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Winter Term: Inward Exploration: Contemplative Term
January 4-March 15, 2008
In the Beginning Was the Word: Looking again at Religious Language; Seeking a Powerful Faith
Walter Hjelt Sullivan
Many of us yearn for deeper communication with others concerning our spiritual lives and the values that matter most to us. Yet we have felt wounded by some religious language and its misuse. In this course we will take a new look at religious language and seek a powerful faith that we can express to ourselves and with other people.
The class will include a mixture of experiential exercises, small group sharing, class discussion, journaling, and worship or worship sharing. We will examine Friends' relationship with the Bible and take a closer look at the language and metaphors used by early Friends. We will explore some modern ways that Friends have used language to deepen our faith and practice -- a Quaker Bible study, writings in the manner of the Lord's Prayer, and sharing texts from our own sacred collection (broadly defined) among others. Through the book, "Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith," by Kathleen Norris, we will explore the lived experience that sacred language is trying to point towards, seeking to forgive the words their imperfections and still swim deeply in the reality they attempt to illumine. Students will be encouraged to keep journals of body awarenesses and to meet weekly with partners in a body-centered co-listening session.
The class will culminate with students sharing their own personal visions for an embodied faith and practice.
Core texts are:
Robert Barclay on Friends and Scripture
Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, by Kathleen Norris
“Friends Bible Study,” by Larry and Joanne Spears
“In the Manner of the Lord’s Prayer,” by Judy Brutz
Reclaiming a Resource, by Chuck Fager
Exploring Prayer
Marcelle Martin
We will experiment with numerous approaches to prayer and contemplation within the western tradition, including meditation, receptive journaling, petition, intercession, healing prayer, Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, and prayer with images, music and the body. We will seek to know more fully the nature of our consciousness and our connection to the Divine. Our experiences will include praying with a partner and in small groups. As we learn which forms of prayer are most suited to each of us at this time, we will explore how to make prayer a more integrated part of our daily lives.
Sacred Image, Sacred Word: An Exploration of Book Arts
Carol Sexton
What is sacred? How do we find words and images to express our understanding of the divine? We will consider these questions as we explore a variety of book arts, including calligraphy, page design, illustration, and the making of handmade books. Students will work towards a final project of their own choosing, such as an illustrated children's book, a journal of art and poetry, or an illuminated manuscript of scripture text.
The Biblical Psalms and the Cycles of Life
Tony Prete
Hidden in the biblical psalms is a concrete three-fold expression of God's involvement in our lives.
- For the times when all is going well, there are palms that express joy and delight in the reliability of God, of creation, and of God's instructions and leadings.
- For the times when our world has fallen apart and God seems unconcerned and far, there are psalms that cry out to God -- frequently in bitter and accusatory words -- expressions of hurt, alienation, and suffering.
- For the times when we experience new awareness and growth, there are psalms that sing out joy and delight in the surprising new awareness of the reliability of God, of creation, and of God's instructions and leadings.
Each session will include the handout of the psalm under consideration with ample room for notes and questions. Outside reading consists of a brief section in selected commentaries on the psalm under consideration, and occasional short chapters from Walter Brueggemann's The Spirituality of the Psalms. Outside work involves journaling on three points: what the psalm itself says, what the psalm says to you, and what you say (positive or negative ) to the psalm. Each session will begin with a sharing and discussion of journal material on the previous psalm , followed by an exploration of a new psalm.
Winter 2008 Short Courses
January 18-25, 2008
Standing Firm in Our Being: A Mindfulness Meditation Retreat
A seven-day retreat with Mary Orr
Mindfulness meditation is a simple technique offered by the Buddha for awakening the mind and heart. This retreat will be a time of silence, with periods of sitting and walking practice, opportunities to talk about your own practice, and formal presentations. It will be suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.
February 18-22, 2008
John's Gospel: A New Translation for Quakers and Other Contemplatives
A short course with Chris Ravndal
The Gospel of John can be understood as coming out of experiences that John's community had with Christ as a post-resurrection Inner Teacher guiding them into the way, the truth, and the life. This possibility suggests one reason why some have called John's Gospel the "Quaker Gospel." Concentrating on key passages in the gospel, we will translate John's experience with the Inner Teacher in terms of our own language and experience. To get below the surface in our sharing, we will listen deeply not only to a fresh, new translation but to each other and to ourselves. The way we work together will directly affect the extent to which the Spirit can touch us throughout the workshop.
Limited to 18 Participants
February 25-29, 2008
Befriending Paul
A short course with Beckey Phipps
Paul, a radically transformed man by all accounts, shaped the early church of primitive Christianity that early Friends sought to revive. He remains a major force in Quaker faith and practice today, even as words attributed to him have been stumbling blocks for many women, people of color, and sexual minorities. Paul’s letters reveal a vulnerable heart, remarkable friendships, and surprising insights into the nature of God and the radical faith community. What can we learn from them about the forces that shaped him and his ministry? Let us see how Paul might become a companion on our spiritual journeys.
