Spirituality of the everyday

Working as a nurse you get to meet a lot of people as well as see them and also colleagues in stressful situations. Often people are not 'religious' and any particular way, they don't go to a Church or religious denomination, they don't pray regularly. Yet there is a Spirituality which permeates often unspoken, poking its head up occasionally. A couple of examples ::



:: When talking about health. There is an understanding of it being holistic in nature, body, spirit, mind.
:: Talk about clairvoyants is just as valid as Ministers of Religion. It would seem to me that people go more regularly to them then Church. Except for weddings (getting less) and funerals.
:: When someone is sick, its not unusual to hear that they will be 'prayed' for even if it is just an off the cuff remark (Often from a non-church goer)
:: An awareness for the need for space. Our workplace has a policy that you can go for a walk for ten minutes if you need... They encourage this at least once a day.

I'm sure there are a few more and if I think of them I'll put them down.

UPDATE::

Just had another dot point
::Karma: most people I know have an understanding of Karma. You do good it will come back to you; you do bad then bad things will happen to you.   I suspect it is one of the biggest motivators of good in the world. Look at the way charity's advertise, give us money and you will feel good...

Rusty Springs

Next weekend the family are off to "Rusty Spring festivle" in Dalesford.

The festival is about exploring lifestyle, well-being and spirituality. These things are all interconnected and there’s no expectation of anyone.

Some of the work shops I'm eying are::

• An exploration towards the meaning of life
• What's happening when what I believe is not what I used to believe
• What's all this about Ignatian spirituality
• Finding Spiritual tradition that is right for you
• Slow food

And most importantly the *kids* program.

'Solace EMC Inc, the auspicing organization for the festival, is a religious not-for-profit company which has a Christian heritage. Both Christina and myself have been along to Solace in Fairfield a few time so we are looking forward to what is in store. (It will also be nice not having the Vineyard sandwich)

Doubt and Bible college

There was an interesting post on Doubt on Scot McKnight's web site of a person who is experiencing doubt with his faith while going through bible college.

Recently, I suddenly, for no apparent reason, felt "jolted out of my Christian worldview", and I suddenly find it really hard to believe in existence of God anymore. It has been 3 months since I have felt this way now and I have done my best to trace through my intellectual struggles. I don't really know why... 

It sounds a desperate place. The comments are also worth while looking at.

In reflection initial Bible college expectations are never really fully realized.

I can remember the first day when in a group we were asked what were our reasons for signing up. Most, didn't really know. I expect they thought they would end up in some employment with the Church. I think I said I felt called to church plant. One guy who was probably just been honest actually said he was looking for a wife...

Now five years after graduation and knowing a few other graduates. A number have lost their faith. A few have begun 'alternate' life styles. Only one is in 'paid' Ministry. And yes the honest one did get married, but not to another 'graduate'!

I think just as people who have huge emotional issues often study councilling (Yep anecdotal, but it seems that way to me). I also think that those who search deeply for God will often be found in Bible college. You will also find in Bible college those who want there spirituality to fit nicely in a box. Just like an Apple mac is packed.

During Bible college and afterwards.

If you are a searcher, you will always be searching.

If you like your life to fit in a box, it will be unpacked. Rarely put back the same way. (Although the mate in 'ministry', still appears a snug fitting box.)

Main stream Australian spirituality

Interesting during my break at work, I think it was on a friday. The mid-morning show had some sort of mystic on who was reading peoples future and pasts. There were a number of thoughts that went through my mind.

::This stuff is now mainstream, its on the major television chanells.

::Would there be room for a Christian "Prophet" on mainstream TV to do this stuff. (I have seen it very early in the morning, but it is surrounded by "Christian worship", and a Christian hyped up audience.

:: There is an awareness of spirituality with Australians. Else why would the networks put this stuff on.

:: The way the guy spoke over peoples lives was not that much different to Christians giving some sort of prophetic word.