (which doesn't really make sense at all) listening to understand is critical when a companion might not share viewpoints. Seeking to understand a view that you might align or not align to, but to understand the depth is the critical point. I also draw from the wisdom of one of an earlier article. (on the pleurism project, about abortion)

two "enemies" met privately face to fac

Jeanette

2/12/2018 12:08:23 pm

Becky, Thank you for these comments. Yes, SG's have an opportunity to be present with the individual narrative, rather than project. As you say, self checking and active listening are important.
There are many current (and not so current) cultural and societal issues in which Christians can pursue justice. One way to see your role is to help activate people, which I know you do with those you mentor. What it looks like its case by case, but we can explore further if you want.

Barbara

2/10/2018 01:12:08 pm

I was a bit surprised about how much I've enjoyed reading about Christianity. I presume I learned a little (very little!) history in Catholic high school, and I took a world religions course in college. I have participated in various sorts of progressive Christian churches in part of my adulthood and I'm married to a woman who got a master's degree at Wheaton College. But I really don't know much about Christianity1
I loved how Smith talked about Jesus. As I read along, I thought how different the USA might be if we lived according to the way it's described that Jesus lived and taught. Then when he moved into the "mind" of the church it all fell apart for me as it discussed theologies that I have a hard time with. Growing up Catholic, I never fully understood the deep connection to the bible that exists in Protestantism. I wonder if I might have had different conversations (with friends who grew up Protestant) about "sacred texts" if I had realized how essential the bible was to them. It was helpful to read that there is an awareness of a tendency toward Bibliolatry. In reading about my childhood tradition of Roman Catholicism, I realized I had long ago given up on the concept of church as teaching authority. Church as sacramental agent has stayed with me somewhat. I love the sacrament of communion, but not in the way I was taught. I loved being in a church that celebrated communion each week and the table was open to all, and all interpretations of its meaning were welcome. The bottom line for me here is that I've learned a lot in these readings that helped me understand my own history and hopefully will help me as a spiritual guide.
That said, as I was reading the spiritual guidance texts, I found myself thinking that there are a lot of Christians I wouldn't be able to companion! Especially because I don't know enough about the bible! I was surprised in reading about reformed traditions that UCC is considered a reformed tradition that would put great emphasis on the bible and would expect a SG to have great familiarity with the Bible! (Is this true Jeffrey?!)

Jeffrey Phillips

2/10/2018 02:37:19 pm

Yes, the UCC is "Reformed" in that we descend about 75% from Calvin rather than Luther. But we have a stubborn streak of independence, free thinking, and social activism that puts us at the "left" end of the Reformed family - and most Christians. UCC Christians were told a long time ago in Europe that the Bible is important, but that we not only GET to think for ourselves in interpreting and applying it, but that we HAVE to think for ourselves that way. When you tell people they can think for themselves, they are likely to take you up on the offer. That's the UCC: embracing diversity of thought and practice while finding unity as we continually orbit around "traditional" Christian language, rituals, symbols, and texts - most significantly, the Bible.

I, too, was surprised by the author who said an SG must know the Bible well to assist Christian seekers. If it's not necessary for an SG to know the details of Hindu mythology and ritual to assist a Hindu seeker, why would it be necessary for an SG to know the details of the Bible to serve a Christian seeker? I think our honest lack of knowledge of another person's tradition provides the perfect opportunity to ask her or him, "Tell me more about......" Or, "Why is..... important to you?" A seeker who really knows and loves the Bible would probably LOVE to tell an SG more about it! In my liberal Protestant world, the truth is that most church members know very little about the Bible, and wouldn't expect an SG to be a Bible "expert." If it is information about the Bible they are seeking, we can always refer them to a pastor.

2/12/2018 12:15:25 pm

Barbara, I was also surprised and confused about the comment about breeding to know the Bible in order to companion with another Christian. I agree with Jeffrey: invitational questions such as, tell me more, are chances for you to learn as a SG, as well as a chance for the seeker to (begin to) articulate what matters to them. This is a gift you offer in a session - to help your companion process and reflect, which brings healing.

2/10/2018 02:16:59 pm

RQ (Smith, Mabry, Vest)

Smith. It was interesting to see that Smith sometimes used a historical-critical lens to view Christianity, but sometimes did not. Which is to say that, when considering a topic as broad as Christianity (or even more narrowly the life of Jesus and the emergence of the early church), people will make of it what they want. In terms of spiritual guidance, it's not the "facts" that matter so much as the "spin" given to those "facts" by the seeker. No one is an objective viewer of spiritual things - not even Huston Smith!

I do like his interspiritual appraisal of Jesus when he writes (p. 328), "Here was a man in whom the human ego had disappeared." I'm not sure that's entirely true based on scripture or a historical take on the life of Jesus, but it is a portrayal of Jesus one can make from scripture, making for an appealing (if idealized) view of him for Christians, non-Christians, or semi-Christians. Likewise, p. 333, Smith says that the minimizing of ego made the early Christian movement appealing to the masses. Again, there's plenty of evidence to the contrary, but I would like to think there's some compelling truth in it.

