to be frank

We can't do it alone

The culture of rampant individualism has its many benefits, and some serious problems, in matters of faith and theology as well.
I was thinking about this when talking with a colleague about a mutual friend. There are many people today who follow a journey of faith, pretty much on their own. Things like the internet (and blogs!) offer so many influences, pathways and resources. But how do people know that these are good for them, and not misleading?
On the other hand, many of us find it so hard to find a group or a community where we really feel we belong. A 'community of faith' is a nice idea, but lots of us find it hard to fit in. Our individual journeys do not always come together.
But we can't do it alone. In faith and in theology, we need community.

Fruits of the Spirit: Peace (2)

'Blessed are the peace makers' is one of the 'beatitudes', set at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew's Gospel, chapter 5.
Peace making is a difficult thing to do, and I want to suggest is an activity of the Spirit, through us as well as for us.
It is crucial to recognize that Jesus did not say, 'Blessed are the peace lovers.'
Peace lovers are in fact conflict avoiders, who for that reason cannot make peace.
To be a peace maker, you need to engage with conflict. To do that requires other spiritual graces.

Fruits of the Spirit: Peace (1)

The idea of 'peace' has so many different possible meanings. Popularly, it has two broad meanings: the absence of war, and a more personal and everyday sense of tranquility, or just the absence of hassle. Biblically, 'peace' is the translation of a rich and strong social concept, the idea of 'shalom'. But is this the same as the idea of 'peace' as a fruit of the Spirit? What does it mean that the Spirit produces peace?

I don't think it means peace of mind! The Spirit often leads us to a disturbing sense of hunger:—as Jesus put it, a 'hunger after righteousness'. The Spirit provokes us to a sense of need, or discontent. This is a long way from peace of mind.

Fruits of the Spirit: Joy (2)

Joy has been delayed again!

I have a collection of thoughts, ideas and comments to share on this topic. It has been great to recognize and own some of these things. Others are more things I agree with, in my head, and hope to know more of in the reality of living.

Fruits of the Spirit: Joy (1)

It has really been rewarding, reflecting on the fruits of the Spirit, in a concentrated way. I've found it valuable to consider not just my intellectual understanding of these things, but to appreciate personal growth, insights gained over the years, and the challenges that are very much part of my life.
Over at Fernando's desk http://fernandogros.com/ there has been an interesting discussion, in response to my suggestion that these things are not so individualist. Fernando has used the expression 'garden of the Spirit' and then suggested we think of the church or the faith community as an 'orchard' rather than as each tree producing all the fruits. Great image.
Now, what about joy?

Fruits of the Spirit: Love (2)

Thinking about love is a good spiritual discipline!

There is so much that could be said.
But maybe in another sense really engaging with this theme brings me to hold back. Really I should not say much at all, as I have so little of the reality of love, to back up my words.

But here I am going to offer ten things I think I can say about love. I'm not defining love, and some of what I have to say is about all love, including romantic love. There are different forms of love, but these things I suggest apply in the broad category of human experiences of love.