I have been having difficulty maintaining a writing routine due to my current erratic schedule (lots of random events and traveling), and, unfortunately, I think the quality and quantity of my posts have been subpar as a result. I am going to set up some writing projects so my next posts can be more focused (and, hopefully, more engaging!). Somehow I need to increase my readership as well, especially because I no longer self-promote on Facebook since I am taking a break from social networking for Lent (and since I have mixed feelings about self-promoting in general). In any case, here are some brewing thoughts:
1. The next two books on my reading list are Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World by John Shelby Spong and Imagine Ourselves Richly by my former professor, Chris Vecsey. I think both books (and authors) will raise some interesting conversations about religion so I hope to summarize the two--and examine the relationship between them...
Spong, a progressive Christian writer and Episcopalian bishop, "frees readers from a literal view of the Bible." He delves into the history and literature of Biblical narratives, "examining the background, the context, the level of authenticity, and even the trustworthiness of messages found there." What does it mean to be a deeply committed and informed 21st century Christian? Spong suggests that this requires a re-reading (or re-claiming) of the Bible--one that considers the realities of religion in a post-modern, scientific, and secular society. For example, Spong suggests that the miracles inherent in the New Testament are not meant to refer to divine magic. Rather, he contends that Biblical authors used the language of miracles as a literary device to describe the inexplicable encounter with the historical figure of Jesus. The loaves and the fishes; the miracles of healing; walking on water: such language was invoked to explain a profound--perhaps even divine--experience with someone (Christ). Spong asserts that this historical, critical analysis of the Bible is crucial to the flourishing of faith in our present society. (Another one of Spong's books is entitled Why Christianity Must Change or Die: A Bishop Speaks to Believers in Exile.)
I really hope I can stay focused enough to read Spong's writing closely. I may even re-read some of his past books so I can summarize his ideas to my two readers (Mom and "wildcard reader of the day"). I think his thoughts are worth reading and considering--and he would suggest they're necessary to integrate into one's perspective on faith. To be honest, I have never really read the Bible in depth, and I have even used Sparknotes in past classes because I find some of the stories confusing and boring (see you soon, Hades!). But as I grow older, I am continuously in awe by the the extent to which the Bible has endured over time. Why is this book held as sacred and authoritative by so many people--over so much time? What Biblical messages are authentic--and which have been skewed (particularly by people in power)? What's up with miracles--literary devices or not? Who would describe someone as a healer of the blind; what was Jesus really like? What can we learn from the profound experiences of intimacy, community and love in this text? Why don't I sit around a table and share food with peeps more often? What are some modern-day interpretations of heaven? How is Spong still a "deeply committed Christian"? I'm sure, like most of my questions in life, that these questions don't have clear-cut answers, but I'm looking forward to exploring them with Spong (that Spong, Spong, Spong, Spong, Spong).
Whereas Spong encourages readers to imagine a new Jesus and a new faith, in Imagine Ourselves Richly, Chris Vecsey contends that American Indian myths "can help us extend our concept of who we are", thus "removing Native American religious traditions from the fantastical "other" to the rich contextual importance of contemporary living religions." I think that the juxtaposition of Spong's and Vecsey's theses casts an interesting light on religion and faith. Both authors suggest that religions offer us something: a glimpse into the divine, spiritual transcendence, and a more profound understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our world. But I think it can be hard to reconcile an academic appreciation of religion with a yearning to have sincerely held religious convictions and a commitment to a particular religious community. If, from a removed, academic perspective, we can learn about a profound experience of love and self-giving through stories about Jesus Christ and then come to the conclusion that American Indian myths and stories indicate that "examining life's possibilities and problems accomplishes nothing if it takes place apart from the life-sustaining web of human, environmental, and spiritual relations" (p. xi), then why commit to any one religious tradition? And how can one seek to believe in---and perhaps even surrender to--any one tradition given the significance, gifts, and historical accuracy of all other traditions? I hope to discuss Spong's and Vecsey's books in one post so that I can put them in conversation with each other. Spong offers a critical insider perspective as a "deeply committed 21st century Christian", which Vecsey speaks to the value of learning about diverse religions from an appreciative, academic, outsider perspective.
