Tag Archives: Christianity
A Strange New World
Ways of Knowing A Strange New World Tuesday, October 15, 2019 I grew up relatively sheltered in my Kansas home and in Catholic schools. However, over the years, life has provided me with countless opportunities to meet people whose different experiences and understandings have opened unseen doors and enriched my knowing. Moving out of our… Continue Reading A Strange New World
Becoming Who You Are
Shadow Work Becoming Who You Are Monday, September 9, 2019 I have learned much from the Swiss psychotherapist Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961). Jung brought together practical theology with good psychology. He surely was no enemy of religion; in fact, I would call him a mystic. Late in his life, when asked if he “believed” in… Continue Reading Becoming Who You Are
Nonviolence Works
Nonviolence Nonviolence Works Thursday, August 22, 2019 How is it that many Christians have managed to avoid what Jesus actually taught? We’ve evaded major parts of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7): the Beatitudes, Jesus’ warning about idolizing “mammon,” his clear directive and example of nonviolence, and his command to love our enemies. I… Continue Reading Nonviolence Works
Being Christian
Mystic: Howard Thurman Being Christian Friday, July 26, 2019 Today I invite you to reflect on your own sense of identity—both as an individual and as part of a collective—as you read Howard Thurman’s thoughts on race and relationships: The burden of being black and the burden of being white is so heavy that it… Continue Reading Being Christian
Why Are You Here?
Mystic: Howard Thurman Why Are You Here? Thursday, July 25, 2019 Today, as you read this second excerpt from Howard Thurman’s book Jesus and the Disinherited, hold an open heart and mind. In other words, read with a contemplative stance. The meditation ends with a question that I’ll hope you’ll sit with—as Thurman and his… Continue Reading Why Are You Here?
A Subtle Peril
Mystic: Howard Thurman A Subtle Peril Wednesday, July 24, 2019 Howard Thurman lovingly critiqued Christianity, which has often ignored the direct teaching and witness of Jesus in relationship with those who are oppressed. This excerpt is from one of Thurman’s most well-known books, Jesus and the Disinherited. I think this message is important today and… Continue Reading A Subtle Peril
The Mystical Heartbeat
Introduction to Christian Mysticism The Mystical Heartbeat Friday, July 19, 2019 Today I share again from Carl McColman’s book Christian Mystics: The first Christian mystics appear in the Bible, figures like John the Evangelist and Paul of Tarsus. But mysticism didn’t end when the Bible was written. Great mystics appear in every century of Christian… Continue Reading The Mystical Heartbeat
Goodness of God
Introduction to Christian Mysticism Goodness of God Thursday, July 18, 2019 Spiritual director and author Carl McColman explores the etymology of the word “mystic” and the difference between a saint and a mystic. Carl is a wise and holy man still among us. The Greek root for mystic and mysticism is mueo, which means to… Continue Reading Goodness of God
Incarnational Mysticism
Introduction to Christian Mysticism Incarnational Mysticism Sunday, July 14, 2019 Years ago, someone asked if I could sum up all my teachings in two words. My response was “incarnational mysticism.” The first word, “incarnational,” is Christianity’s specialty and should always be our essential theme. We believe God became embodied. The early Fathers of the Church… Continue Reading Incarnational Mysticism
Breaking Down Walls
Unity and Diversity Breaking Down Walls Thursday, June 6, 2019 Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis is senior minister at Middle Collegiate Church, a multiracial, welcoming, and inclusive congregation in New York City. We were honored to have her speak at our Universal Christ conference this March. Today I’d like to share a short excerpt from her… Continue Reading Breaking Down Walls
