What I Shared at the CONSPIRE Conference (1/2): Certainty, Uncertainty, and the Path of Descent
Here's a PDF of the slides of my plenary session at Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque last weekend.
For more about the CAC, founded by the beloved Richard Rohr, check out:
Home
To learn more about my conversation partner in the lecture, Howard Thurman, just google his name. I'd recommend you begin with Jesus and the Disinherited and then read his autobiography, With Head and Heart. What a treasure!
The beautiful final song, I Will, by Andy Gullahorn, is from his new album, Beyond the Frame, which is available here:
You can learn more about Andy here:
http://www.andygullahorn.com/
and you'll find the lyrics here:
and here:
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Q & R: End Times? Armageddon?
Here's the Q:
I had an almost heated discussion with my book club during a recent dinner. It had to do with the perceived deterioration in our culture. I recalled from one of your books the argument being made that the world/culture cannot be saved by God, but can only be "flushed." Instead, you made the case that the arc of history is still heading toward consummation and completion. I agree with that view, that to resort to having confidence only in Armageddon diminishes God's power and/or plan. I too almost need to believe that despite what may currently appear to be a "downward spiral" as was mentioned at our dinner, that God is sovereign, his plans cannot be thwarted, and that he is not overwhelmed by what even he may see as the moral decay most of us would acknowledge.Can you point me in the right direction, or amplify your thoughts on the subject?
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Q & R: Finding a community?
Here;s the Q:
I've read a couple of your books and appreciate your emphasis living Christ's message as a call for the living and working toward common good in the and not just a spiritual blanket. but I'm struggling with coming from a lifetime of being engulfed in a particular denomination, and unable to identify or connect with any individuals or groups in my locale that are on this same journey. I'm not extroverted and so am not inclined to generate social groups, but am looking to plug into something. Basically just feel unconnected, unable to connect with others and their stories. I welcome any ideas. Thank you.
Here's the R:
So many people are in your situation. Here's a great resource:
https://convergenceus.org/churches/
And if you ever decide to create a small group, my book We Make the Road by Walking could give you a curriculum for a year. Info and links here: https://brianmclaren.net/books-by-brian-mclaren/
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Q & R: What Would You Recommend I Read?
Here's the Q:
Hi Brian,
In the plenary session at [our denominational general assembly], you said, "Some of you are called to start Churches your parents won't approve of but your peers need." That statement has both haunted and thrilled me over the last 6 months and I am now in an 8 week Discernment cohort for church starters.In addition to feeling a call to pastor people who are on a spiritual journey but not interested in the institutional church, I am also feeling a calling to help people outside the church "re-enchant" their world, breaking down what I think our arbitrary labels of "secular" and "sacred", and helping people name and celebrate the divine in every part of their lives.
What books would you recommend me reading? What thinkers/practitioners should I be engaging?
I credit reading "A New Kind of Christian" 11 years ago as an entry to the spiritual path I now walk. I appreciate any advice or feedback you could offer
Here's the R:
Thanks for your encouraging words. Obviously, I hope my most recent book, The Great Spiritual Migration, will be of help in your important quest.
What you aspire to do - to communicate with human beings, whatever their label - is exactly what I think we need these days. Here are a few of the writers who I think do this best:
Howard Thurman. If you haven't read him, start with him. He is one of my greatest heroes these days.
Parker Palmer. He speaks from his own depths to the depths of others.
Wendell Berry. His poetry, his fiction, his nonfiction.
Rumi and Hafiz. Their historical and cultural distance makes their deep human connection all the more wonderful.
Mary Oliver. Of course.
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Spiritual Care for Trans Families
In my own extended family and in my ministry work around the world, I have learned how important it is for congregations and other communities to learn to provide quality spiritual care for trans families. I encourage churches everywhere to send at least one pastor or caregiver to this worthwhile conference led by people I trust on this important subject ... https://www.facebook.com/events/374324239772364/
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