This post is the second in a series on new buzzwords influencing how we relate to religion. In the first post, I talk about Integral, an emerging worldview in the evolution of human consciousness — a process we each partake in every day, whether we realize it or not. Here, I talk about Interspiritual.
Continue reading Buzzword #2: INTERSPIRITUAL and Its Educational Purpose
PREVIEW. I’m sitting on the floor, a foot from the TV, turning channels. There is no remote, no recording device. An animated figure appears on the screen. The narrator explains it will experience eight significant crises in its lifetime. Each will occur around a major developmental issue such as trust, identity, intimacy, etc., according to psychologist, Erik Erikson. I SPRINT for pen and paper. AHA! The key to my future. If I study these stages of development, I’ll be prepared for Life. I am 14. And I want to know more.
What other life maps are out there to show what lies ahead?
Continue reading 3 New Buzzwords Changing Religion — Buzzword #1: INTEGRAL
How do we become ourselves?
(and not who our parents, principals, preachers, or presidents tell us to be?)
The 18th century Rabbi Zusya of Anapoli, said he feared that when he died, the angels would ask not “Why weren’t you more like Moses?” but “Why weren’t you more like Zusya?”
Contemporary Quaker educator, Parker Palmer, gives this advice:
Continue reading Listen: Becoming a New Kind of Religion Teacher
In the wake of tragedy, we look for meaning and find ourselves drawn to experience the wisdom of our higher self.
But how do we reach the higher self?
In Ann Arbor, one University of Michigan Graduate student, Austin Stewart, spontaneously organized a community performance of Mozart’s Requiem on Tuesday evening, June 14th. In less than 48 hours, he brought together musicians and performers of all backgrounds to honor those wounded and killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Sponsored by The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, the public was welcome. Continue reading ANN ARBOR’S REQUIEM FOR ORLANDO
Behind the hair, skin, gender, status, culture, class, language, fashion, and faith, who am I?
I am my message. I am the unique world-view I’m yearning to share. But — I’ve been scratching at its surface, poking around the edges, unwilling to fully embrace it. Why? Continue reading Why I’m Coming Out as a Religion Teacher Who Doesn’t Teach Religion
We can ignore it. We can try going around it, under it, over it.
But religion can lead to Spiritual Sustenance if we go through it.
This means thinking for ourselves, understanding how religion affects us and others— now and later, understanding others’ religions, and creating a relationship to religion that allows us to grow -responsibly.
ZinnHouse is here to help.
Rabbi David Wolpe wrote that floating takes faith. Floating is especially enjoyable after learning to swim, to propel through water. And faith is especially appreciated after understanding religion.
How do different religious traditions, customs, norms affect our spirit? It is one thing to float through religion, it is another to understand and move it in ways that strengthen us spiritually. I encourage you to look at this website and, in addition to floating, learn to swim.
October 9, 2010
Continue reading Five Quick Reflections on Responsible Religion