Comments on: Guiding Authentic Spiritual Growth

By: Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 22:12:16 +0000

Good point. I like the idea of “living it” first and “learning it” later. A lot of churches have it backwards.

By: precariouspastor

precariouspastor — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:09:09 +0000

Very true. I see the overall education, or literacy, of people being essential for mature faith. You list good reasons for it. It should happen through preaching and in groups, but there does seem to be room for special education classes and retreat style learning.

My issue with them is that churches have gone to these first and they become deadends of ‘objectivized’ learning where the brain becomes over-developed and the heart and service muscles stay weak and flabby. I like the idea of people engaging in groups and serving with the little they know first. Then with that pattern ingrained in their lives, they dig for that other deep stuff.

Like in all things; balance and persistence… and a willingness to live precariously! Thanks for the thoughts.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:57:21 +0000

Okay, so I’m no pastor but I think your model is good. Seems like you have all of the main “areas” of spirituality covered. I do think there is another component that deals with the history of the Church that deserves a little attention, too (this includes both our personal histories as well as good old fashioned Church History 101). Just seems like it’s a big obstacle to spiritual development for so many people. That said, my guess is that you would integrate such things into the six categories you mention above.

My husband and I are listening to an audio book called “Upon This Rock” about the history of the Papacy. It’s amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. Anyway, for some people that history can actually turn them off to Church; for others it’s a message that we really need to see beyond human errors, etc. I’m not sure where I’m going with this except to say that maybe you should add “educate” to your list. It’s only in understanding the past that we can move forward with the future.