I very much appreciated Smith's mention of the "Protestant principle" (pp. 359 ff.). It was a concept I had long ago encountered in Paul Tillich (from whom this idea comes), but had subsequently forgotten. I was able to use this in a class I taught last Sunday morning!

Mabry, Vest. I felt warmed by the spiritual emphases of Orthodoxy mentioned in Jillions's essay: putting on Christ, growing in Christ, theosis, encountering God in the mystery of the liturgy, the "Jesus Prayer," having one's own confessor-priest-monk, living only for Christ, and a well-trodden spiritual path that leads to fullness of life.

Likewise, I was stirred by Lescher's comments on Vatican II. So many years after the Council, we are still benefiting from, yet largely ignorant of, the revolutionary statements made there. They still promise to bring Protestants, Catholics, people of other faiths, and atheists together in mutual respect and cooperation. This is not what most people usually think of when they consider Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church, and that makes me sad. There is so much hope and light in the documents of Vatican II. I was moved by Lescher's weaving of theology, church history, and the witness of those we usually categorize as "mystics." To a wise observer of the Catholic faith, they are all one piece - and not as disconnected from Quaker, Orthodox, and secular expressions as we usually think.

I gave a big "Amen" shout to Standish, p. 280, who writes, "Sometimes Christians substitute theological thinking for spiritual practice and awareness, and that's often a problem for those of the Reformed tradition [who] approach God mainly with their heads and struggle with a spirituality of the heart and body." THIS IS MY WORLD. Actually, THIS IS ME. I like that he included mention of surrender as a special step in Reformed spirituality. Surrender is heart work, not head work. Actually, it's God's work in us.

I was blown away by the essays in Vest on Ignatian, Carmelite, and Benedictine spiritualities. Each was incredibly detailed - a world unto itself. There's just so much there! This, to me, is not overwhelming but liberating in that it proves that there is much, much, much more to Christianity than beliefs, rituals, history, and bad behavior. I picked up a book last weekend on Franciscan spirituality - and then there's Dominican, and... and... Such richness and vastness! Each "flavor" seeks in its own way to cultivate spiritual flourishing as all the great traditions do, including non-Christian ones - by paying close and loving attention to what's going on interiorly. People actually do this! There is hope!

I could give many examples from the chapters. Here's one from Cowan who writes on Ignatian spirituality (p. 76): "Finding God in all things turns life into a love story between God and the directee." OK, one more: I appreciate Plattig's description of Carmelite spirituality as requiring one to face one's own shadow. Yes. All that (psychological?) stuff has to be faced for spiritual transformation to occur. Each essay stressed process rather than instantaneous enlightenment or even perfection/success, and each emphasized that it is God who directs, not the "director."

Role of SG in the life of the Christian. Well, it depends on the Christian - not only what their background is, but what's going on in their life at this moment that prompts them to seek guidance. That's where one might begin the conversation - addressing both of those and how they relate to each other. I'm not sure if SG is different for Christians than for others. In my mainline Protestant tradition, SG is as foreign as it is in Judaism. This presents the constant challenge for guides and seekers of trying to define what SG is, even as we are doing it.

2/10/2018 04:13:52 pm

RQ (Pluralism project articles).

1. A lot of Christians are struggling with whether and how to apply their faith to the current national political divide. It's hard to even talk about this in most congregations as people go to their respective corners immediately when anyone brings up the question. Christians can't even agree whether to talk about it or not for fear of the divisions that are likely to occur if they do. I met a UCC woman at a contemplative prayer event last fall who told me that centering prayer gatherings are now her "church" as she can't stand to worship at her previous church knowing some people there voted for Trump. In my last church, members were getting really nasty with each other on Facebook about Trump. My desire to bring faith to bear on political/social issues was a key criticism of me. This is something to be mindful of as we receive Christian seekers.

Another issue I face in my pastoral work is helping people who struggle to reconcile the words, stories, images, concepts, and rituals they encounter on Sunday with science, reason, and experience. They dearly want to possess an authentic faith - one that is real and yet consistent with science, reason, and experience. Pastors often have good answers to these questions, but avoid the topic in the pulpit because of the criticism they know they will get if they actually preach about it. John Shelby Spong says that most clergy simply lack the courage to teach their church members what they themselves learned in seminary about reconciling Christian faith, reason, science - and the possibility of honoring non-Christian religions even as we embrace the God revealed in Christ. I think Spong is right, but I also sympathize with pastors who don't want to divide their congregations or get fired. (This was another thing members in my last church said about me - that I dared to suggest that the stories in the Bible functioned principally as metaphor. To them, this suggested I was a "closet atheist.") Spiritually growing people are hungry for this stuff, but they will not get it from their pastors. They may, however, seek it from us in spiritual guidance.

