October 8, 2010
Friday
4–6 pm
Bahnson Center
60 W. Locust Street
Bethlehem, PA
Program Fee: $25
| Bahnson Center is accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. Moravian Theological Seminary encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Amanda Griesser at 610-861-1519 at least one week prior to the event. |
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Contemplative disciplines were developed mostly behind the walls of the monasteries — which were the citadels of stability even in tumultuous Middle Ages.
Today the majority of people seeking and practicing the experiential presence of God live ordinary lives in the world. And this world is increasingly chaotic: high unemployment, terrorist threats, global pollution. Can one continue contemplative prayer and mediation in such environment? Or does it become irrelevant in the face of threats to sheer survival?
The speaker will discuss a view that, contrary to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the times such as ours can present an opportunity for a rapid spiritual growth. The catalysts are: a) financial crisis and loss of jobs reveal the fragile, ephemeral nature of all material assets and activate the latent longing for Immutable Reality; b) with all organizational structures becoming de-stabilized and even chaotic, one must learn the art of moment-to-moment letting go and abandonment to God's Will.
This lecture will be not only didactic but also an invitation to an open discussion.
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