#christianspirituality

[livingwellnessblog]

Behind the Veil: The Profound Teachings of Christ

The Bible, specifically the New Testament, serves as a direct conduit to God, through Jesus and Mary. This divine narrative, often overshadowed, holds the key to lifting the veil that shrouds human consciousness since the dawn of creation, and our separat

Behind the Veil: Rediscovering the Profound Teachings of Christ The Bible, specifically the New Testament, serves as a direct conduit to God, through Jesus and Mary. This divine narrative, often overshadowed, holds the key to lifting the veil that shrouds human consciousness since the dawn of creation, and our separation from Eden. (Liberation) This unique and significant history of Jesus urges…

[wcatradio]

In this ITEST Webinar "Bridging the Chasm: Quantum Mechanics and Christian Spirituality," Dr. Bob Kurland and Dr. Terrence Lagerlund (December 16, 2023) BRIDGING THE CHASM: HOW QUANTUM MECHANICS BRINGS TOGETHER THE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WORLDS BY TERRENCE D. LAGERLUND, MD, PHD Dr. Terrence Lagerlund has been a neurologist in the Division of Epilepsy at Mayo Clinic for 35 years, treating patients with epilepsy and interpreting their electroencephalograms. He also lectures to residents and fellows on electroencephalography including basic principles of electricity and neurophysiology. He has published papers and authored book chapters on electroencephalography and epilepsy, particularly regarding quantitative analysis of electroencephalograms. Prior to becoming a neurologist, he obtained a Ph.D. in physics and worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the MIT Laboratory for Nuclear Science (doing research at Brookhaven National Laboratory and CERN) and as a term physicist at Fermilab. ABSTRACT The God of Judeo-Christian tradition is the Lord of the universe, and scriptures affirm God’s sovereignty over the course of events. However, the discoveries by Newton and others that the universe is governed by rigid laws of cause and effect that are expressed as mathematical formulas engendered the belief that the universe is a complete, closed system of cause and effect (the principle of “causal closure”), and therefore that God cannot possibly influence or change what happens in the physical universe. In this worldview, God, even if he exists, is irrelevant to our lives, and our souls, even if they exist, are irrelevant to what we believe, say, or do. However, quantum mechanics may provide an opening for the spiritual world to influence the physical. Quantum mechanics (QM) describes physical systems by a state vector (SV), a collection of superimposed possible states. During the quantum to classical transition, possible states reduce to one actual state (SV collapse). QM predicts the probability of each possible outcome. SV collapse seems to be an uncaused process with a random result, breaking the deterministic chain of physical causes and effects. Wolfgang Smith hypothesized that God causes SV collapse and chooses the outcome. TOURING THE WONDERLAND OF QUANTUM MECHANICS BY ROBERT KURLAND, PHD Dr. Robert Kurland (a convert to Catholicism in 1995) is a retired physicist who has applied magnetic resonance to problems of biological interest in his research (web search: “Kurland-McGarvey Equation”). He began to learn about quantum mechanics at Caltech (BS, “with honor,” 1951) and Harvard (MS,1953; Ph.D.,1956) from courses taught by Richard Feynman and Julian Schwinger. In teaching quantum mechanics to students at Carnegie-Mellon University and SUNY/AB he found that mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics was an obstacle to understanding. So, in his talk he will try to explain what quantum mechanics is about using a minimum of mathematics, as he did in his book Mysteries: Quantum and Theological. ABSTRACT The talk will give a brief, qualitative, pictorial explanation of quantum mechanics, from a historical perspective. I’ll illustrate two mysteries of quantum mechanics—superposition of states (the Schrödinger Cat paradox) and entanglement—by use of simple examples. Also, I’ll discuss some of the many interpretations of quantum theory, focusing on how they might be related to Catholic teaching.

