I stand by my guiding verse from Matthew. I’m always questioning myself and learning the unforced rhythms of grace. As I’ve aged I too wonder more and more about our religious systems. My mind wanders and feels full of goo during corporate prayers. Yet keep coming back to the same conclusion where else would I seek refuge and solace and find such deep love even in my questioning? Only at Gods feet with Gods people as we struggle and live out joy together.
Good writing. still, I just finished reading a lovely little book called "Jewish Spirituality: A Brief Introduction for Christians", and where I see the word "spirituality" in that context, it's not so bad. (As it turns out, Jewish Spirituality is pretty earthy, and particular.)
As well, I still remember the day that my English professor (a Roman Catholic nun) walked into our classroom and started reciting Hopkins' sonnet, "As Kingfishers Catch Fire". Later on I would have called that a spiritual experience. But, what do I know?
Hi, Diane, it sounds like you have experienced and know many good and true things. I've had a profound encounter with Hopkins and "Kingfishers" too. And our Jewish teachers have deep wisdom to offer us. I admire Rabbi Kushner.
I really meant my paragraph on the many good, right things about our spiritual yearnings. I tried to be careful -- though not careful enough, I'm sure -- on how I am resisting certain (and common) ways of thinking about spirituality ("a good bit of spirituality talk..." and "many prevailing ideas..."). The spirituality I'm rejecting is one "defined by me," which is far too small, insular, and insufficient to rescue me from my profound despair.
Thank you for pushing back and giving me a chance to be clearer.
“I find most Christian cultures baffling, boring, derivative, and petty, and increasingly idolatrous. A fair bit of the current discussions around spiritual practices and spiritual formation make me itchy. By many measures, I’m not very spiritual at all.” Me too. Thank you for your honesty here and for proclaiming the good news.
yes
Winn, You've got your finger on the pulse of the matters and I love the way you talk about it! Be still and trust God He controls everything.
A Jesus-centered spirituality. Exactly.
the real good news
Amen and amen!
Excellent approach. Thank you.
I stand by my guiding verse from Matthew. I’m always questioning myself and learning the unforced rhythms of grace. As I’ve aged I too wonder more and more about our religious systems. My mind wanders and feels full of goo during corporate prayers. Yet keep coming back to the same conclusion where else would I seek refuge and solace and find such deep love even in my questioning? Only at Gods feet with Gods people as we struggle and live out joy together.
Thank you. As always.
Beautiful
This is SO on target, refreshingly honest, encouraging to my soul, and compelling to my conviction, my attitude, and my behaviour! Thank you, Winn!
So good. Thank you, Winn.
Beautiful.
Yes!! Good post!
Good writing. still, I just finished reading a lovely little book called "Jewish Spirituality: A Brief Introduction for Christians", and where I see the word "spirituality" in that context, it's not so bad. (As it turns out, Jewish Spirituality is pretty earthy, and particular.)
As well, I still remember the day that my English professor (a Roman Catholic nun) walked into our classroom and started reciting Hopkins' sonnet, "As Kingfishers Catch Fire". Later on I would have called that a spiritual experience. But, what do I know?
Hi, Diane, it sounds like you have experienced and know many good and true things. I've had a profound encounter with Hopkins and "Kingfishers" too. And our Jewish teachers have deep wisdom to offer us. I admire Rabbi Kushner.
I really meant my paragraph on the many good, right things about our spiritual yearnings. I tried to be careful -- though not careful enough, I'm sure -- on how I am resisting certain (and common) ways of thinking about spirituality ("a good bit of spirituality talk..." and "many prevailing ideas..."). The spirituality I'm rejecting is one "defined by me," which is far too small, insular, and insufficient to rescue me from my profound despair.
Thank you for pushing back and giving me a chance to be clearer.
“I find most Christian cultures baffling, boring, derivative, and petty, and increasingly idolatrous. A fair bit of the current discussions around spiritual practices and spiritual formation make me itchy. By many measures, I’m not very spiritual at all.” Me too. Thank you for your honesty here and for proclaiming the good news.