After writing this post, I realize that I may have to set subgoals for this first writing "project". Perhaps I will first explore Spong in depth; then Vecsey; and then analyze them simultaneously. I may have to break up posts based on questions too, because addressing more than 1-3 questions per post might diminish the quality of the post. So, this is my first project (suggestions or particular interests are welcomed!). I have a few other writing projects in mind, but I will try to present them more succintly in an effort to be concise!
2. Kids Learn Poise Through Dance:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/06/16/earlyshow/living/studyhall/main702383.shtml
My co-worker told me about this article today, and I'd really like to use it as a platform to explore the relationship between art (perhaps specifically dance) in shaping development and relationships. So on the one hand I want to explore the idea of ballroom dancing as an educational tool in urban education programs--and the importance of creative pedagogical approaches. Furthermore, this article sparked some thoughts about the relationship between dance, theology, and psychology. We imagine our world and our relationships through so many lenses: theological, familial, psychological, etc. How do our perspectives change when our lives are enriched by the arts--such as dance? Partner dancing forces us to view movement, space, and relationships in a different perspective. Imagine meeting a person and thinking "I would love to dance with you." Or imagine having the confidence, poise, and grace to perform a routine on the stage. I could see how dance lessons could transform people--and kids. Shoutout to Lauren Kerby!
Building on the idea of psychology and education: I am also interested in exploring unique methods to build resilience and coping skills in students--and to create a culture of hope in a school. I'd really like to write about my experiences working in Sacred Heart Nativity Schools in San Jose, CA last year and how the Jesuit ethos and Nativity Miguel model shaped the school--and its students. Reflections, field trips, summer leadership camp, an emphasis on knowing, valuing, and loving students...all buzz words for the second part of this writing project! Note to self: also talk about tango, OUS Summer Institiute, Summer Search, and mirror neurons
3. Boston Area Religions (BAR Hopping): Authenticity, religious experiences, diversity
My friend, Melissa, recently formed a group at Harvard Divinity School called "BAR Hopping" ("BAR" is an acronym for "Boston Area Religions" (clever!! :)). Basically, this group of HDS students attends a different religious service each week, enriching and diversifying their perspectives on faith and religion. Being the kind and thoughtful person that she is, Melissa invites me to all BAR Hopping events. I hope to blog about this experience from time to time, focusing on thoughts related to my first writing project. How do diverse religious experiences affect our perspectives of faith and religion--and our own unique religious identities? Again: how do we sort through these questions of religious identity in light of what we learn and experience? Can we "authentically" experience other faiths from an outsider perspective? How can we remain grounded in a singular tradition when BAR Hopping--and when being open to the authenticity of all other religious services? Is the outsider perspective (e.g. is "BAR Hopping") authentic? I want to make some jokes about how I'm sure BAR Hopping will be an intoxifying experience; how I wonder if I will ever reach my limit with BAR Hopping; and how one should not "drink triple, see double, and act single" when BAR Hopping, but I won't.
4. Intimacy and Community: Retreat with Wayne Meisel; JVC experience; compartmentalized nature of life as a 20-something year old. NYT article Tara sent, "The Talent Society" (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/21/opinion/brooks-the-talent-society.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=the%20talent%20society&st=cse)
I attended a retreat for current young adults in faith-based volunteer programs a few weekends ago, and the speaker, Wayne Meisel, shared some interesting insights on faith, service, intimacy, and community. I hope to juxtapose my reflections from this retreat--and from Wayne Meisel's talk--with a New York Times article my sister recently sent me, "The Talent Society." In this article, Brooks argues that creative potential and talent is maximized in our increasingly individualistic Western society, but perhaps at the expense of marginalized populations (who tend to thrive in more tight knit communities). I want to explore the role of faith and the ideals of Christian community and service as counter-cultural forces--given the sociological reality Brooks presents in his article. There are pros and cons to both sides; I hope to delve into these.