[carlmccolman]

Friends, I am so excited that my next book will be released this summer — so this coming Thursday I will be officially announcing it (and revealing the cover art) on Zoom! I’ll also be sharing some of the contemplative wisdom of one of my favorite 20th century mystics, Evelyn Underhill. No charge to attend but you need to pre-register. Cut and paste this link: https://www.tinyurl.com/McColman2023 #books #bookstagram #spirituality #mysticism #contemplation #Christianity #Christianspirituality #Christianmysticism #contemplative #contemplativeprayer (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnZTui2OfZP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[santmat]

"Things No Eye Has Seen and No Ear Has Heard, Inconceivable to the Human Mind..." Solving the Mystery of An Ancient Saying - Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

There's a spiritual saying, an axiom of wisdom, that's been meaningful to millions of people spanning many centuries, scriptures, spiritual classics, languages, nations, and several world religions from West to East, East to West. This saying was quoted by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament but it's been a mystery as to what exactly the SOURCE was for his quote. Today, we find out the origin of this saying, and get to hear various versions of this saying as it appears again and again in so many ancient texts, traveling far and wide, passing through Jewish or Rabbinical... also many Christian Apocryphal Writings. A version of it is even attributed to Jesus, and by this I don't just mean in The Gospel of Thomas (saying 17) but in many other sources as well, and I will explore many of those as they appear in other early Christian writings. Other versions also turn up in Egypt, Ethiopia, the Mesopotamian region, in Gnostic, Mandaean, Manichaean scriptures, Suras of the Quran, a couple of Hadiths, and there's even similar versions to be found in the writings of Kabir, Guru Nanak, and other sources in India.

This wisdom saying is central to the spiritual journey as it pertains to The Spiritual Seeing and Spiritual Hearing Capacity of Souls, and being Initiated into the Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Master says, "I will Give You Things No Eye Has Seen and No Ear Has Heard, Inconceivable to the Human Mind..." - Solving the Mystery of an Ancient Saying... today on this Spiritual Awakening Radio podcast. I will turn this into a satsang and include related teachings from Kirpal Singh and others... on spiritual seeing and hearing that which is inconceivable to the average human mind, what has typically not occurred to the heart of man.

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcast - "Things No Eye Has Seen and No Ear Has Heard, Inconceivable to the Human Mind..." Solving the Mystery of An Ancient Saying @ YouTube:   

https://Youtu.be/8cjxWn-w2nY

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcast - "Things No Eye Has Seen and No Ear Has Heard, Inconceivable to the Human Mind..." Solving the Mystery of An Ancient Saying @ the Podcast Website: 

https://SpiritualAwakeningRadio.libsyn.com/what-the-eye-has-not-seen-the-ear-has-not-heard

@ Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-eye-has-not-seen-the-ear-has-not-heard/id1477577384?i=1000605519281

Follow - Subscribe to Spiritual Awakening Radio @ Apple Podcasts:  

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spiritual-awakening-radio/id1477577384

@ Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5kqOaSDrj630h5ou65JSjE

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https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzIwNzIzNi9yc3M

& @ Wherever You Subscribe and Follow Podcasts (YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, Audible, Stitcher, PodBean, Overcast, Jio Saavn, iHeart Radio, Podcast Addict, Gaana, CastBox, etc...): 

https://linktr.ee/SpiritualAwakeningRadio

Spiritual Awakening Radio (and Sant Mat Satsang Podcasts) with James Bean, heard on various community, public radio stations and the web, explores the world of spirituality, comparative religion, world scriptures and other books, East and West, God, meditation, out of body or near death experiences (inner space), the vegan diet and other ahimsa ethics -- education for a more peaceful planet.

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhaswami,

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Sant Mat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

#EyeHasNotSeen #SpiritualAwakeningRadio #SpiritualAwakeningRadioPodcasts #SpiritualAwakening #Spirituality #Meditation #Christianity #Gnostic #Gnosticism #Apocrypha #ChristianMeditation #ChristianMysticism #Jesus #GospelOfThomas #ChristianSpirituality #GodIsLove #Santmat #Sant_Mat #Radhasoami #Satsang #Radha_Soami #Radhaswami #Radhasoamiji #ScienceOfTheSoul #ScienceOfSpirituality #SuratShabdYoga #LostBooksoftheBible #ApplePodcasts #Spotify #Youtube

[newbeltane]

God Guide Me #celebrateconnections #poweroffriendship  #CelticChristianity #Spirituality #Inspirational #CelticWisdom #Faith #FriendshipQuotes #InspirationalQuotes #CelticTraditions #Prayer #CelticSymbols #ChristianSpirituality #CelticCulture #SoulfulReflections #InspirationalThoughts #FriendshipInsights #CelticSaints #ChristianMysticism #CelticArt #WisdomQuotes #FriendshipBonds #CelticHistory #SpiritualGrowth #InspirationalMessages #CelticHeritage #FriendshipValues #CelticPrayer #ChristianValues #InspirationalWisdom #FriendshipStories #CelticSpirit

