The group spent time reflecting on passages of Care of the Soul. Next week we will move to a new book that discusses Politics and connections to the Soul. Vince will bring the book next week for us. We can reimburse Vince directly for the cost of the books.
We began with a reading from the beginning of chapter 10:
"It (soul) has a preference for details and particulars, intimacy and involvement ... the soul feeds on whatever life grows in its immediate environment. (p 203)"
The group discussed the meaning of this passage and contemplated the differences in a soul for a person who was born and reared in our culture versus other cultures. We also began a conversation on when a soul "begins" and whether a soul is "inate" or "developed". The group shared different views on this issue and we had a discussion on soul mates and how some souls seemed to be connected to your soul, such as parent to child or friends you had not seen for a long time.
In response to the questions, we read on to Moore's assertion that. "Spirituality doesn' t arrive fully formed without effort. ... For good reason we go to church, temple or mosque, regularly and at appointed time; its easy for consciousness to become lodged in the material world and to forget the spiritual. (p 204)"
We returned to our discussions as we talked about how we have to work on the development of our spirituality and soul and Vince reminded us of Moore's view about spirituality and psychology being tied together by directing us Chapter 11 where Moore asserts "I've heard it said that Catholics don't need psychiatry because they go to confession. I suggest that a person who turns to the bible as a compendium of insight into the nature of the soul does not need psychology. (p 238)" The group had differing views on this including whether we look to the bible for "truth" or for "insight". We discussed fundamentalism in general including discussions about the current political campaign and how to avoid being labelled as a partisan based on our views. Bob Hughes shared that there was an insert in the bulletin for the service that aligned each parties platform with the teachings of the Methodist church. (Editors note: Very interesting read!)
We went on to discuss the importance of faith and how it should be our life's work to develop our soul by turning to "Faith is a gift of the spirit that allows the soul to remain attached to its own unfolding. When faith is soulful, it is always planted in the soul of wonder and questioning. (p253)."
We talked about how not knowing, but being open to not knowing a big difference in maturity of the soul. We went with this metaphor to Moore's thoughts on how "... stories of religions provide an inexhaustible source of reflection on the mysteries of the soul. (p 243)" Moore uses the image of Jesus in the River Jordan about to be baptized and observes, "This scene is a portait of a significant moment in any life: one finds oneself standing in the powerful, streaming currents of time and fate." Moore asserts that when we read the story of the baptism of Jesus, we should all be inspired to make our own "baptism". "The Jordan is the arcehtype of our willingness to live fully, to have our own work and mission, and to therefore be blessed... (p243)"
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Care of the Soul - Chapter 10 - Sunday, September 14
Adult Sunday School at MIUMC will focus again this year on the soul. We will tackle the subject of "Expressions of the Soul". Vince has outlined a list of subjects we will cover in the session and will publish a list of readings for us.
To create a bridge from last year's work to this year's work, we returned to Thomas Moore's Care of the Soul and will focus on Chapter 10 and Chapter 11.
The group agreed on a format and a time line and engaged in a short discussion beginning with Chapter 1o.
Thomas Moore writes on page 203
"...the soul feeds on whatever life grows in its natural environment. To the soul, the ordinary is sacred and the everyday is a primary source of religion."
The group discussed the ordinary rituals that allow us to see into our souls. Vince asked everyone to bring to class next week an expression of their soul.
Moore goes on to discuss the modern tendancy to separate religion from psychology and gave his perspective that the two are tied.
One controversial topic in the passage in this area emerged when Moore made the claim, " it (soul) needs a myth of immortality and an attitude towards death."
The group discussed if this meant that Moore did not believe that Christianity promises eternal life. Different people in the class gave different views on the "myths of immortality", ie, do we accept the images in song such as "singing praises for 10,000 years" as a literal truth or do we believe people become "angels" at death - both of which are cultural notions, not underscored by scripture.
The group discussed the section on Pyschological Modernism beginning on Page 206. The group discussed the way that Moore describes the modern approach to "soul work" as
"...there is almost no time given to reflection and where assuption is that the psyche has spare parts, an owner's manual, and well-trained mechanics called therapists. Philosophy lies at the base of every day life problems, but it takes soul to reflect on one's own life with genuine philosophical seriousness."
Next week, everyone should bring an "expression of their soul" and if you want, it can be posted as an amendment to this blog in the comments section. If I missed anything, please feel free to add.
To create a bridge from last year's work to this year's work, we returned to Thomas Moore's Care of the Soul and will focus on Chapter 10 and Chapter 11.
The group agreed on a format and a time line and engaged in a short discussion beginning with Chapter 1o.
Thomas Moore writes on page 203
"...the soul feeds on whatever life grows in its natural environment. To the soul, the ordinary is sacred and the everyday is a primary source of religion."
The group discussed the ordinary rituals that allow us to see into our souls. Vince asked everyone to bring to class next week an expression of their soul.
Moore goes on to discuss the modern tendancy to separate religion from psychology and gave his perspective that the two are tied.
One controversial topic in the passage in this area emerged when Moore made the claim, " it (soul) needs a myth of immortality and an attitude towards death."
The group discussed if this meant that Moore did not believe that Christianity promises eternal life. Different people in the class gave different views on the "myths of immortality", ie, do we accept the images in song such as "singing praises for 10,000 years" as a literal truth or do we believe people become "angels" at death - both of which are cultural notions, not underscored by scripture.
The group discussed the section on Pyschological Modernism beginning on Page 206. The group discussed the way that Moore describes the modern approach to "soul work" as
"...there is almost no time given to reflection and where assuption is that the psyche has spare parts, an owner's manual, and well-trained mechanics called therapists. Philosophy lies at the base of every day life problems, but it takes soul to reflect on one's own life with genuine philosophical seriousness."
Next week, everyone should bring an "expression of their soul" and if you want, it can be posted as an amendment to this blog in the comments section. If I missed anything, please feel free to add.
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