The quotes from Eugene Stockton and Laurence Freeman both describe and define the concept of Christian spirituality. “Spirituality is basically a presentation of the Gospel, the way I express that gospel in my life” (Eugene Stockton) “What we mean by spirituality is nothing less than the value by which we live and which we express in the lifestyle we follow – how we use our time, spend our money, what we wear and where we go on holiday. Spirituality means the spirit is which our whole lives are lived” (Laurence Freeman). Although a similarity within both quotes is the discussion of living out certain values in daily life, they are both different. E. Stockton explains Christian spirituality. The quote explains living out the values and beliefs that Jesus stood for in modern everyday life is spirituality. E. Stockton’s quote is purely aimed at Christian’s, “…. the way I express the gospel in my life”. L. Freemans quote can be interpreted in many ways as it is more open ended. It is not aimed at a particular religion “…in …show more content…
It tends to occur when an individual feels a sense of inner emptiness, feels meaninglessness and is in need of some direction and answers. This is when they call on their spirituality. The four movements of the heart explain the process and journey in which an individual goes on to find meaning and answers. As most people begin their spiritual journey when a tragic event in their life occurs the first movement; movement into own heart, explains that an individual is searching for something more than heart ache. The second movement of the heart; movement in the heart of Jesus, explains how reconnecting with your religious roots can help the healing process. The third movement; movement to conversion of heart, converting to the love of Jesus, accepting what has occurred and moving forward. The fourth movement; movement to mission, helping others develop their own
This is David Entwistle 2nd edition book published in 2010 by Wipf and Stock in Oregon. Entwistle is a Christian and a licensed psychologist; he has affiliations with Molone University in Canton, Ohio serving as chair of the Psychology Department and has taught courses related to his licensed field. This book clearly is not written for any newcomers to religion. However, it was written for those interested in the integration of science and religion. The authors’ purpose for writing this book was to define the relationship between psychology and theology. There are three specific areas this book touched upon to help readers’ better approach psychology and Christianity in a personal and more professional manner: The context of philosophical issues and worldview, to help the readers become aware of assumptions or beliefs- making the reader a more critical evaluators, and to introduce and familiarize the reader with five paradigms for integrating psychology and theology.
Why I Left the Church” by Richard Garcia is a poem that explores the ongoing and conflicting relationship between a child’s fantasy and the Church. Although the majority of the text is told in present tense, readers are put through the lenses of a young boy who contemplates the legitimacy of the restricting and constricting nature of worship. It is a narrative that mixes a realist approach of storytelling with a fantasy twist that goes from literal metaphors to figurative metaphors in the description of why the narrator left the church. The poet presents the issue of childhood innocence and preset mindsets created by the Church using strong metaphors and imagery that appeal to all the senses.
This paper will be reviewing the book “Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: an introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations and models of integration, by David N. Entwistle. As the title states, this book discusses how to integrate psychology and theology. It also dives into to why it is so important to be able to integrate the two. Entwistle explains that just because the two are different does not mean they should be separated and that we have to use both our worldviews. “Weaving together perspectives from psychology and Christian theology can help us understand and appreciate humanity more fully than we could either perspective alone.” (p.3)
In Walter B. Shurden’s The Baptist Identity, he looks at four of the core elements, or freedoms, that shape and mold Baptist theology and their identity. The four core concepts he explores in his book are Bible freedom, soul freedom, church freedom, and religious freedom. While looking at these four values, he examines how they mold and shape the Baptist identity and how they came to be. The origin to each of these values in the Baptist tradition is addressed as well as their benefits and draw backs. He explains their purpose and necessity in the Baptist denomination and how it effects the denomination as a whole.
Based on a mixture of ideas coming from the stated authors, I comprehend spirituality as believing in something and living for a purpose in life. Regardless of a religion, people can still be spiritual. Spirituality is the influence behind a person’s actions; whatever a person desires to do, will lead to actions and in turn, spirituality (Rolheiser 7). According to Rolheiser, “Spirituality is mo...