[catholicwritergirl]

I love tea! High tea, scones and clotted cream, tea parties, tea sandwiches, cookies, 3-tiered stands. Time to stop and breathe. One of my two-year-old grandsons sets up tea parties for his kitty critters. It got me thinking. Https://www.arisedaily.com. Click on the devotion for April 21, A Tea Party with God. . . . . #christiandevotions #arisedaily #hopewriters #wordweavers #catholictwitter #catholicinstagram #spiritualguidance #spirituallife #spiritualpractice #spiritualjourney #spiritualhealth #Christianspirituality #creativeleadership #radicallyinclusive #radicalfaith #instagood #dailyencouragement #wordsofinspiration #positivethoughts #goodvibes #wellness #mindfulness #christianauthor #chrissautermanion #writersnetwork https://www.instagram.com/p/CN8lPTRld2I/?igshid=1q5ud8dn1j14j

[therevlisad]

How do you view spiritual practices? ⁠ As Divine commands?⁠ As “to do’s” on your habit tracker?⁠ As woulda, shoulda, coulda guilt triggers?⁠ ⁠ What if we saw spiritual practices as gifts?⁠ As ways of practicing self-compassion⁠ As learning to love ourselves as God loves us⁠ ⁠ God is Love. ⁠ You are made in the image of Love.⁠ You are love, to love and be loved and be love. ⁠ ⁠ Receive this moment to draw near to God and your true self ⁠ ⁠ Near to the Heart of God by Cleland B. McAfee (1903)⁠ There is a place of quiet rest,⁠ near to the heart of God;⁠ a place where sin cannot molest,⁠ near to the heart of God.⁠ ⁠ Refrain:⁠ O Jesus, blest Redeemer,⁠ sent from the heart of God,⁠ hold us who wait before thee⁠ near to the heart of God.⁠ ⁠ There is a place of comfort sweet,⁠ near to the heart of God;⁠ a place where we our Savior meet,⁠ near to the heart of God.⁠ (Refrain)⁠ ⁠ There is place a place of full release,⁠ near to the heart of God;⁠ a place where all is joy and peace,⁠ near to the heart of God.⁠ (Refrain)⁠ ⁠ Rest in God’s presence for five minutes, or more⁠ ⁠ IN: Jesus, blest Redeemer⁠ OUT: Hold me⁠ ⁠ IN: Jesus, blest Redeemer⁠ OUT: Hold all I love⁠ ⁠ IN: Jesus, blest Redeemer⁠ OUT: Hold all who are suffering⁠ ⁠ IN: Jesus, blest Redeemer⁠ OUT: Hold all who are waiting⁠ ⁠ IN: Jesus, blest Redeemer⁠ OUT: Hold me⁠ ⁠ ⁠ **************************⁠ Welcome to #8 in the series. Breath prayers + old school hymns = something simple and beautiful to help you connect to God.⁠ ⁠ ⁠#godislove #selfcompassion #imageofgod #imagodei #breathprayers #breathprayer #justbreathe #talktoGod #pandemicprayers #soulcare #encounteringgod #spiritualpractice #mindfulnesspractice #spiritualdiscipline #meansofgrace #talkingtoGod⁠ #listeningtogod #godisnear #christianspirituality #slowlivingforlife #restingingod #restingod #trustgod #christianprayer #prayerlife #spirituallife #prayerpractice⁠ (at Sarasota, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGCoW_jFaK_/?igshid=1sbzvyqodka8q

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading:Sun., Jan. 19, 2020

Venerable Macarius-the-Great of Egypt

Saint Macarius the Great of Egypt was born in the early fourth century in the village of Ptinapor in Egypt. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage, but was soon widowed. After he buried his wife, Macarius told himself, “Take heed, Macarius, and have care for your soul. It is fitting that you forsake worldly life.”

The Lord rewarded the saint with a long life, but from that time the memory of death was constantly with him, impelling him to ascetic deeds of prayer and penitence. He began to visit the church of God more frequently and to be more deeply absorbed in Holy Scripture, but he did not leave his aged parents, thus fulfilling the commandment to honor one’s parents.