2. Key concept to know: differences between Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox, and between evangelical, Pentecostal, and mainline Protestants. Each "family" produces its own language, experiences, and assumptions. If the topic is religion, I can usually tell an evangelical Christian within about five words of her or his first utterance, and can distinguish between an evangelical and a Pentecostal Christian in about twelve words. This is an exaggeration, but each Christian "family" inhabits a unique world of symbols, and has it own "vibe" and common reference points, and our seekers will bring their religious symbol-universes into our sessions. However, they will usually be unaware of how their language and assumptions give away their confessional origin. For them, their language and assumptions are simply normative - "I'm just a Christian," they'll say. However, the differences between Christian backgrounds are important. The language they use tells us the type of Christian they are, or the type of Christianity they grew up in, and it will be important to understand that to deal effectively with Christian seekers.

2/10/2018 04:54:13 pm

RQ (short videos).

I'm not sure how to answer this question; I'd be interested to know what others think. It seems that as important as it is to know what kind of Christian the seeker is because it forms the context of their story and thus helps us understand them more deeply, I'm not sure how the actual practice of SG changes depending on the background of the seeker. Would we be more likely to pray with an evangelical? Talk about communion with a Catholic? Go to a rally with a Presbyterian? Speak in tongues with a Pentecostal? I somehow doubt it. It's a good question, but I'd like to more about the question, and hear from others......

barbara

2/10/2018 07:35:58 pm

I'm with you Jeffrey. As with people of any other background or tradition, it seems most important to learn about the individual Christian we are talking with, what brings them to us, what has been their faith and/or church journey. And related to my other comment about the bible, I guess I'd like to know what they expect from a SG so if they are wanting someone well versed in the bible (or with experience speaking in tongues!) I might refer them to someone else.

2/10/2018 05:00:20 pm

RQ (articles).

I'm not sure I would ask Christian seekers any different questions than I would ask non-Christians: Tell me about your faith journey. What brings you here today? What does your heart desire?

2/10/2018 05:37:44 pm

RQ (Three Evangelicals Debate).

I do not like evangelicals. At least I know it! Their theology condemns me, and de-legitimizes my family. Their beliefs would have most of the human race burning in hell. Yet, they are glad to be the "face" of Christianity in the public sphere, distorting what I regard as the real message and mission of Jesus. I would find it hard to be a good guide to them!

As I listened to the podcast, I kept thinking: why not have a Catholic perspective? A mainline Protestant perspective? Or a genuinely progressive evangelical perspective (such as Jim Wallis)?

I found myself in agreement with Chuck Colson about the absolute necessity of the church being involved in politics, but I would have the church take positions opposite of his. He accurately cites Bonhoeffer and Niebuhr, common heroes to both conservative and liberal Protestants, but draws the wrong conclusions from them!

I also found myself in enthusiastic agreement with Boyd's and Claiborn's rejection of "rah-rah America" patriotism as too often found in the church (another reason my last church didn't seem to like me much!). I truly admire their willingness to say this in an evangelical world that is head over heals in love with Trump and his desire to parade ICBMs down Pennsylvania Avenue on July 4 (80% of white evangelicals voted for DJT). Boyd and Claiborne are well-rooted in their knowledge of the Anabaptist political philosophy of John Howard Yoder, and sincerely want to live the way they preach.

However, all three give me the creeps. Anybody who says that a woman is not a qualified moral decision maker when it comes to her own reproductive health care decisions fails to garner my respect, especially when they use MY religion to make their patriarchal case!

This all said, it will certainly happen that seekers will come to me who hold and express theological, social, and ethical views that I find repugnant. The key is to acknowledge one's own responses when that happens. Notice the feelings and thoughts as they occur. There's clearly no need for debate, argument, or even discussion of these differences unless they are presented for that kind of back-and-forth conversation by the seeker. But even then, this would take the conversation into the head, and away from the heart of the seeker. I think my job as a guide in that situation is to notice, name, and pay attention to what's going on inside of me - how I feel angry, afraid, and threatened by this other person. This awareness would give me the best chance to re-focus my attention on the seeker and explore with her or him issues that go deeper than politics, theology, and social attitudes.

It would be hard for me to serve an evangelical seeker without judgment, but I think I would like to try so I could further develop my skills of empathy, unconditional love, and acceptance of people as they are.

2/12/2018 12:23:50 pm

Jeffrey, thank you for these comments. Yes, the evangelical empire and its people have done a lot of harm. But be careful to not put yourself in a box (as one SG tells me often) about the potential for your own judgment towards evangelicals. I believe you have what it takes to companion with an evangelical. As you are aware, once you get to know someone's story, compassion, respect, and understanding grow.

2/12/2018 12:25:46 pm

By the way, my AutoCorrect is making me smile today.

Module 11 -Christianity

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