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 Our Group Conversation AreaOnce 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:
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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.
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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
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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.
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Jeanette
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.
Jeffrey Phillips
2/10/2018 02:16:59 pm
RQ (Smith, Mabry, Vest)
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Jeffrey Phillips
2/10/2018 04:13:52 pm
RQ (Pluralism project articles).
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Jeffrey Phillips
2/10/2018 04:54:13 pm
RQ (short videos).
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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.
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Jeffrey Phillips
2/10/2018 05:00:20 pm
RQ (articles).
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Jeffrey Phillips
2/10/2018 05:37:44 pm
RQ (Three Evangelicals Debate).
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Jeanette
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.
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Jeanette
2/12/2018 12:25:46 pm
By the way, my AutoCorrect is making me smile today.
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