Until his parents died, Saint Macarius used his remaining substance to help them and he began to pray fervently that the Lord might show him a guide on the way to salvation. The Lord sent him an experienced Elder, who lived in the desert not far from the village. The Elder accepted the youth with love, guided him in the spiritual science of watchfulness, fasting and prayer, and taught him the handicraft of weaving baskets. After building a separate cell not far from his own, the Elder settled his disciple in it.

The local bishop arrived one day at Ptinapor and, knowing of the saint’s virtuous life, ordained him against his will. Saint Macarius was overwhelmed by this disturbance of his silence, and so he went secretly to another place. The Enemy of our salvation began a tenacious struggle with the ascetic, trying to terrify him, shaking his cell and suggesting sinful thoughts. Saint Macarius repelled the attacks of the devil, defending himself with prayer and the Sign of the Cross...keep reading, Orthodox Church of America

St mark Archbishop of Ephesus

Saint Mark Eugenikos, Archbishop of Ephesus, was a stalwart defender of Orthodoxy at the Council of Florence. He would not agree to a union with Rome which was based on theological compromise and political expediency (the Byzantine Emperor was seeking military assistance from the West against the Moslems who were drawing ever closer to Constantinople). Saint Mark countered the arguments of his opponents, drawing from the well of pure theology, and the teachings of the holy Fathers. When the members of his own delegation tried to pressure him into accepting the Union he replied, “There can be no compromise in matters of the Orthodox Faith.”

Although the members of the Orthodox delegation signed the Tomos of Union, Saint Mark was the only one who refused to do so. When he returned from Florence, Saint Mark urged the inhabitants of Constantinople to repudiate the dishonorable document of union. He died in 1457 at the age of fifty-two, admired and honored by all.  From Orthodox Church of America

Tim 1:15-17 NKJV

15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to [a]God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Luke  18:35-43 NKJV

A Blind Man Receives His Sight

35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. 36 And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.”

42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. from BibleGateway

[geodelart]

Lenten wall decor, prints available. Still possible to have in time for Easter. #lentenseason #lenten #newtestament #biblical #bibleverse #bookofjohn #easter #eastergift #easterart #palmsunday #christianity #christianspirituality #wallart #walldecor #easterposter #eastergraphics (at Rehoboth, Massachusetts) https://www.instagram.com/p/CM1CxsrloOa/?igshid=14nmr4cqg5vgx

[ianspirations]

WHY DOES THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY MATTER? by Rob Faesen

The importance of spirituality is relative and never normative. The Bible is clear on this: only love matters to God. In relation to love of neighbour there is the desire for the common good and a just society. Spirituality presupposes this and does not exclude it. Over the centuries, there have been attempts to bifurcate spirituality from ethics. But this is not possible because it is impossible to love God and be careless with His creatures.

The history of spirituality helps us to pay attention to the genuine encounter with God. This encounter has 3 elements:

1.    God as God – God cannot be encompassed in human terms and concepts. We have to be careful not to replace god (our conception) with God (the Real Being). Spiritual authors can help us remain alert before the absolute otherness of God. God cannot be identified with any religious experience, created thing or insight/concept. The apophatic approach stresses the otherness of God. There are encounters that appear religious but end up obscuring God. In this regard, reason has a role. Reason cannot fully grasp God but it is in the eager search that a God-experience is possible. Interestingly, the negative approach implies a positive notion – only if I have experienced something do I know what it is not.

2.    Human person as Human with God – Encounter with God involves every aspect of one’s personality. Spiritual movements that failed to recognize this have not survived. Some valued spirit over body, some undervalued reason, others gave too much importance to the mind and knowledge. History has taught us that no single aspect of humanity can be excluded from the encounter with God. A healthy and mature meeting requires that both be truly themselves. True of human beings and also of humans with God. History of spirituality has made a special contribution to self-understanding – we are body, spirit and soul. Body has symbolic role in God encounter. The soul is associated with memory (past), intellect (present) and will (future). The spirit is the most interesting and original element in self-knowledge. It is that which gives unity to the multiplicity of thought, feelings and decisions. Also known as ‘subject’, ‘I’. Can also be referred to as the mystery dimension.

