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News by Andrew J. Schleicher NOTE: Photographs are available at http://photos.gbod.org
"This is worship," Thangaraj told told more than 135 people gathered for "A River Deep and Wide: Christian Spiritual Practices for the 21st Century" this week at Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn. The Academy of Spiritual Formation, a ministry of the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, is presenting "A River Deep and Wide" with support from Scarritt-Bennett Center, Weavings Journal and the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns. Thangaraj is emeritus professor of world Christianity at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. There are many Christian spiritual practices that may open us to the spirit of God. "We are talking about the light that enlightens every human being including my Buddhist friend and my Hindu friend," Thangaraj said during one of his evening keynote speeches. That is why he supports Christians engaging in dialogue with persons of other faiths and cultures as a spiritual practice. It may in turn deepen one's engagement with one's own Christian faith.
The river is an important symbol for African Americans. Historically, crossing the river often meant going from slavery to freedom. The journey into and out of slavery has been filled with pain. Nevertheless, Holmes said, "Out of slavery comes something extremely positive." The slaves found a method of contemplation in the crisis. From the moans in the slave ship where Africans of different communities could not understand each other's languages, to the wailing in many predominately African-American congregations today.
The volunteer actors, both black and white, were nearly brought to tears as they gave testimony to the benefits of crisis contemplation to multiple cultures. These stories of growth in spiritual practices moved many, both clergy and lay, to step beyond their own traditions and traditional practices. "We ought to be free to express what's in us," Holmes said. Experiencing the contemplation methods of other cultures provides more opportunity for that to happen. The General Board of Discipleship's mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD (www.gbod.org) is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, call the Media Relations Office toll free at 877-899-2780, ext. 7017.
Andrew J. Schleicher is a writer and editor living in Nashville, Tenn. News Media Contact: Jeanette Pinkston, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 340-7017 or jpinkston@gbod.org
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