Rodger and I thoroughly enjoy going back to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, from where we both graduated in order to become Ministers of Word and Sacrament. Fortunately, we were interested in The Summer School of Religion conference this year and so could go back. We get to see staff and friends we know. We were able to have daily meals and an evening out with good friends at The Three Rivers Art Festival, downtown Pittsburgh (yes, and of course I bought something!)
The Conference was the most important event, so far as our Continuing Education requirements are concerned, and entitled “Insights into the Spiritual Journey”. Rodger and I have taught quite a bit about Christian spirituality at this church through Bible Study, Pastors’ Ponderings, Sunday school classes, and from the pulpit. For a long time spirituality was neglected in the Presbyterian church as many folks were stoic, task-minded and orderly, and spirituality takes some time, searching, emotions, and can be rather disorderly. Yet, it’s an essential part of whom we are as Christ’s disciples and how closely we are able to walk with God in our lives.
Michael Lindvall, pastor and author of several books, was the Keynote Speaker for our discussion of the Trinity [Father/Son/Holy Spirit]. How did the Concept Develop?; Does the Trinity Matter?; Is it biblical?; Is the Trinity Sexist? We had some good discussions around that topic. It was in the late 3rd through early 4th centuries that the Trinitarian concept was more thoroughly developed and a statements (the Nicene Creed) put forth as to its defining meaning. There were quite a few substantially heated arguments around this topic. Was Jesus the same as God?; Was the Holy Spirit of the same substance as the other 2 “persons” of the Trinity?; Why call them “persons”?; What Scriptures where to be used to explain the idea?
One of the most interesting questions was the sexism question. Rev Lindvall concluded that the Trinity worked against sexism (although not all of us females were so sure about some of his points in support of this notion). God is not biological like we are; God is a being without gender. The incarnation of God as a human male does not mean that God has long, dark, wavy hair or is tall perhaps like Jesus had and was. The concept of the Trinity is, instead, a metaphor, a way of speaking about God that makes sense to us and is based on scripture and in scripture there are both male and female words or terms for God. If you want to hear more about this or about other Trinitarian questions I mentioned above, ask Revs Rodger and/or Laurie.
Jane Vennard, a Spiritual Director and author, discussed the part of our faith journey that is spiritual (by-the-way, the Trinity is an important model for our spirituality, working together in tandem as we work with God in a similar fashion). Some interactive “exercises” we an important component of her keynote topics. One was listing what we thought our spiritual practices were. Before we did that, Mrs Vennard explained that the answers to that exercise don’t have to be a list of the fruits of the Spirit or one of the spiritual practices, although they are, of course, included. However, part and parcel of our spiritual journey are the things we do where we connect with God in nature, through other people, and helping others. I listed Bible Study, walking in natural settings, sermon preparation, gardening, massage, a cat on my lap, prayer, mission work and puppet teams as part of my spiritual journey. **What about you- try making such a list and you may be surprised at yourself and your journey.**
Spirituality is a relational term. We do not initiate this journey, God does. It is a conscious or unconscious effort to be closely in touch and in relationship with God. Varying kinds of prayer are the most well-known and most used part of our spiritual journey. Other practices are honest, kind, generous, and peaceful living (some fruits of the Spirit) and/or hospitality, speaking in tongues, (not too often used by Presbyterians but some do!), and spiritual reading/reflection, etc.. Often there is intentionality to our spiritual journey in order to: set aside time, realize it happens throughout the day and take note of that, find a place or places, and make the effort. During other times, our spiritual journey simply happens with God’s leading and presence at certain times and in certain situations.
We talked with a partner about what regulates our time now. How we utilize our time is important to our spiritual journey. How can we take the time? Many of us found out that some things that regulate our day are ripe with opportunity for spiritual growth, driving- a time to talk with God, listening to others (listening- an important component of spirituality), working on our Sunday School class- asking questions of leader and God, sitting in silence- we tend not to do enough of, and loving our families- we learn how to love because God first loved us and gave us Jesus, to name a few.
Another crucial discussion was around those things that get in the way of our spiritual journeys such as having been silenced as a child perhaps put in a dark place, or scorned by colleagues at our efforts of hospitality and generosity in the work place, or laughed at when we try to put an end to gossip in a discussion. These things may depress our spirituality. When have you experienced silence or kindness as a drawback or a gift? Throughout the conference we explored many helpful ideas of the Trinity and our spiritual journey.
Laurie