In the first chapter of Psychology in Christian Perspective by Harold W. Faw the author talks about psychology as a subject, the different aspects of the subject and how psychology fits into the Christian world. Faw begins the chapter by describing what others think psychology and his views on psychology as well. He describes that “psychology can be described as a systematic attempt to understand human behavior and conscious experience” (Faw, 1995, p. 12). He then goes on to describe the many different types of specialties of psychology which include, neurobiological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and psychoanalytic. These specialties are then integrated into the Christian worldview. They are all different so they all fit into
To a significant extent, the statement “Religion is a set of variously organized beliefs concerning the relationships that exist between humanity and the supernatural dimension” represents the lived expression of Christian adherents as it is the principle beliefs and teachings of Christianity that shape the everyday lives of adherents by helping them to maintain right relationships with God and others. Specifically, this response will explore how significant people such as St Paul of Tarsus have shaped Christianity so that adherents focus on the intention rather than the letter of the law, so as to obtain a contemplative outlook. As well as how Christian adherents across the breadth of the tradition respond to their baptismal commitment in daily life, and how adherents honour this commitment to God when responding to issues concerning environmental ethics.
Snodgrass, J., & Sorajjakool, S. (2011). Spirituality in older adulthood: Existential meaning,productivity, and life events. Pastoral Psychology, 60, 85-94. doi: 10.1007/s11089-010-0282-y
There are four stages mentioned in the article “Four Stages of Spiritual Growth in Helping the Poor” by Albert Nolan. The first stage is characterized by compassion; having concern for the less fortunate is the first step in helping the poor. Exposure and the willingness to let things happen are factors necessary to develop our compassion. Exposure is a way of obtaining information on a cause and with more exposure, it leads our compassion to become deeper and more lasting. Excuses like “It’s not my business” dulls our natural compassion. When someone develops compassion, it leads them to take an action, typically relief work. Discovering that poverty is a structural problem is the second stage. Oppression, political systems, and injustice
Christian faith and Ethos is the class I am taking this term. The professor 's name is Reverend Leroy Leach Jr. The class is about God, the creation, and how to read the Holy Bible.
A difficulty that has occurred commonly is that a definition of spirituality cannot be agreed on. In a broad explanation of both religion as well as spirituality, religion constitutes the organization of faith, implementing prayer, ministry and theology. Spirituality could be viewed as a more individualized experience with a higher being, creator or idea (Walker et al., 2004, p. 70). These expressions allow a vision of client diversity that is found in all counseling classifications. While defining religion and spirituality properly seems trivial, when training counselors to properly apply the use of such variables in their therapies, a concrete explanation is imperative.
“Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity” (2010) is about the purposeful integration of psychology and Christianity. Entwistle, discusses the integration of scripture and nature, holding to historic orthodox Christianity that “Scripture and the natural world have their origins in God’s creativity and revelation” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 136). Theology clarifies the Word of God (Bible), and Psychology corresponds with the works of God. A working definition of integration is offered,
Is when God reveals to his people the purpose he has for them and it usually happens in a dramatic way.
According to Solomon, “religions seemed (and still seem) to me to be overly parochial an exclusive” (SS, XIV). Religion seems to have its limits in what it will address, it follows the doctrine of the church to which it belongs. Spirituality on the other hand is more liberal and free of interoperation. “Spirituality, as I conceived of it, embraced both emotion and rationality, both philosophy and religion,” (SS, XIV). Spirituality, as Solomon describes it, follows both doctrines and teachings, but it also embodies the “love of wisdom”. Spiritualty “remains truly nonsectarian and international,” (SS, XIV), it is not exclusive, it is available to all.
According to Hutchison (2015), “religion is symbolic patterns that consists of values, beliefs, behaviors and experiences” (p. 184). I personal conceptualize spirituality as a vital role in my life that helps me during a time of sickness, forgiveness, and needed guidance. Spirituality helps guide me throughout life during the difficult times I have encountered. Spirituality impacts my life in positive ways that influence and regulate my behavior and health. Health is very important to me; I believe the spirit can heal a person from their sickness. It seems that the spirit heals me every time I pray to be healed from sickness. The spirit gives me strength at a time of weakness. When I feel at my lowest point in life I call on the spirit to pick