I might even throw in an examination of a youtube video by Terri Trespicio about a changing perspective on single life. Terri illumines the pros of single life--and the fact that a lack of a relationship is not indicative of failure, inadequacy, etc. Sometimes I think faith perspectives--in an effort to suggest that long-term, committed relationships correspond with human flourishing--can undermine the richness in the diversity of life choices and paths. In this light: to what extent is the "counter-cultural" pro-community faith perspective essential to counterbalancing the rise of individualism, if at all? Perhaps I need to separate this "project" into a few posts as well..
5. American Catholic Identity (Peter Steinfels, Jerome Baggett, Charles E. Curran)
All of these authors have intersting views about what it means to be an American Catholic in the 21st century--sociologically, spiritually, practically, culturally, professionally, etc. Sometimes the institutional nature of the Catholic Church seems inherently at odds with the Protestant nature of our American identity. So many factors affect expressions of Catholicism in America as well: political leanings, socio-economic status, culture, geographic location, personal pereferences, etc. "Catholic" means "universal", but Catholic identities are inevitable nuanced and multi-faceted...what does this mean in terms of Catholic education, faith, and spirituality in America? I hope to explore these thoughts in greater depth.
6. Exploration of Kurt Vonnegut and Religion: Humanism perspective; view of religion as an imgined reality
I have been meaning to get my Vonnegut on. I hope to start with Sirens of Titan, a novel highly recommended by some friends who read it in a religious seminar class at Colgate University (a seminar that I didn't end up taking because I was overwhelmed by my religious questions at the time and I thought it might put me over the edge...).
7. Psychology and Religion: Mental illness, spirituality, cross-culural psychology and psychotherapy (via psychologists vs. religious communities). There's a post on the Colgate India blog about an experience in a Hindu temple: observing a religious healing ceremony for an individual afflicted with mental illness. I'm really interested in cross-cultural perspectives of and treatment for mental illness. The evolution of healing (from religous, community-oriented perspectives to scientific, individualized therapy) is fascinating as well.
8. Tolerance and Pluralism: Religious Diversity— inclusiveness and identity (pair with #3?). L. Kerby: guest post?
9. Mapping Catholicism in Boston: Boston for Catholic Education (BACE), Jesuit Collaborative/Young Adult Network, Catholic Schools Foundation, Campaign for Catholic Schools, Cristo Rey Network, Archdiocese of Boston, Nativity Schools in Boston, Catholic Charities, Earthen Vessels, FJV network, current JV presence, Boston College and other schools, sisters, churches, etc.
(Since moving to Boston, I have rather obsessively connected with various Catholic leaders, organizations, professionals, churches, etc. In an effort to better understand questions related to Catholic identity, I've taken up a hobby of investigating Catholicism in Boston. In my defense, it stemmed from joblessness (but also from personal fascination, and an ongoing identity crisis.))
10. Jesuit post about life coming from death (the bee hive in the skull imagery (this is just a note to myself; I'll explain the post in the project)) Focus: Change, spirituality, consolation/desolation
11. Lethargy and the workplace (blahh!). 9-to-5 on the computer, time budgeting, and health
12. Spirituality (Nouwen, Merton, Mother Theresa, etc.)
Okay, this was a mega post! I hope to tackle these writing projects one at a time, but I might also write lighter, more personal posts inbetween to keep me sane. Also, I have been struggling to find a regular writing routine, and I will be traveling quite a bit these next few weeks, so I anticipate some delays with posts. Lastly, let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions--or if you're interested in a particular project (Mom, maybe I should just ask you directly?).
Oh! And, I think I have to start joining other blogs and posting more consistently (and perhaps under some umbrella theme) to increase readership. Let me know if you have any suggestions on that as well.
Thanks for reading! (Sorry for all the re-publishing of posts; I'm having trouble with spacing!)
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