3.    True Encounter – Historically, we see that people conceived of God as absolutely other and distant. In art, it is evident; whenever the Trinity for example is depicted they are shown to be in the highest heaven, far from human reality. This does not give space for an encounter. There is the opposite trend which is also problematic. It supposes that the encounter with God takes up the person into God like a drop in the ocean. Here the human reality is obliterated by the Divine. From this understanding, it is futile to work for a just society. History is teaching us that a spirituality which truly appreciates this encounter possesses strength and life. The Song of Songs can be read as a spiritual allegory of an encounter. Neither obliterates the other but the two blend harmoniously.

Meeting God is not a secondary affair but fundamental to human being. God is the creator of human being and that being is continuously coming forth from God (it is not a finished product). The human spirit is a reflection of the Divine spirit which is also a unity of three persons. Desiderius Erasmus claimed that we become fully happy when we are loving and loved, and the beloved lives more in the beloved than in themselves.

Does the encounter take place directly or is it mediated? John of Ruusbroec answers that God makes Himself present to us with or without intermediaries. He is present in our very being as well as through the beings around us. However, the former – immediate presence is different from the latter – mediate.

Marcel Gauchet, French philosopher claimed that religion can develop in 2 directions:

1.    2 realities – God and Humans – share a relationship of exclusion. Dualistic. Seen in Christianity.

2.    Idea of fusion – relationship of inclusion. Seen in eastern religions.

The issue with dualism in Christianity, according to Christian spiritual writers can be answered if we see the encounter as being governed by love. Love is neither fusion nor duality. It fosters otherness while also allowing for unity which does not imply identity. Gauchet seems to overlook this. So history of spirituality tells us that the evaluation of the encounter has been fruitful as witnessed by literature, art, culture or liturgy. When the gap between God and persons is emphasized, culture has progresses slowly.

Historically, the valuing of personhood gave rise to Christian humanism. The opposite trend of stressing individuality gave rise to Individualism as was seen in the Modern period. It saw a person closed in on themselves. In this view, any relation was secondary.

History shows that totalitarian regimes prefer the latter view. But Christian spirituality offers an effective counter.

[livingwellnessblog]

Behind the Veil: Rediscovering the Profound Teachings of Christ

The Bible, specifically the New Testament, serves as a direct conduit to God, through Jesus and Mary. This divine narrative, often overshadowed, holds the key to lifting the veil that shrouds human consciousness since the dawn of creation, and our separat

Behind the Veil: Rediscovering the Profound Teachings of Christ The Bible, specifically the New Testament, serves as a direct conduit to God, through Jesus and Mary. This divine narrative, often overshadowed, holds the key to lifting the veil that shrouds human consciousness since the dawn of creation, and our separation from Eden. (Liberation) This unique and significant history of Jesus urges…

[carlmccolman]

The latest from Christine Valters Paintner (@ abbeyofthearts) — another beautiful offering from @BroadleafBooks. With this book, Christine has blessed us with an insightful guide to reclaiming breath prayer as a practice of the heart, for every moment and every setting of the day. #bookstagram #books #ChristianSpirituality #Christianity #wisdom #spirituality #prayer #breath #meditation #contemplation #spiritualguidance (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTjBk4MMFJn/?utm_medium=tumblr

[superadz18]

Day 3 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #simbanggabi #novenamass #christmascountdown2019 #christmas2019 #christianspirituality #tradition (at Regatta EAST Village) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6LCc99hJKc/?igshid=q6l313rk29te

[mimsy-borogoves]

I often feel so weighed down by the competition of other people – their need for power and control. Even “good” people use each other to assuage their guilt and fears. The constant confrontation pulls at me. I ache. I am drained by it. I feel threatened by the existence of these others. I don’t want to be this way.

As soon as I escape from one danger, another arises. The human need for security becomes such a beast when we attempt to satisfy it with control rather than acceptance, and it is a beast which haunts me. I feel foolish for it.

I think I’ve learned to accept myself, but not other people. Not truly and unconditionally. I think I also have yet to learn how to accept others lovingly and still insist that they not behave in a damaging way. I know I can learn how to set those boundaries without feeling intimidated or frightened. I know the answer is love. Loving myself and loving them – transcending individual needs to create a space that is safer for all of us – that is the way of courage.

I am a queen – noble, loving, strong. I love each of my members and care for them with equal attention and gentleness. I treat each individual in my life with respect and acceptance, knowing that they are each their own kingdom, as I am mine, and that, while their self-governed rulership may not yet be well-established and directed, there is a King who is over all and in all. It is this King who has taught me to rule with compassion, wisdom, and justice. He is Love.